Half of young Muslims at university suffer from anxiety or depression.
In this latest episode of the Firmly Rooted podcast, Asim Khan argues that Islam has always addressed mental health - through Quranic stories of prophets experiencing grief, anxiety, and fear - but cultural stigma has caused Muslims to treat these struggles as signs of weak faith rather than human realities God has already spoken to.
He offers a holistic framework: combining spiritual grounding (Quran, reliance, prophetic example) with practical steps like physical exercise, good companionship, and professional support from Muslim clinicians. The conversation is especially aimed at university-age Muslims navigating loneliness, identity pressure, and the compounding effect of Islamophobia.
This video covers:
- Why mental health stigma in Muslim communities often comes from culture, not Islam - and what the Quran actually says about the mind
- How prophets like Yaqub (AS) and Musa (AS) experienced what we'd today call depression and anxiety, and what they did with it
- The holistic approach: why spiritual, physical, and emotional wellbeing are inseparable in Islam
- Practical steps for Muslim students - from choosing the right friend circle and seeking Muslim clinicians, to reciting Quran aloud before your exams
Looking for more Firmly Rooted content? Check out our top episodes:
- Are you ready for Marriage? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87wrgmhXBCo
- How to get married https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51ggEz6MhHw
- Addictions, Temptations & Marriage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggLnzTP9nZY
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/firmly-rooted/id1709700213
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XojwtnPcAX3B2Nm39lOAQ
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RootsAcademyuk
Website: https://rootsacademy.co.uk/
Check out the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLy0lOVCoktk0hGEFDnlQ6311m5GQ3088A
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