The Middle East Eye¹ reported serious allegations of Spiritual Abuse under the leadership of Sheikh Nuh Ha Mim Keller. According to that article, as well as an account written by survivors published in Muslim Matters² the environment created included emotional, verbal and physical abuse of children, as well as psychological manipulation of adults. Although the physical community was based in Jordan, followers of Sheikh Nuh live all over the world, with a significant number of followers in North America. There are many people in our communities and families who have been deeply impacted by these events on multiple levels. Spiritual abuse is complex and has far-reaching implications for those who are directly impacted, as well as their families, friends, and community members due to the experience of betrayal and the layers of trauma that can occur when someone is abused by trusted leaders.
The board and staff of Peaceful Families Project stand in solidarity with all survivors of Spiritual Abuse, which is best understood as a repeated pattern of coercion and control in a religious context including misuse of spiritual knowledge, authority, and status. Spiritual Abuse is directed at the hurma (body, property, and dignity) of an individual or community. As Muslims, we are directed and obliged to respond to any and all breaches of our faith leaders all of whom we know to be under the dominion of the fundamental laws and values of Islam.
In the current situation, PFP joins with the community in demanding both acknowledgment and redress for individuals negatively affected by the actions and decisions of the leadership of the group as well as the termination of any and all abusive practices. PFP believes firmly that standards are needed in education, training, and supervision of all Islamic leaders, especially those working directly with Muslim communities. PFP looks to collaborate with regional and national Muslim organizations in the development of such standards.
Lastly PFP would like to reiterate our support for the need and efficacy of mental health services for all survivors of trauma and anyone suffering from symptoms that are an obstacle to achieving their full human potential. The science of nafs, first created by Islamic scholars, has always been and remains a gift to humanity to assist them in fulfilling their sacred destinies.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of Spiritual Abuse, we offer the following resources as a tool in the journey of recovery.
hurmaproject.com
spiritualabuseresources.com
thefyi.org
The board and staff of Peaceful Families Project stand in solidarity with all survivors of Spiritual Abuse, which is best understood as a repeated pattern of coercion and control in a religious context including misuse of spiritual knowledge, authority, and status. Spiritual Abuse is directed at the hurma (body, property, and dignity) of an individual or community. As Muslims, we are directed and obliged to respond to any and all breaches of our faith leaders all of whom we know to be under the dominion of the fundamental laws and values of Islam.
In the current situation, PFP joins with the community in demanding both acknowledgment and redress for individuals negatively affected by the actions and decisions of the leadership of the group as well as the termination of any and all abusive practices. PFP believes firmly that standards are needed in education, training, and supervision of all Islamic leaders, especially those working directly with Muslim communities. PFP looks to collaborate with regional and national Muslim organizations in the development of such standards.
Lastly PFP would like to reiterate our support for the need and efficacy of mental health services for all survivors of trauma and anyone suffering from symptoms that are an obstacle to achieving their full human potential. The science of nafs, first created by Islamic scholars, has always been and remains a gift to humanity to assist them in fulfilling their sacred destinies.
If you or anyone you know is a victim of Spiritual Abuse, we offer the following resources as a tool in the journey of recovery.
hurmaproject.com
spiritualabuseresources.com
thefyi.org