I’ve been grappling with trying to process the effects of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

Such a huge tragedy that has affected millions of lives – it’s alot to get your head around. Some of us are not directly impacted, but living in this country, we are impacted none the less.

My starting point in processing, is to understand it in my own mind. To do that, I consider the context, impact, and whats incredibly insightful has been shining an islamic lens on it to see it from that angle.

I don’t have a clear picture to share as yet – but these resources have been very beneficial to me in providing me some perspective and to organise my thoughts. I would like to share in the hopes that I also inspires you and gives you deeper understanding too.

1. Pop-Up Healing Circle for the Earthquake in Turkey, Syria, and the surrounding regions from Maristan

This presentation had mental health professionals, Drs and community leaders with humanitarian work experience unpack what trauma is faced after crisis, for both those affected directly or facing secondary effects. It helped me give a name to the feelings I was having.

2. Understanding decree and command of Allah by Imam Shuaib Webb
This was a live zoom meeting – but he summarises a key point in this clip on his Instagram page. I felt validated, comforted by his words and he gave alot to think about. Favourite quote:

“Your stability for your kids will calm their instability in face of the earthquake situation”

3. Why does Allah allows earthquakes and suffering by Imam Omar Suleiman

This short talk gave me so much hope and acceptance. I was reminded how as Muslims we know that our pain has a purpose. Everything we go through is to teach us something and is part of something bigger we are working for. My favourite point was about how as people of faith, we have the golden gift of “perspective”. So lets use it to work through this tragedy.

Do you have any great links that have inspired you through adversity? How have you been processing the recent events, what helps you to get through difficult times?