“The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” African Proverb
This African proverb highlights the importance of constantly staying in touch with our community’s youth. Many of them are heavily influenced by influences that contradict Islam’s teachings.
The recent shootings in Philadelphia at the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration demonstrate the depravity that can occur when youth are not embraced by the village and has left the Muslim community and the city as a whole reeling. The impact has also been adversely felt by the African-American Muslim community throughout the country.
So far, what is known about the incident that occurred on April 10th is that two groups of Muslim youth had a conflict with one another. It spilled over into the Eid celebration occurring at the Philadelphia Masjid. https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2024/04/10/us/philadelphia-shooting
Trauma from such a violent and senseless act can be challenging to overcome. Still, it is important to remember that, as Muslims, we have a rich tradition of resilience and faith that can help guide us through challenging times.
First and foremost, seeking support from loved ones and mental health professionals is crucial. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger. (Bukhari) This Hadith reminds us of the importance of managing our emotions and seeking help when we struggle. Instilling emotional intelligence in our youth is an essential way of assuring that they make the best decisions by quelling their emotions instead of reacting to them with violence.
It is also important to turn to our faith for comfort and strength. Remembering the countless blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us can help put our struggles into perspective and give us a sense of gratitude. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, Indeed, in every hardship is ease. (Quran 94:5) This reminds us that even amid trauma and tragedy, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
We operationalize our faith by engaging in acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran, dhikr, and giving charity, which can provide a sense of peace and purpose. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, Charity extinguishes the wrath of the Lord and protects against an evil death. (Al-Tirmidhi) This Hadith highlights the importance of giving back to our community and helping those in need as a means of healing and recovery.
When incidents like the one in Philadelphia occur, the perpetrators need to be taught how their actions impact their community. It is hopeful that part of the consequences they receive will be an effort to repair the damage done to the youth by getting them involved with a restorative justice program.
Another important aspect of recovery is forgiveness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, Whoever forgives, Allah will make his dignity spacious. (Ahmad) This Hadith reminds us that forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and moving forward. This is not to say that we forget what happened or that we condone the actions of the shooters, but forgiveness allows us to let go of the anger and bitterness that can consume us and prevent us from moving forward.
Lastly, it is important to remember that we are not alone in this struggle. The Muslim community is a strong and resilient, and we must come together to support one another in this time of need. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body. When one part of the body feels pain, the whole body responds to it with restlessness and fever. (Bukhari) This Hadith highlights the importance of unity and compassion in our community, and how we must support one another in times of need.
In conclusion, recovering from the trauma caused by the recent shootings at the Philadelphia Eid celebration may be a difficult and lengthy process, but it is not impossible. Seeking support, turning to our faith, engaging in worship, forgiveness, and unity are all crucial steps in the healing process.
Let us come together as a community and support one another during this challenging time, and remember that with faith, resilience, and the support of our loved ones, we can overcome anything.
Healing from trauma can be facilitated with the help of mental health professionals. Many practitioners in the Muslim and general community can be called upon in times of need:
- Psychology Today- Psychologytoday.com
- Muslim Wellness Foundation https://muslimwellness.com/
- Khalil Center- khalilcenter.com
- SAMHSA- samhsa.gov
Indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease. (Quran 94:5-6)
