IMPORTANT TOOLKITS RELATED TO MUSLIM WELLNESS

The toolkits listed cover multiple topics, including spiritual abuse, countering racism within the Muslim community and resources for educators who work with Muslim students. These toolkits are valuable resources that can be accessed by everyone. A few toolkits are listed under multiple categories. 

Please note: The toolkits listed below are a compilation of resources from both a secular (but for working with Muslims) and an Islamic perspective. Therapy for Muslims, LLC. recognizes that not every therapist will utilize every toolkit listed (for example, toolkits under “Gender and Sexual Orientation” and under “Sex Education”) due to their differing beliefs and approach. While Therapy for Muslims, LLC. recognizes the differing opinions among Muslim therapists, we aim to give a voice to all groups, including marginalized ones. We believe in advocating for all community members of all marginalized groups. Ultimately, the use of these resources is based on the discretion and philosophy of each clinician.

While these toolkits are helpful, they are not a substitute for professional medical and mental health advice. Please consult with your provider as needed. Please read the “Medical Disclaimer” on the Therapy for Muslims site.

If you are aware of any other toolkit you believe we need to include, please email us at contactus@therapyformuslims.com.

CONTENTS

• • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
  • FOR EDUCATORS  
  • FAMILY
  • GENDER AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION
  • GENERAL MENTAL HEALTH
  • FOR IMAMS, CHAPLAINS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
  • LOSS, TRAUMA, AND DISASTER
  • MARRIAGE
  • MUSLIM MASCULINITY 
  • MUSLIM YOUTH
  • RACISM, DISCRIMINATION, AND ISLAMOPHOBIA
  • RAMADAN
  • SEX EDUCATION
  • SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE
  • SPIRITUAL ABUSE
  • SUICIDE PREVENTION

Domestic Violence

• Domestic Violence Talking Points for Khutbahs for Imams
  The article details what domestic violence is, the role Islam can play in prevention, the need from an Islamic perspective to address domestic violence, and finally a list of resources the imam can mention in the khutbah and share with his community.
  
  
• Domestic Violence Toolkit brochure (by Peaceful Families Project)
  This brochure includes signs of abuse, what community leaders and family members can do for victims of abuse, and a list of resources including legal resources for women who are subjected to domestic violence.
  

For Educators

• Bullying Prevention Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit offers a variety of resources o address bullying and anti-Muslim sentiment. The resources listed cover multiple topics, including coping strategies, legal advice, and advice by age and child development stage. Parents, school administrators, and youth themselves will find this toolkit helpful.
  
  
• Bullying Prevention Guide (by Islamic Networks Group)
  This guide reviews definitions of bullying, signs of bullying, what parents can do if their child is being bullied, what children can do if they witness bullying and other critical helpful tips on preventing bullying. This guide also includes sections on preventing bullying in mosques and schools (including in Muslim Sunday school settings and Muslim private schools). Parents, Imams, educators, and community leaders will find this guide beneficial.
  
  
• Educators’ toolkit (by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)
  This toolkit includes evidence-based resources to help educators with creating an inclusive and safe learning environment for all students and especially Muslim students who are facing a rise in bullying in school settings.
  
  
• Expelling Islamophobia Toolkit
  This toolkit outlines a six-session lesson plan to help address Islamophobia, expand awareness in the classroom and help foster an inclusive, safe environment for Muslim students.
  
  
• Talking to Your Children About Islamophobia and Hate-Based Violence (National Child Stress Traumatic Network)
  This toolkit developed by Muslim mental health practitioners contains useful tips on activities an adult can do with children including age-specific guidelines to talk about this difficult topic. 

   

Family

• Digital Parenting Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit reviews tips and guidelines to help parents understand how to work with their children’s digital use. The resource also includes resources for teens and parents, as well as a brief list of related readings on digital parenting.
  
  
• Elder Care Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit includes resources to help family members identify changes their parents and loved ones experience with age, how to address with family members sharing the responsibility of caretaking, as well as strategies to avoid burnout when the primary caregiver.
  
  
•  Infant Mental Health Toolkit  (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit addresses Infant Mental Health, an integral component of raising a healthy child, and provides readings and practical tips for parents to better understand their child and foster a positive parent-child relationship.
  
