Suicide Prevention
By Monique Hassan
The International Association for Suicide Prevention states that over 800,000 people a day die due to suicide with 25 times more people making attempts.
For those of us touched by suicide in some form or another, we know that this voice is an important one. The people suffering in silence need to know their voice is important, support does exist for them and they deserve to have a better quality of life where they genuinely smile at the beginning of a new day.
Warning Signs
Some people have this misconception that people talking about suicide will not really go through with it and they are just seeking attention. Most people who commit suicide try to reach out for help; they give some type of clue to those around them. Although cutting and statements like “no one would miss me if I was gone” may seem like attention seeking behaviors, they are outward expressions of the person’s pain and can be warnings of their true intentions. They need to be taken seriously.
A person considering suicide often wants to find another way out, but they are so wrought with hopelessness they see no other route left. They may talk about death, what it is like to die or outright talk about suicide with people. You may notice behavioral changes in someone such as the use of drugs, neglecting their grooming habits, a drastic change in sleeping routines and a loss of interest in day-to-day activities they used to enjoy. Perhaps someone has a family history of mental illness or they were previously diagnosed and you suspect they stopped taking their medication.
Step in!
If you suspect someone is contemplating suicide, this is not the time to be shy.
- Talk to that person in an empathetic and kind way. Ask them what they are feeling and how you can help, be sure to actively listen to understand them. Do not argue with the person or tell them they are being stupid, they are already depressed they don’t need to be insulted.
- Contact professional help and ensure them they will not go through this alone. Work alongside their treatment professionals to provide information about their day-to-day life
- Be a voice of positivity in their life; encourage them to engage in activities they used to enjoy such as hiking or painting.
- Once you think they are past the moment of crisis, talk to them about what they will do in the future if they feel those emotions again. Help them to understand their crisis plan and put numbers of emergency services on their refrigerator.
Your Voice is Important
The voices of those who have been impacted by suicide need to be heard. If you survived a suicide attempt, consider speaking to those who are currently struggling with mental health. You can be a source of inspiration and hope; you have a greater level of understanding than anyone else.
If you are a family member or friend who has been impacted by suicide, know that you are not alone and support services do exist for you. You can lend advice and support to others. You may be able to prevent a tragedy by encouraging others to step in when they suspect someone is contemplating suicide. If you are the family member of a Veteran, please contact your local VA office about the caregiver program. They provide free training, resources and stipends for caregivers of Veterans.
Suicide impacts not only the person attempting it, but all those around them. It is important to come together as a community to show support for those in need. If you see a candle lit Sunday the 10thin the windowsill of a home, know that they support you and your voice.
References
International Association for Suicide Prevention. https://iasp.info/wspd2017/
Wine of Islam & Sufism
In this episode Karim shares some fun nerdy facts about the history of coffee and how Muslims shared this gift to the world and it's connection to Islamic spiritual paths (or Sufism)He ends the show by sharing some insights regarding the importance of Sufism as the heart of Islam, love of God in the Quran and how Sufism came to be an Islamic science.
Preparing for Eid Al Adha
Eid is a time to celebrate, take the time to plan out all three days. Create memories that can easily be replicated every Eid.
By Qudsia Osmani
On the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, Muslims will set out to various mosques around the world to gather in unity and offer Salat al Eid. The pilgrims at Makkah will be marking the end of their Hajj obligations, and Muslims around the world will be getting ready and preparing for the exciting holiday. So, how can we make this Eid one that embodies the tradition of our beloved Prophets?
Although there aren't obligatory actions we as Muslims need to carry out, there are traditions we can cultivate and pass on to our children. Traditions that can bring our families together, and impress lasting memories for our children.
Ways to Carry out Tradition
1. Build bonds with your family by engaging in activities, story-telling, and praising Allah.
Eid is a time to celebrate, take the time to plan out all three days. Create memories that can easily be replicated every Eid.
Engage by attending events that cater to the whole family. (e.g., bbq, amusement parks, picnics, local events)
- Gather your family together and revisit the story of Abraham (peace be upon him) and it's significance to Hajj. Recite the verses of Qur'an, and discuss how much trust Abraham (peace be upon him) had in Allah.
Qur'an Jewel
"And We made the House (Kabah) a resort for people, saying, 'Take the spot where Abraham stood as your place of prayer.' We commanded Abraham and Ishmael: 'Purify My House for those who walk round it, those who stay there, and those who bow and prostrate themselves in worship.'' (2:125)
- Praise Allah the way the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) did on the way to Eid Prayers. Chanting the Takbeerat builds excitement and allows the whole family to praise Allah together, while reviving a sunnah.
2. Resolve feuds between your spouse and family.
Having conflict with family whether it be a fight with your siblings, an argument with your spouse, or a disagreement with in-laws can have an impact spiritually during the times we should be celebrating. During Eid we especially feel the void of their presence.
- Take the first step towards repairing your relationships.
- Be mindful that making the first move doesn't mean you have accepted defeat.
- Understand that initiating an open conversation will be the start to the healing process and not a quick fix. Get advice about what steps you can take.
Qur'an Jewel
"People, be mindful of your Lord, who created you from a single soul, and from it created its mate, and from the pair of them spread countless men and women far and wide; be mindful of God, in whose name you make requests of one another. Beware of severing the ties of kinship: God is always watching over you." (4:1)
3. Donate to those in need
The two Eids are celebrated relatively the same, but the significance of Eid-al-Adha lies within the sacrifice of Abraham (peace be upon him). When Abraham (peace be upon him) made the undoubted decision to sacrifice his beloved son, Allah then celebrated his sacrifice. Throughout our Hajj journey we are constantly reminded of the ultimate trust he had towards The Almighty. From the 10th till the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah the pilgrims partake in activities which directly correlate with the actions of Abraham (peace be upon him) and his righteous family members. One particular ritual is to sacrifice an animal and donate the meat to those in need.
If you have the opportunity, learn how you can carry out a sacrifice in accordance to the guidelines of Allah . This will connect you spiritually to the blessings Allah provides for us. It brings upon an attitude of gratitude.
- Distribute the meat to those in need.
- Another option is to donate money for a zabiha
- Give gifts as a donation without mentioning that it's charity. As a gift you can also donate services that bring people closer to Allah. Learn more
May this Eid-al-Adha bring us closer to our families, to Allah, and grant us the status of the pilgrims. Praying for a very blessed Eid for you and your families. EID MUBRAK!