In the Black community, there exists a cultural imperative to be strong, stoic and resilient in the face of unimaginable horrors. This has kept us living, loving and thriving for hundreds of years.  The poise and courage of Diamond Reynolds as she witnessed her loved one die in front of her, exemplifies this almost incomprehensible fortitude. The emphasis on patience and perseverance from an Islamic perspective resonates strongly with the cultural image/stereotype of indominable Black strength. Verses from the Holy Qu’ran related to suffering and trials are often used as a form of religious coping and to frame emotional issues:

“Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere."

Holy Qu’ran (2:153)

While this spiritual understanding of suffering may provide solace, many still struggle silently with feelings of grief, anxiety and sadness or depression.  We can no longer deny that this call to be strong and persevered comes at a cost. We are asked to be gracious, forgiving; respectful, polite and calm while being terrorized. Our Black pain, suffering and grief in these moments is not validated or acknowledged. In fact, many turn away from the inconvenient and uncomfortable reality of the pain and degradation Black people continue to endure. This unspoken pain may manifest itself in other ways: in poor eating/over eating and diet, abuse of drugs or alcohol, extreme stress, high blood pressure and heart disease.

Despite the challenges that Black people generally, and Black Muslims specifically face, we are also a resilient and vibrant community with limitless potential. Donna Auston, scholar, activity and PhD Candidate in Anthropology offered this brilliant Ramadan reflection on Sapelo Square (an online resource on Black Islam in the United States): "We, Africa’s displaced children, see ourselves in Musa. The very land that engineered our captivity, received the stolen bodies of our ancestors, and continues to enact violence upon us, leaving scars we can see and many more that we cannot, is also our source of strength. It is our home. We are the parable of the goodly tree, the seed of Word and prayer planted by our foremothers and forefathers, a tree whose roots have been firmly fixed, in bitterness and toil, whose branches reach to the heavens (14:26)." Through the hard work of cultivation in our individual selves, in the various collectives to which we belong, and faith in a hopeful future that we cannot always see, we are transformed.

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Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare. 

- Audre Lorde

It is time that we address the unresolved trauma, pain, fear, and despair that is keenly and uniquely felt by Black Muslims in these moments of crisis and upheaval.  Engaging in a fierce and dedicated practice of self-care is one way in which we can begin to heal. Self-care is defined as a set of actions, practices or rituals that help an individual restore balance in one’s life and improve physical, mental and emotional health. In other words, self-care is: “one’s ability to pay attention to, take responsibility for, and engage in practices that nurture one’s body, mind and spirit in order to manage stress and live happier, more effective lives”.

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Inshallah (God willing) we have the power and potential to not only survive, but thrive through the challenges that confront us.  Black Muslims can experience what is called post-traumatic growth: a positive change experienced as a result of the struggle with a major life crisis or a traumatic event. This crisis can help us as individuals and community members develop a sense that new opportunities have emerged from the struggle, opening up possibilities that were not present before.  It can lead to an increased sense of connection to others, a renewed understanding of our own strength, a greater appreciation for the life that we have been given and a deeper commitment to our deen (way of life). We must be unwavering in our dedication to self-care and emotional well-being. Caring for our holistic health is an act of resistance and commitment to a vision of a healthy and flourishing community.

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This Black Muslim Self-Care Primer will cover the following:

• What is Trauma? What Are the Emotional & Psychological Symptoms of Trauma?

• Self-Care Tips & Strategies

• Create Your Own Self-Care Plan

• Mental Health Resources & Helpful Links

  • For hyperlinks to all resource​s, click HERE