  
• Let’s Talk about Sex: A Muslim Parent’s Guide to Having “the Talk” with Their Kids (by HEART)
  This toolkit offers activities for parents to reflect on their own knowledge and biases around sex education. This toolkit covers four main steps to help parents have this difficult conversation about sex with their children. There is also a list of other resources, an infographic on sex education in the Muslim community and other information that parents will find helpful.
  
  
• Talking to Your Children About Islamophobia and Hate-Based Violence (National Child Stress Traumatic Network)
  This toolkit developed by Muslim mental health practitioners contains useful tips on activities an adult can do with children including age-specific guidelines to talk about this difficult topic. 
  
  
• Talking to Kids about Sexual Violence: A Guide for Parents on Having Age-Appropriate Conversations (by HEART)
  This toolkit covers how to discuss child sex abuse with children. Tips are provided on how to best have age-appropriate conversations for each major group. Child sex abuse information is also provided.
  
  
• Tragic Event Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit provides tips for parents on how to discuss tragic events with their children, how to handle their own complex feelings around the subject and spiritual tips to help cope with their feelings.
  
  

Gender and Sexual Orientation

• I’m Muslim and I Might Not be Straight: A Resource for LGBTQ+ Muslim Youth
  This resource includes information on issues such as sexuality, religion, sexual health, and consent. This toolkit is a resource for young Muslims in need of support around their identities related to sexual orientation or gender as seen within the context of their religious identity. 
  
  
• I’m Muslim and My Gender Doesn’t Fit Me: A Resource for Trans Muslim Youth
  This toolkit explores what being Muslim and transgender means. This toolkit also provides a list of resources, including organizations and helplines, for LGBTQI Muslims.

   

General Mental Health

• Healing Program (by Malikah)
  This toolkit is designed to help women learn the skills and tools to heal in a patriarchal world. This toolkit is to be used with a small group of women who meet in person.
  
  
• Mental Health Toolkit: (by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU)
  This toolkit includes resources for individuals and mental health professionals to effectively address the unique mental health challenges that Muslims face. These challenges are not exclusive to adults. This toolkit also includes specific resources for addressing the needs of American Muslim children who face the added challenge of bullying from peers and adults, alike.
  
  
• Supporting a Friend with Mental Illness
  A very Small Guide (by Inspirited Minds): This guide includes tips on how to best support your friend, what to do in an emergency, what not to say when a friend discloses struggling with mental illness and other helpful tips.
  
  

For Imams, Chaplains, and Community Leaders

• Anti-Racism Guide for White Muslims (by MuslimARC)
  This comprehensive toolkit explores white privilege, what steps white Muslims can take to be actively racist and a list of educational resources. Implementation of this toolkit will be especially helpful and beneficial for community leaders, youth leaders, Imams and chaplains to help build a more inclusive community.
  
  
• Coping With Community Trauma Toolkit (by the Muslim Wellness Foundation)
  This toolkit comprises of resources to help Muslim communities when facing community trauma. This toolkit has resources and tips to help facilitate and guide conversations on wellness, faith, and collective healing.
  
  
• Domestic Violence Talking Points for Khutbahs for Imams
  The following article details what domestic violence is, the role Islam can play in prevention, the need from an Islamic perspective to address domestic violence, and finally a list of resources the imam can mention in the khutbah and share with his community.
  
  
• Engaging Muslim Communities in Ending Sexual Exploitation
  A resource and guide (by multiple organizations) This comprehensive toolkit and guide includes information on types of sexual exploitation, Islamic references on the role Muslims have to end sexual exploitation and fight this injustice,  lists of books and movies on the subject, and a list of actions anyone can take to help fight sexual exploitation.
  
  
• Islamic Marriage Contracts
  A Resource Guide for Legal Professionals, Advocates, Imams and Communities (by the Peaceful Families Project): This comprehensive guide includes information from Islamic law on marriage contracts, the implications of marriage contracts in Islam, tips on how to draft a sample marriage contract, and sections of recommendations for legal professionals, Imams,  advocates, and community members.
  
