Parent Education Night: Spiritual Abuse in the Muslim Community

• Maristan – offers specialized programs and support for individuals affected by spiritual abuse. Maristan has a counseling office at MCC.
• The Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.
• In Shaykh’s Clothing – an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse.
• The FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.
• Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.

• Insights into the Psychology of Spiritual Abuse: A paper co-authored by Dr. Rania Awaad on the psychology of spiritual misuse.
• Preventing Child Abuse: What Can You Do?: The trauma, secrecy, and shame for victims and tips for parents to help prevent sexual abuse within our community.
• Information on Mandatory Reporting: Certain community members/professionals are legally bound to report child abuse and neglect concerns.

Assalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu, 

In light of recent events, we at Maristan feel it is crucial to address the importance of creating safe, respectful spaces for spiritual and personal growth. Spiritual abuse—when individuals misuse their position of authority within religious settings to manipulate, control, or harm others—has deep and lasting impacts. This form of abuse not only damages individuals but can also shake the foundation of their faith, leading some to feel disconnected from the very beliefs meant to bring peace and healing.

We believe that accountability is essential in addressing these harms. Those who inflict such abuse must be held responsible, not only to support victims but also to protect the integrity of our communities. It’s important to remember that no single person defines our faith. Faith is rooted in compassion, justice, and kindness, and these values should guide how we respond to spiritual abuse and the structures we build to prevent it.

Spiritual abuse can leave lasting psychological impacts, including:

• Moral Confusion: The disorienting confusion that arises when one witnesses a religious figure partaking in harmful behaviors.
• Trauma Bonds: A powerful emotional bond that victims may develop with their abuser, complicating their ability to separate from the abuse.
• Nonresistance to Prolonged Abuse: A tendency to endure prolonged harm due to the authority figure’s status.
• Failure to Report Abuse: Victims often face feelings of fear, guilt, or isolation, making it difficult to seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of spiritual abuse, please know that you are not alone. There are resources, safe spaces, and support systems to help you heal, reclaim your well-being, and find safety. At Maristan, we are committed to fostering environments where trust and compassion form the foundation, and where every individual can feel secure in their faith journey and personal well-being.

Resources for Healing and Support:

• The Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.
• The FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.
• Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.

If you have any questions or need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Maristan. Let’s work together to foster compassionate, accountable spaces for all.