Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Al-Balkhi identifies al-Gham, distress or anxiety, as the root of many psychological afflictions. He compares it to a tree, stating that "It is like the root with the rest, its branches," emphasizing the pervasive influence of al-Gham on mental health. He therefore advocates for its prevention as a pivotal step in fostering emotional wellbeing.
In this episode, Shaykh Tariq Musleh also draws from ahadeeth to establish a connection between seeking refuge in Allah ﷻ and alleviating the burden of al-Gham. By doing so, he reminds viewers about the importance of reliance on our Creator and spiritual resilience in navigating life's challenges.
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"A Journey Inward: Understanding the Needs of Your Soul"
This Ramadan, Maristan will draw on “Sustenance of the Soul” by Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, a renowned Persian Muslim scholar, to explore emotional resilience and holistic well-being. Each episode will cover chapters addressing various topics, including the link between the body and soul; managing emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and obsession; and practical strategies for coping. Insights from the Quran and ahadeeth will offer valuable guidance for addressing personal and community mental health challenges amid life’s trials and tribulations.
❤️🩹 Support holistic healing for the hearts of our community this Ramadan by donating to Maristan: tinyurl.com/Maristan2024
Al-Balkhi identifies al-Gham, distress or anxiety, as the root of many psychological afflictions. He compares it to a tree, stating that "It is like the root with the rest, its branches," emphasizing the pervasive influence of al-Gham on mental health. He therefore advocates for its prevention as a pivotal step in fostering emotional wellbeing.
In this episode, Shaykh Tariq Musleh also draws from ahadeeth to establish a connection between seeking refuge in Allah ﷻ and alleviating the burden of al-Gham. By doing so, he reminds viewers about the importance of reliance on our Creator and spiritual resilience in navigating life's challenges.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"A Journey Inward: Understanding the Needs of Your Soul"
This Ramadan, Maristan will draw on “Sustenance of the Soul” by Abu Zayd al-Balkhi, a renowned Persian Muslim scholar, to explore emotional resilience and holistic well-being. Each episode will cover chapters addressing various topics, including the link between the body and soul; managing emotions like sadness, fear, anger, and obsession; and practical strategies for coping. Insights from the Quran and ahadeeth will offer valuable guidance for addressing personal and community mental health challenges amid life’s trials and tribulations.
❤️🩹 Support holistic healing for the hearts of our community this Ramadan by donating to Maristan: tinyurl.com/Maristan2024

![International Mens Day Nov 19 2025 Post
Its #internationalmensday! Check out what Maristan has to say on Mens Mental Health in terms of:
- Stigma of seeking help in men
- Understanding mens mental health challenges
- What you can do if youre struggling
🫂💙 Remember, you are not alone. Are you or someone you know struggling?
📞 Naseeha Mental Health (USA, CAN): Call 1 (866) 627-3342 | Muslim helpline | Available 24/7 in English, see website for specific language and gender availability www.naseeha.org
📞 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (USA):
Call or text 988, live chat on website | Services available in English, Spanish and for Deaf/HoH
* Both hotlines are free and confidential, available 24/7.
- See more on Peer Minds Mentors, a culturally rooted mental health support for MENA & South Asian youth: https://www.instagram.com/peermindsmentors/
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Groups:
https://www.nami.org/findsupport/
* Click your state on the map, then click “all upcoming events” on the right under “All Programs in [YOUR STATE]”
See here for more resources and info on our California clinic: https://linktr.ee/Maristan
#maristan #islamicpsychology #psychoeducation #InternationalMensDay2025 #menshealth #breakthestigma #NAMI #AADA
Sources:
American Association of Depression and Anxiety. (n.d.). Men’s Mental Health. https://adaa.org/find-help/by-demographics/mens-mental-health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). (2025b, July 7). Men’s Health Month. https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/mens-health-month/ International Mens Day Nov 19 2025 Post](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lyEQ9Vv1bJM/mqdefault.jpg)