  Imam’s toolkit (by Institute of Social Policy and Understanding)
  This toolkit provides imams with vital research to help them in their important work. Everything in this toolkit is evidence-based and draws on the expertise of some of the top scholars of American Muslim societies in the country.
  
  
• Let’s Talk about Sex (Education)
  A Guide to Effective Programming for Muslim Youth: This comprehensive toolkit discusses the need for sex education programming, information on designing, implementing and then evaluating a sex-ed program for Muslim youth, and other helpful information that youth leaders, community leaders, and Imams will find helpful.
  
  
• Marriage Prep Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit is based within an Islamic framework and covers topics around navigating courtship, determining compatibility and getting married. The toolkit includes videos, articles and helpful tips on multiple topics. 
  
  
• Mental Health Khutbah for Imams (by Inspirited Minds)
  This brief guide provides tips for Imams on how to discuss mental health in a khutbah for their community.
  
  
• Muslim Khutbah Guide to Save the Lives of Mothers and Newborns (A Toolkit for Religious Leaders by US AID and access)
  This toolkit provides talking points for Imams and Muslim religious leaders on the importance of maternal health, having a birth preparedness plan all within an Islamic frame of reference. 
  
  
• Ramadan Anti-Racism Guide: 10 Ways to Unify for the Individual and the Organization (by MuslimARC)
  This toolkit provides a list of tips, recommendations, and suggestions for an individual to talk to combat racism both on an individual level and help their organization and community lead the way. There are also tips for organizations to help address racism within their community by addressing racist behaviors their organization may be perpetuating. This guide is an excellent resource for Muslim community leaders, Imams, chaplains and Muslim youth leaders to help build a more inclusive community.
  
  
• Sex Education for Muslim Youth: Starting the Conversation (by HEART)
  This toolkit is designed for community leaders, youth leaders, Islamic school teachers (including Sunday schools), and other individuals who work with Muslim youth. The focus is to help facilitate conversations on sex education and reproductive health within an Islamic framework. The guide includes tips for facilitators on how to have the conversations.
  
  
• Suicide Prevention Community Guide (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This comprehensive guide focuses on raising awareness in Muslim communities around suicide, helping community leaders integrate prevention efforts in their work with their community, and providing additional resources.
  
  
• Talking to Your Children About Islamophobia and Hate-Based Violence (National Child Stress Traumatic Network)
  This toolkit developed by Muslim mental health practitioners contains useful tips on activities an adult can do with children including age-specific guidelines to talk about this difficult topic.
  
  
• Talking Points: Responding to Allegations of Sexual Violence in the Muslim Community (by HEART)
  This brief handout outlines what community leaders can do when a community member reports sexual violence in the Muslim community.
  
  

Loss, Trauma, and Disaster

• Coping With Community Trauma Toolkit (by the Muslim Wellness Foundation)
  This toolkit comprises of resources to help Muslim communities when facing community trauma. This toolkit has resources and tips to help facilitate and guide conversations on wellness, faith, and collective healing.
  
  
• Grief Support Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit offers a range of resources to help readers understand the process of grief. Those who may be experiencing grief or looking to help others who are grieving may find this toolkit helpful.
  
  
• Talking to Your Children About Islamophobia and Hate-Based Violence (National Child Stress Traumatic Network)
  This toolkit developed by Muslim mental health practitioners contains useful tips on activities an adult can do with children including age-specific guidelines to talk about this difficult topic.
  
  
• Tragic Event Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit provides tips for parents on how to discuss tragic events with their children, how to handle their own complex feelings around the subject and spiritual tips to help cope with their feelings.
  
  

Marriage

• Islamic Marriage Contracts: A Resource Guide for Legal Professionals, Advocates, Imams and Communities (by the Peaceful Families Project)
  This comprehensive guide includes information from Islamic law on marriage contracts, the implications of marriage contracts in Islam, tips on how to draft a sample marriage contract, and sections of recommendations for legal professionals, Imams,  advocates, and community members.
  
  
• Marriage Prep Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit is based within an Islamic framework and covers topics around navigating courtship, determining compatibility and getting married. The toolkit includes videos, articles and helpful tips on multiple topics. 
  
