New Muslim Spiritual Care

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Tarbiya Chaplaincy

Introduction

• New Muslims are a diverse population , members of which journey to Islam on distinct paths. Each new revert to Islam has a unique story as to how they learned about our deen, how they came to accept it, and what struggles they have faced since taking their shahada. Our job as chaplains is to help them navigate life as a Muslim, while still being respectful of the challenges they face with non-Muslim acquaintances, friends, and family members. They often feel like they have one foot in each world, which can lead to cognitive dissonance.

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Reasons for Reverting

Situations that lead people to Islam:��First and foremost – the hidaayah of Allah (SWT)!�

• Very common reasons:
• Personal exploration during high school/college/other transformative life events
• Rejecting religious ideals pushed on them at home but not mirrored within the family dynamic
• Having a close friend or relative accept Islam
• Romantic relationships with Muslims

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• Less common reasons:
• Travel to Muslim countries/communities, pleasant interactions with Muslims
• Falling on hard times (incarceration, addiction) and turning to Islam as a way of recovery from a ‘rock bottom’ situation
• Transcendental experiences

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Shahada is where the story begins, not ends…

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New Muslims may have many life/family dynamics not aligned with orthodox Islam such as:

• Relationships outside of marriage/sexual history
• Alcohol and drug use and/or abuse
• Close relationships/family members who are part of LGBTQ+ community
• Dogs, tattoos
• Other lifestyle habits that are at odds with the teaching of the Sunnah/Qur’an
• Complicated histories of trauma/abuse **

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Tips for approaching these issues:

BEST PRACTICES:

• Listen objectively, suspend judgement
• Be honest about what is allowed, and what isn’t
• Remind your care recipient that while his/her life may be complicated in some respects, it’s okay, things will come into alignment with right action and intention, and Allah knows best
• Refer to Imams/professionals when appropriate

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THINGS TO AVOID:

• Issuing ultimatums or all-or-nothing statements
• Pushing too much change too quickly
• Offering too much critical feedback without positive feedback
• Making statements that would pit the new Muslim against their loved ones/long-established relationships

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What New Muslims Really Need

• At first, what is most needed is practical support
• (How to pray salah, make wudu, masjid dos and don’ts, what is permissible to eat, modest attire, etc.)
• Once those things are learned, emotional/spiritual support needs eclipse practical needs:
• Navigating complex family dynamics, holidays
• Navigating the work world as a Muslim
• Relationships/marriage issues
• Incorporating the Qur’an and Sunnah into a life that has been lived in the West, often by very different ideals

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When Interacting with New Muslims:

• ASK what someone knows, don’t reflexively assume they don’t know
• New Muslims are often spoken to as if they don’t know much, simply because they are Reverts, regardless of how long they have been Muslim.
• Don’t fawn over new Muslims, or treat them as a curiosity, it’s embarrassing.
• Try to meet them where they are without condemnation
• Try gentle encouragement when they take steps to align their lives with Islam
• Avoid watering down Islam to make it more palatable – it is best they know what is expected of them as Muslims from the Qur’an and Sunnah and make their choices from there.
• Assess the knowledge/information they have already obtained. If it’s erroneous, where did they learn that? Help them determine if other Muslims in their lives are acting in accordance with the rules of our faith
• As chaplains, we can only warn and guide; ultimately people make their own choices, but we can serve as a source of support for them.

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ASANA

Case Management Process

Case File Data

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Introductory Call

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Action Plan

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Social Integration & Consistent Communication

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Introduction to Islam, Links & Resources

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Phase 1

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Phase 2

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Phase 3 & 4

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Close Out

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Questions?