ADHD and ISLAM
Inclusivity and Neurodiversity in Islam
What compelled me to write this topic are several things. Interestingly, once I started to review the literature on the subject, I became aware of my blind spot despite seeing it in every clinic: the intersectionality of Islamic practices and ADHD.
Even though I initially decided to write one article, I decided to head a string of pieces on this topic. A few of the quests that I was curious about were:
- What does it take to be a righteous Muslim?
- What neurocognitive processes do you need to be a practising Muslim
- Are there any conditions that precisely affect the brain circuits responsible for developing these skills and traits?
- Resisting the temptations: could it be an extra challenge for some more than others?
- If that is the case, what message is given to those?
- In the oblivion state, is the guilt increasing, making many Silent sufferers? and are we not addressing it?
- With all good intentions at heart, are we protecting our children by brushing these struggles under the carpet?
- In an attempt to make them strong, are we crushing their souls and scarring their esteem forever?
During my clinical encounters, I meet amazing people across the lifespan, ages, backgrounds, and cultures. I do not intend to criticize any religious practice or code of conduct. Instead, I aim to achieve a healthy dialogue where we explore the struggles, acknowledge them and, if need be, address them.
Talking about it is not:
- Fueling the struggles
- Finding an excuse
- Justifying unacceptable behaviours
- Supporting or discouraging any religious practices
Talking about it will help us to:
- Acknowledge that special needs exist
- See-through this widespread problem
- Find a better way to make kids better human beings
Discussing a topic doesn’t mean we are defending or justifying it. The idea is that, for once, we can keep the value judgment out and engage in curious exploration.
Can one have ADHD and be a good Muslim?
In Islam, almost every other deed depends highly on executive functions such as self-control or to be disciplined and organization. Self-control means resisting temptations, thinking before speaking or acting, and curbing impulsivity. Discipline and perseverance mean staying on task despite setbacks or boredom and delaying gratification.
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)affects the executive functions of the brain; this includes working memory, attention, organization skills, time management, planning, and discipline.
Working memory is the ability to resist distractions so you can focus, concentrate, pay attention and sustain that focus even when the material is boring. It became a struggle such as difficulty remembering for over a few seconds when performing wudu or what rakah is on Salah.
To make the community and Mosque more inclusive, parents must investigate the reasons for their child’s behaviour and encourage the desired behaviour.
Remember, good self-control in children correlates positively with parental religious attendance and negatively with religious conflicts at home. We must take the time and effort to listen to disabled and neurodivergent experiences to understand and amplify the voices.
We, as a community, must provide them with accommodation and social justice and disability advocacy within Islam to reshape outdated perspectives and attitudes towards the subject matter.
References
- Neurodiversity and ADHD - Daily Times
- The Science of Shame and Its Treatment” by Gerald Loren Fishkin.
- Understand Your Brain, Get More Done: The ADHD Executive Functions Workbook” by Ari Tuckman.