  
• Marriage Contract Toolkit (by Canadian Council of Muslim Women)
  This toolkit was developed to help Muslim couples understand the background of Islamic marriage contracts and how to develop a marriage contract. A sample marriage contract and a list of Islamic definitions around marriage, the contract, and divorce are provided.
  
  

Muslim Masculinity

• Engaging Men and Boys to End Violence in the Family (by the Canadian Council of  Muslim Women)
  This comprehensive and thorough toolkit covers a range of topics including unlearning patriarchy, questioning gender norms, and effective strategies. The guide also includes tips for facilitators and suggested ice breakers.
  
  
• Muslim Masculinity Project Curriculum
  This project is a program of the grassroots organization, Malikah. The goal of this curriculum is to help foster healthy, positive Muslim masculinity through discussion of masculinity within an Islamic lens and how to be an ally. 

Muslim Youth

• Bullying Prevention Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit offers a variety of resources o address bullying and anti-Muslim sentiment. The resources listed cover multiple topics including coping strategies, legal advice, and advice by age and child development stage. Parents, school administrators and youth themselves will find this toolkit helpful.
  
  
• Bullying Prevention Guide (by Islamic Networks Group)
  This guide reviews definitions of bullying, signs of bullying, what parents can do if their child is being bullied, what children can do if they witness bullying and other important helpful tips on preventing bullying. This guide also includes sections on preventing bullying in mosques and schools (including in Muslim Sunday school settings and Muslim private schools). Parents, Imams, educators, and community leaders will find this guide beneficial.
  
  
• Engaging Men and Boys to End Violence in the Family (by the Canadian Council of  Muslim Women)
  This comprehensive and thorough toolkit covers a range of topics including unlearning patriarchy, questioning gender norms, and effective strategies. The guide also includes tips for facilitators and suggested ice breakers.
  
  
• I’m Muslim and I Might Not be Straight: A Resource for LGBTQ+ Muslim Youth
  This resource includes information on issues such as sexuality, religion, sexual health, and consent. This toolkit is a resource for young Muslims in need of support around their identities related to sexual orientation or gender as seen within the context of their religious identity.
  
  
• I’m Muslim and My Gender Doesn’t Fit Me: A Resource for Trans Muslim Youth
  This toolkit explores what being Muslim and transgender means. This toolkit also provides a list of resources, including organizations and helplines, for LGBTQI Muslims.
  
  
• Sex Education for Muslim Youth: Starting the Conversation (by HEART)
  This toolkit is designed for community leaders, youth leaders, Islamic school teachers (including Sunday schools), and other individuals who work with Muslim youth. The focus is to help facilitate conversations on sex education and reproductive health within an Islamic framework. The guide includes tips for facilitators on how to have the conversations.
  
  

Racism, Discrimination, and Islamophobia 

• Anti-Racism Guide for White Muslims (by MuslimARC)
  This comprehensive toolkit explores white privilege, what steps white Muslims can take to be actively racist and a list of educational resources. Implementation of this toolkit will be especially helpful and beneficial for community leaders, youth leaders, Imams and chaplains to help build a more inclusive community.
  
  
• Ramadan Anti-Racism Guide: 10 Ways to Unify for the Individual and the Organization (by MuslimARC)
  This toolkit provides a list of tips, recommendations, and suggestions for an individual to talk to combat racism both on an individual level and help their organization and community lead the way. There are also tips for organizations to help address racism within their community by addressing racist behaviors their organization may be perpetuating. This guide is an excellent resource for Muslim community leaders, Imams, chaplains and Muslim youth leaders to help build a more inclusive community.
  
  
• Rivers of Hope: A Toolkit on Islamophobic Violence by and for Muslim Women (by Rivers of Hope)
  This toolkit includes resources for women subjected to Islamophobic violence, lists of reporting options, tips on how to support a woman subjected to Islamophobic violence and other helpful tips and resources.
  
  
• Talking to Your Children About Islamophobia and Hate-Based Violence (National Child Stress Traumatic Network)
  This toolkit developed by Muslim mental health practitioners contains useful tips on activities an adult can do with children including age-specific guidelines to talk about this difficult topic.
  
