An MM Recap: Toolkits To Fight Child Sexual Abuse

At MuslimMatters.org, we have zero tolerance for any kind of abuse, especially child sexual abuse. We recognize that molestation and abuse exist in the Muslim community just as they do in every other community. We believe that it is the Ummah’s communal obligation to raise awareness of this heinous evil, to work towards preventing it as much as possible, and to actively prevent it from continuing whenever it is discovered.

Over the years, MuslimMatters has published various pieces related to CSA (child sexual abuse) to serve as resources for the community.

• Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: What Can You Do?

Najwa Awad, a licensed social worker and psychotherapist, shares information on what Muslim parents and educators need to know about preventing CSA. This is necessary reading for anyone responsible for minors.

• Sex & the Ummah: Child Abuse Prevention & Advice for the Victims’ Families Part III

Saba Syed shares further CSA prevention tips, as well as spotting warning signs of abuse, and advice on moving forward.

• Sex & the Ummah: Healing is Possible for Victims of Molestation Part IV-A

This post acknowledges and validates the pain that victims of CSA experience, while providing suggestions on healing from abuse.

• Sex & the Ummah: Intimacy and Marital Problems for Victims of Molestation. Part II- C/D

This article examines common struggles that adult victims of CSA experience in relation to intimacy and marriage, shedding light on these stigmatized topics.

• Sacred and Civic Trust: Imam Calls Out Suspected Sexual Abuse In Friday Sermon

Our EiC Hena Zuberi supports Imam Nick Pelletier’s decisive actions in calling out CSA during a khutbah and underscores the Islamic obligation for all Muslims to stand against CSA, including through reporting to the authorities and pursuing legal action.

• Statement Against Abuse: The Female Scholars Network

The Female Scholars Network, and many supporting male and female scholars, issued a statement condemning abuse in all its forms, and calls for accountability.

• MuslimMatters Official Statement On Wisam Sharieff

MuslimMatters official statement on Wisam Sharieff.

Other Resources

The following are other resources regarding CSA, prevention of CSA, and religious/ spiritual abuse. These are not published through MuslimMatters.

• Keeping Our Children Safe from Predators: A Guide for Parents

Muhammad Rima, a licensed counselor, provides a valuable list of information for parents on warning signs, preventative measures, communication with children, and how to provide support regarding CSA.

• Religious/Spiritual Abuse Toolkit

The Family and Youth Institute, a Muslim organization for mental health and families, has developed a comprehensive toolkit to support those impacted by spiritual abuse.

• A Soulful Islamic Guide: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: A toolkit for Muslim parents, practitioners, imams, and community members

This comprehensive guide discusses everything from myths about CSA, understanding grooming, recognizing signs of CSA, talking to children about CSA, and more.

• Physical Beatings and Sexual Abuse in Islamic Schools | In Shaykhs’ Clothing

Ustadh Danish Qasim talks about the dangerous phenomenon of physical and sexual abuse in Muslim schools.

• Addressing Sexual Abuse of Children: An Interview with Mufti Nawaz Khan

Mufti Nawaz Khan speaks about the importance of acknowledging and addressing CSA in Muslim contexts.

• On Grooming and CSA

Dr. Juhayna Ajami explains what grooming is, how it happens, and how victims are impacted.

Related:

On Power, Boundaries, And The Accountability Of Imams

I Encountered A Predator On Instagram