In light of troubling recent events of spiritual abuse by Muslim teachers & religious leaders across the U.S., MCC joins our national discussion to address the scourge in the Muslim community of spiritual abuse and to protect our children from spiritual predators that must be ferreted and hounded from our midst.

Shaykh Rami Nsour and Sidi Shaan Mukhtar, passionate local congregation members helping our community understand this evil type of abuse, lead this conversation.

Spiritual 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 ONLY ends with awareness and action.

- More Sheikh Rami Nsour: [ Ссылка ]
- More Ustadh Shaan Mukhtar: [ Ссылка ]
- More talks about various forms of use in Muslim Community: [ Ссылка ]
- More topics addressing community & social justice issues: [ Ссылка ]
- Code of Conduct for Islamic Leadership: [ Ссылка ]
- My Reflections on Spiritual Abuse: [ Ссылка ]

What is Spiritual Abuse?
This 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.

This Family Night was delivered at the Muslim Community Center - East Bay (MCC East Bay) in Pleasanton, California, on Friday, December 13, 2024.

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: [ Ссылка ]
- The FYI’s Spiritual Abuse Toolkit – Provides guidance and resources for identifying and healing from spiritual abuse: [ Ссылка ]
- Stanford Muslim Mental Health and Islamic Psychology Lab: Psychological Sequelae of Spiritual Abuse – Research and insights into the psychological impact of spiritual abuse: [ Ссылка ]
- In Shaykhs Clothing – is an organization dedicated to helping Muslims understand and recover from spiritual abuse: [ Ссылка ]

More MCC East Bay:
Events & Activities: [ Ссылка ]
Weekly Updates: [ Ссылка ]
Support MCC: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]

свернуть