  
• Welcome America Toolkit: Messaging to Support Muslim Americans and Refugees 
  This toolkit includes worksheets, tips, and recommendations for sample conversations to help service providers, supporters and advocates address the backlash towards refugees and Muslim Americans by shifting the conversation and messaging in their local communities.
  
  

Ramadan

• A Guide to a Healthy Ramadan (by MomsRising.org with Kameelah Rashad)
  This toolkit includes tips on how to address healthy Ramadan topics with your local community, how to encourage healthy habits during Ramadan with your own family, and a list of inspiring Muslim mothers who are making a difference.
  
  
• Ramadan Anti-Racism Guide: 10 Ways to Unify for the Individual and the Organization (by MuslimARC)
  This toolkit provides a list of tips, recommendations, and suggestions for an individual to talk to combat racism both on an individual level and help their organization and community lead the way. There are also tips for organizations to help address racism within their community by addressing racist behaviors their organization may be perpetuating. This guide is an excellent resource for Muslim community leaders, Imams, chaplains and Muslim youth leaders to help build a more inclusive community.
  
  
• Ramadan Readiness Toolkit (by Family Youth Institute)
  This toolkit covers a range of topics including how to address mental illness during Ramadan, fitness, and nutrition this holy month, and how to develop family traditions.
  
  

Sex Education

• Let’s Talk about Sex: A Muslim Parent’s Guide to Having “the Talk” with Their Kids (by HEART)
  This toolkit offers activities for parents to reflect on their own knowledge and biases around sex education. This toolkit covers four main steps to help parents have this difficult conversation about sex with their children. There is also a list of other resources, an infographic on sex education in the Muslim community and other information that parents will find helpful.
  
  
• Let’s Talk about Sex (Education): A Guide to Effective Programming for Muslim Youth
  This comprehensive toolkit discusses the need for sex education programming, information on designing, implementing and then evaluating a sex-ed program for Muslim youth, and other helpful information that youth leaders, community leaders, and Imams will find helpful.
  
  
• Sex Education for Muslim Youth: Starting the Conversation (by HEART)
  This toolkit is designed for community leaders, youth leaders, Islamic school teachers (including Sunday schools), and other individuals who work with Muslim youth. The focus is to help facilitate conversations on sex education and reproductive health within an Islamic framework. The guide includes tips for facilitators on how to have the conversations.

   

Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Violence

• Engaging Muslim Communities in Ending Sexual Exploitation- A resource and guide (by multiple organizations)
  This comprehensive toolkit and guide includes information on types of sexual exploitation, Islamic references on the role Muslims have to end sexual exploitation and fight this injustice,  lists of books and movies on the subject, and a list of actions anyone can take to help fight sexual exploitation.
  
  
• Supporting Sexual Assault Victims in the Muslim Community (by HEART)
  This guide provides tips on how to support sexual assault victims in an empathetic, supportive, and caring manner.
  
  
• Talking to Kids about Sexual Violence: A Guide for Parents on Having Age-Appropriate Conversations (by HEART)
  This toolkit covers how to discuss child sex abuse with children. Tips are provided on how to best have age-appropriate conversations for each major group. Child sex abuse information is also provided.
  
  

Spiritual Abuse

• Religious/Spiritual Abuse Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  Spiritual abuse is related to the misuse of power, position, and/or manipulation of religious ideology to force, manipulate, shame, harass, abuse, blackmail and/or humiliate individuals. It may involve emotional, physical, mental and/or sexual abuse perpetrated by someone in a clerical position. This toolkit includes important definitions and articles on spiritual abuse, how to recognize the signs of spiritual abuse, how to get help and how to support the person being spiritually abused. This informative toolkit is a must-have as spiritual abuse and misuse of power by religious leaders is a growing concern in Muslim communities.

   

Suicide Prevention

• Suicide Prevention Toolkit (by The Family Youth Institute)
  This comprehensive resource includes culturally specific resources and information specific to teens, parents, survivors of suicide attempts, their families, and survivors of suicide loss. This guide also includes a section for mental health professionals, imams, educators.
  
  
• Suicide Prevention Community Guide
  (by The Family Youth Institute): This comprehensive guide focuses on raising awareness in Muslim communities around suicide, helping community leaders integrate prevention efforts in their work with their community, and providing additional resources.