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DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20241213T190000
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DTSTAMP:20260404T204712
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UID:71621-1734116400-1734123600@mcceastbay.org
SUMMARY:Parent Education Night: Spiritual Abuse in the Muslim Community
DESCRIPTION:Asalamu’alaikum Beloved Community Members\,\n\nIn light of troubling recent events of spiritual abuse across the country\, MCC joins our national discussion on this challenging topic to ferret out spiritual predators in the Muslim community and protect our communities\, particularly our children. \nShaykh Rami Nsour and Sidi Shaan Mukhtar\, passionate local congregation members helping our community understand this type of abuse\, will lead this conversation. \nParents: Please join us for practical and spiritual tools to talk about this type of abuse with your children. \nThe national discourse in the Muslim community prompts this discussion. Alhamdulliah\, no spiritual abuse incident has happened at MCC.  \nThe MCC Board will also update you on additional precautionary security measures we are implementing to ensure our community center remains a safe space for everyone\, especially children. \nThis vital education night is from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday\, Dec.  13. Please mark your calendars. You can join us in person or watch live virtually. \nSpiritual abuse is quite common in our communities and is often missed because of our inability to see it and correct it. It’s also missed because of the shame associated with abuse. It ends with awareness and action. \nWhat is Spiritual Abuse? \nThis is when individuals misuse their authority within religious settings to manipulate\, control\, or harm others. This leaves deep and lasting impacts on the victim by shaking the foundation of their faith. Some victims feel disconnected from the beliefs meant to bring peace and healing. \n\n\n\nQuestions? events@mcceastbay.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAsalamu’alaikum Beloved Community Members\,\n\nIn light of recent events of spiritual abuse in the Muslim community nationally\, MCC is organizing a town hall meeting to discuss additional measures we are taking to ensure our community center remains a safe space for everyone\, especially children.Join us on Friday\, Dec.  13\, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. to discuss the additional steps we are implementing and address questions and concerns. More details to come! \nWe welcome you to make suggestions and volunteer to ensure the safety of children. Together\, we can foster a compassionate\, accountable space for all. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn addition to the town hall\, here are the steps that MCC is taking to ensure that our center provides a safe environment for every member of our community:\n\nAny new hire is required to complete a background and reference check (our Sunday School volunteers also currently get background checked);\nAddressing these topics candidly in Jumu’ah Khutbahs (Friday sermons);\nAs mandatory reporters\, requiring staff and volunteers to take training for misconduct prevention and identification;\nIn collaboration with our mental health partner Maristan\, MCC will hold healing circles;\nNo counseling of the opposite gender will take place in a closed space at MCC or without a Mahram present;\nMeetings between opposite genders must not occur in closed spaces but in public\, open spaces\, such as rooms with open doors and visible windows. No Imam\, Shaykh\, or staff member is exempt from this policy. We require all children under 18 to be supervised at all times;\nIncreased security and video surveillance around the facility;\nMCC vets the background of new speakers\, presenters\, and Khateebs;\nWe will host an educational family night for parents\, Sunday school teachers\, and staff on safety measures and recognizing misconduct.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease do not leave children unattended at the facility. Please pick up your child on time after their class\, halaqa\, or activity is over\, and do not drop them off early. \nIf you see any misconduct\, please don’t hesitate to reach us at\nmcc-listens@mcceastbay.org \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nResources For Healing\, Support & Recovery\n\nMaristan – offers specialized programs and support for individuals affected by spiritual abuse. Maristan has a counseling office at MCC.\nThe Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.\nIn Shaykh’s Clothing – an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse.\nThe FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.\nStanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpiritual Abuse Resources\n\nInsights into the Psychology of Spiritual Abuse: A paper co-authored by Dr. Rania Awaad on the psychology of spiritual misuse.\nPreventing 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.\nInformation on Mandatory Reporting: Certain community members/professionals are legally bound to report child abuse and neglect concerns.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEven though MCC aims to implement policies to safeguard those attending classes and programs at the facility\, we can only do this with your help. \nPlease help us ensure that our children remain safe by reporting any concerns about misconduct\, volunteering\, and talking to your children at home about proper personal boundaries. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom our friends at Maristan:\nAssalamu Alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu\,  \nIn 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. \nWe 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. \nSpiritual abuse can leave lasting psychological impacts\, including: \n\nMoral Confusion: The disorienting confusion arises when witnessing a religious figure partaking in harmful behaviors.\nTrauma Bonds: A powerful emotional bond that victims may develop with their abuser\, complicating their ability to separate from the abuse.\nNonresistance to Prolonged Abuse: A tendency to endure prolonged harm due to the authority figure’s status.\nFailure to Report Abuse: Victims often face feelings of fear\, guilt\, or isolation\, making it difficult to seek help.\n\nIf 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 every individual can feel secure in their faith journey and personal well-being. \nResources for Healing and Support: \n\nThe Hurma Project – Dedicated to safeguarding the sanctity of individuals within religious spaces.\nThe FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse.\nStanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse.\nShaykhs Clothing – is an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse.\n\nIf you have any questions or need additional support\, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Maristan. Let’s work together to foster compassionate\, accountable spaces for all.
URL:https://mcceastbay.org/event/spiritual-abuse-education/
LOCATION:MCC East Bay\, 5724 W Las Positas Blvd #300\, Pleasanton\, CA\, 94588\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://mcceastbay.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Upcoming-Parent-Education-Night-to-Address-Safety-Concerns.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Muslim Community Center - East Bay":MAILTO:events@mcceastbay.org
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