The Australian Islamic Medical Association in partnership with the Canberra Islamic Centre held a community health education and promotion event titled ‘A faith-based approach to mental wellness’ on Sunday 13 July 2025 at the Canberra Islamic Centre. The session combined faith and science to address several important topics, including common misconceptions around mental health within the community, lessons from Islamic teachings on the importance of mental health and practical ways to improve mental wellbeing.
Imam Adam Konda, the imam of Canberra Islamic Centre, opened the session with verses of the Quran and examples from the sunnah to centre the event on faith. He focussed on the importance of healing and the capacity for this ‘Do not despair of the mercy of Allah’ (39:53).
Zebunnissa Khan, a Canberra based psychologist addressed misconceptions within the community in relation to mental health, such as those with strong faith will not ever feel anxious or depressed and how such beliefs can deter people from seeking help. Through examples from the Quran and sunnah, she illustrated how emotional struggles have always been part of the human experience, even for the Prophets and the importance of seeking knowledge, treatment and support.
Dr Omer Shareef, AIMA vice president and neuropsychiatrist from Townsville concluded the event by introducing the AIMA Mindsavers program. This is a practical framework for mental wellbeing that was designed for Muslim communities in Australia. Like the five pillars of Islam, the framework has five pillars that are easy to follow and implement. It is an initiative that will be rolled out in mosques and community centres nationally, offering a culturally safe and spiritually aligned approach to mental wellbeing.
The event was well attended by the community and sparked many important conversations. Some of the participants travelled from as far as Sydney to attend. Feedback received regarding the event demonstrated the need for and interest in such events. For more information, keep an eye out on AIMA social media handles for the hard launch of the AIMA Mindsavers program that will likely be coming to a community centre near you very soon.
