Written by: Farzana Hirji Karawalli
As someone working in the mental health field, running events and speaking publicly, I knew I wanted my role as a public co-applicant on the IM-adapted study to be more than just academic. I wanted it to mean something beyond research. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
It started with conversations, long ones. It wasn’t a quick process. Many of the Muslim communities we hoped to engage with have their structures and decision-making channels, which meant that the conversations didn’t always show immediate outcomes. But once the doors opened, they really opened.
My first talk was with the Ahlulbayt Sisters Association at King’s College London Ahlulbayt Society (ABSoc) in December. I delivered a talk on religious guilt, how it creeps in, weighs us down, and how we can turn guilt into growth. It was a topic that resonated deeply. The audience was incredible, so many stories, so much openness.
But something caught my eye: no one was picking up the leaflets. After some quiet observation, I realised that people might prefer something more discreet. I pitched the idea of palm-sized business cards with a logo and a QR code. Simple. Subtle. Effective. Something easy to take without drawing attention.
Haidary Islamic Centre: South London
January brought us to the Ladies Empowerment Day at Haidary Islamic Centre in South London. It was a well-organised event with brilliant speakers. Medical professionals spoke about mental well-being, and I delivered a session on bereavement and its ripple effects on families.
What stood out to me were the young people quietly supporting their parents emotionally. These conversations often don’t happen in public, but here, they did. The setup helped, with group tables, a warm atmosphere, and room to connect. We left cards on chairs and leaflets on tables, and people actually took them.
Salam Centre (SICM): North Harrow
Soon after, I was invited to speak at the Salam Centre (SICM), where I gave a talk titled: “An Unspoken Reality: The Epidemic of Mental Health Challenges in Our Communities.” The session was live-streamed on YouTube, making it accessible for a wider audience, people could join from home or watch later.
We explored what mental health challenges can look like, how to support someone who’s struggling, and the role our environments play. There was plenty of time for questions, and over a hot cup of chai, the conversations continued. People spoke about feeling unseen. Parents opened up about their children. Youth shared their experiences of burnout. It became clear! mental health doesn’t exist in isolation. One person’s struggle often impacts the whole family.
Ali Raza Islamic Centre: Chelmsford
The drive to Chelmsford and the Ali Raza Islamic Centre was honestly a breath of fresh air. Sunshine, quiet picturesque county roads, and space to think. It set the tone for a reflective evening on the intersection of mental health and spirituality.
We explored guilt and regret, and how we sometimes trap ourselves in cycles of self-blame. We also talked about the difference between reflection and rumination. I introduced my favourite tool, the Gibbs Reflective Cycle as a way to work through emotions constructively. The room was thoughtful and gentle, and the conversations that followed were deeply personal and honest.
Birmingham ABSoc and Al Abbas Islamic Centre.
A big shoutout to the University of Warwick student who helped rally the ABSocs across the three Birmingham universities. The teams tried to engage with their respective ISocs, but due to election timings, the ISocs weren’t able to participate.
We planned an event. Posters went out. But at the last minute, the university cancelled the room booking. A second attempt didn’t receive sign-ups, but the team didn’t give up. After some investigating, it was found that students were attending a careers event at Al Abbas Islamic Centre. I reached out, and the organisers kindly allowed us to present the IM-adapted study and show the video. The next day, I received an email from the mosque with positive feedback.
Hujjat KSIMC of London :Stanmore
During the holy month of Ramadhan, Hujjat KSIMC of London kindly introduced the study and presented our video to attendees. Their support helped extend our reach to even more people during such a meaningful time of year for Muslims.
I want to thank all the mosques, Islamic centres, and ABSocs who opened their doors and gave us their time. Meeting so many brilliant, thoughtful, and curious people in the lead-up to Ramadhan was truly a gift. These weren’t just events, they were safe spaces for connection, healing, and hope. Insha’Allah, the conversations will continue and looking forward to every new opportunity to share the IM-adapted study.
There’s a real appetite for these conversations. They weren’t always easy, but they were necessary. And sometimes, just sitting with someone over a cup of tea and talking about what’s hard, that’s where real change begins.
