Snippets from the 1st workshop in person

Bismillah

Lantern of Light in collaboration with the Ladies Committee at KSIMC Birmingham and Adult Islamic Education (AIE)

“Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes and make us an example for the righteous.” (74) Those will be rewarded with the highest place for what they patiently endured, and they will be met therein with greetings and peace. ” Sura Furqan verse 75 in the glorious Qur’an

With deep gratitude to Allah, the Al-Abbas Islamic Centre opened it’s doors to welcome guests with warmth and reverence. Every greeting exchanged was not just a formality but a soulful connection, embodying the spirit of our faith and the unity of our ummah. Guided by the teachings of Islam that celebrate generosity and hospitality, our community joyfully shared mosque-brewed chai and freshly prepared mandazi, infusing every moment with the barakah of togetherness. This gathering wasn’t merely an event; it was a reflection of our love for Allah and our dedication to serving each other in His name.

The morning started with some beautiful verses of the holy Quran by Muhammed Master. We introduced our esteemed speakers and felt we were extremely blessed to be led by two experienced psychotherapists, designed to offer guidance and understanding in dealing with complex family dynamics, particularly when confronted with narcissistic traits or other negative behaviors that can strain relationships. This topic is especially significant because it affects our families’ fabric, mental and emotional well-being, and, ultimately, spiritual journey.

In Islam, family is a cornerstone of community and personal growth. Imam Ali (AS) said, “The best people benefit others.” This reminds us that while family bonds are a source of strength and love, they can also challenge us and, at times, may require us to protect our well-being with wisdom and compassion.

Our pristine Ahlulbayt teachings from the holy traditions encourage resilience and mercy in relationships, but it does not demand that we accept harmful behaviors at the cost of our spiritual and personal health.

It is extremely important to recognize that as humans, we are vulnerable, and we all carry our past baggage and as communities, we have not been able to let go and heal. Breaking all the cultural barriers and stigma around mental health, and being able to unpack this crucial topic is truly a positive way forward. To be able to listen, share our experiences and challenges in our relationships in a safe space has been groundbreaking. In discussing narcissistic behaviors and related traits, we do not seek to label or judge but rather to understand the dynamics that can lead to imbalance in family life. Recognizing these traits can help us find healthier ways to interact, set appropriate boundaries, and ultimately seek harmony. Islam teaches us the value of introspection, empathy, and compassion, and these values can guide us even when relationships are difficult.

This interactive and thoroughly engaging workshop, held in a safe space, was an icebreaker, allowing for many more real conversations within our Muslim community. Participants felt that they were heard with empathy without any judgments.

Together, we hope to explore ways to promote healing, safeguard our well-being, and strengthen our connections in a manner that honours our faith and respects our individual needs.

All in all, The 3 hours stimulating session ended with Dhuhr Salaat and a takeaway lunch.

Our heartfelt prayers

Let us open our hearts to this journey and trust that with true ma’rifah and seeking the light of God’s knowledge and the strength of our faith, we can navigate these challenges with grace and resilience. The holy prophet saww was a spiritual healer and he was an empath. He felt the pain of people and what they were challenged with!

As it is said, teamwork is dream work, this event would not have been possible without the support of our amazing volunteers and donors who have put their trust in us to actualize our humble vision.

Alhamdulillah we had an intimate group of 25 beautiful souls who registered for this workshop and we were extremely delighted for their rich and experienced contributions who joined us in the session. This was the beginning of many more real conversations, most importantly having practical tools to navigate these challenges that we all have and more insightful workshops in the coming future in 2025 inshaAllah.

Profile of our 2 esteemed Facilitators

Dr Annie Shamsi

Dr Annie Shamsi is a Psychologist and Psychotherapist. She is a Chartered Health Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist. She has also specialized in Counselling Psychology and is an accredited CBT Therapist and DBT Therapist. She has lectured as an undergraduate and postgraduate lecturer in psychology and psychotherapy and mental health well-being. She is a university and NHS Research Fellow.

Dr Zabair Hussain

Dr Zabair Hussain is a Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. He has worked in both the NHS and private sectors. He completed a BSc in Psychology from Manchester, then completed an MSc in Qualitative Psychology and Health at the University of Leeds. His clinical training was in Liverpool and the University of Sheffield. He has also trained in ACT and CBT for long-term health conditions.


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