Confronting Mental Health Issues: Breaking the Silence on Taboo Subjects

Kanz ul Huda’s Transformative Approach to Mental Health

In today’s world, where mental health discussions are crucial, Kanz ul Huda’s “Depression to Duha” workshops stand out as a beacon of hope and healing. These women-only sessions create a nurturing space where faith meets modern mental health practices. Guided by the dedicated sisters of Kanz ul Huda and Medical Saqibiya professionals, attendees explore the complex relationship between mental well-being and spirituality.

A Confluence of Spiritual Enlightenment and Professional Expertise

This latest workshop, a highly anticipated sequel to the first, was led by the dedicated sisters of Kanz ul Huda. It explored the intricate relationship between transient joys and enduring contentment, drawing upon the profound wisdom of the Qur’an, prophetic traditions, contemporary psychology, and modern medical insights.

The event was more than just a gathering of knowledge; it was a confluence of spiritual enlightenment and professional expertise. Medical Saqibiya professionals and learned sisters of Kanz ul Huda provided attendees with a holistic understanding of the challenges and methods of overcoming depression and anxiety, particularly in their private and communal lives.

Diversity and Shared Experiences

What made this workshop particularly special was the diversity of the attendees, who came from various backgrounds, ethnicities, and walks of life. The gathering brought together sisters who were professionals, students, and homemakers, all united by a shared desire to better understand and manage mental health through the lens of Islam. This rich diversity added depth to the discussions, allowing for a wide range of perspectives and experiences to be shared.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

The workshop began with a poignant reminder of the significance of Islam in our lives, emphasising that such gatherings, often referred to as circles of light, possess a unique ability to rejuvenate the soul, mend the broken-hearted, and offer a sanctuary to those navigating the shadows of mental health challenges.

The Kanz sisters made everyone feel welcome by creating a comfortable space, supplemented with refreshments and a special children’s program (crèche), for communal worship and individual progression, thus serving as both a spiritual and emotional balm, fostering resilience and a deep sense of belonging.

Insights from Surah Duha

At the heart of the workshop was the discussion of Surah Duha, based on the exegetical and well-researched works of Shaykh Saqib Iqbal Hh. The discussion highlighted how this Surah, which begins with an oath by the brightness of the forenoon and the stillness of the night, symbolises the essential balance between light and darkness, ease and hardship in life.

The speakers eloquently conveyed hope to all in attendance, illustrating that just as the night allows us to appreciate the day, moments of sadness and hardship are crucial in helping us recognise and cherish happiness. This Qur’anic wisdom underscores the idea that life’s trials are not only inevitable but necessary for cultivating a deeper, more resilient joy.

Practical Strategies for Lasting Happiness

Drawing on the teachings of Shaykh Saqib Iqbal Hh, the workshop offered practical guidance for navigating mental health challenges and moving towards lasting happiness. Key practical strategies included reflecting on past blessings as reminders of Allah’s unwavering support, practising gratitude to enhance contentment, spreading happiness through acts of kindness, and engaging in positive actions to counter negative emotions. The recitation and reflection on Qur’anic verses, particularly Surah Duha, were emphasised as powerful sources of spiritual solace and strength, offering a divine perspective on life’s trials and tribulations.

Integrating Modern Research with Qur’anic Wisdom

The workshop also incorporated insights from contemporary research on happiness, highlighting the importance of social support and generosity in fostering well-being. These findings resonated deeply with the teachings of Surah Duha, which emphasise the significance of caring for others, particularly the vulnerable, as a pathway to true happiness. A key takeaway was Shaykh Saqib Iqbal’s profound insight that happiness is not merely a fleeting emotion but a state that can be cultivated through deliberate practice.

The Shaykh’s concept that “happiness comes as twins”—suggesting that by giving happiness to others, we simultaneously nurture it within ourselves—was an idea enthusiastically embraced by the participants. This reinforced the understanding that acts of kindness, when performed with sincerity, release endorphins and reduce stress, leading to a profound sense of fulfilment and contentment.

Empowering Personal Growth

Throughout the workshop, powerful narratives were shared that made the teachings both relatable and inspirational for the general public and learned individuals alike. One such narrative highlighted that while external acts can ignite happiness, the decision to be happy ultimately resides within each individual. By retaining control over our own happiness, rather than outsourcing it to others or external circumstances, we can cultivate a stable and enduring sense of joy.

Kanz Kids Workshop: A Holistic Approach

Complementing the primary seminar, the Kanz Kids special workshop played a crucial role in the broader initiative, creating a holistic educational environment for families. This arrangement enabled mothers to focus on their personal growth and development, secure in the knowledge that their children were engaged in meaningful, safe, and enjoyable activities. Led by Kanz ul Huda’s professionally trained teaching staff, the children’s workshop was designed to be both educational and entertaining, enhancing the overall experience for both mothers and their children. The event’s structure and timely execution were praised, offering a seamless and enriching experience that underscored the workshop’s effectiveness and appeal.

Read More: Art of Motherhood & Tarbiyah for Raising Righteous Generations — Sisters Only Seminar in UK

Conclusion: A Testament to Faith and Community

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, Kanz ul Huda’s workshops stand as a vital reminder of the power of faith, community, and positive action in overcoming personal and social challenges. Both “Depression to Duha” workshops beautifully taught how to transform transient pleasures into lasting happiness by aligning our lives with the teachings of Islam, fostering gratitude, and spreading happiness to those around us. Kanz ul Huda has taught the world through these workshops that we can not only heal ourselves but also contribute to the cultivation of a more compassionate and joyful society.

In conclusion, the Kanz ul Huda sisters’ workshops, alongside the Kanz Kids special, are a testament to the power of informed, compassionate community initiatives in addressing complex issues at the intersection of faith and wellbeing. This event not only empowered attendees with knowledge but also fostered a profound sense of solidarity and support among Muslim women. We sincerely pray to Allah Almighty to accept the efforts of all our sisters and to grant our organisation continued success in serving the Ummah.