Introduction
Addiction is a quiet struggle in many Muslim communities—often masked by shame, stigma, and silence. While religious values emphasize discipline and spirituality, the reality is that many individuals, including community leaders and scholars, silently grapple with behavioral addictions like online gambling and pornography. As internet accessibility increases, so too do these hidden struggles. In this blog, we explore how the Muslim community is starting to face addiction head-on—through education, vulnerability, and compassion—with organizations like Lamps of Light leading the way.
For the complete conversation and insights shared by Dr. Arbaz and Tabari Zahir, watch the full video here: Breaking the Silence – YouTube.
The Silent Struggle – Addiction in Muslim Communities
Addiction does not discriminate. It affects youth, parents, professionals, and scholars alike. In Muslim communities, the challenge is compounded by cultural and religious stigmas that often prevent individuals from seeking help. As a result, behavioral addictions—especially those facilitated by the internet—are growing quietly, unaddressed.
Access to online gambling platforms and adult content has made addiction more pervasive and isolating. Shame and fear of judgment discourage people from reaching out, which only deepens the cycle of dependency. This silence creates an invisible epidemic—one that requires immediate, compassionate attention.
Personal Narratives – Tabari Zahir’s Journey to Healing
One of the most compelling voices breaking this silence is Tabari Zahir, founder of Lamps of Light. His journey from trauma and incarceration to advocacy and recovery embodies resilience and redemption.
Tabari Zahir’s childhood was marked by loss and instability. After spending years in prison, he began to unpack the traumas that had led him down a destructive path. That reflection became a foundation for his healing and his mission. Today, Tabari Zahir is a mental health advocate, helping others walk the road to recovery with dignity and faith.
His lived experience serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, illustrating how personal pain can be transformed into purpose when communities foster understanding and support.
Lamps of Light – Illuminating the Path to Recovery
Founded with the mission to destigmatize mental health and addiction, Lamps of Light provides culturally sensitive programs tailored to Muslims. The organization offers:
- Peer support groups rooted in Islamic principles and therapeutic models
- Educational workshops on addiction, trauma, and emotional intelligence
- One-on-one mentorship that emphasizes empathy, accountability, and growth
Their impact is especially felt among youth and formerly incarcerated individuals who often fall through the cracks of traditional support systems. Lamps of Light creates spaces where healing begins through honesty and shared experience, breaking the culture of secrecy that too often surrounds addiction.
Building Support – Community Initiatives and Safe Spaces
Addressing addiction takes more than awareness—it takes action. Initiatives that emphasize peer support and trauma-informed care are proving effective in Muslim communities. Programs like Seeking Safety, which Lamps of Light incorporates, offer non-judgmental frameworks for individuals with PTSD and addiction.
Community organizations across regions like Riverside County are collaborating to maximize their impact. By sharing resources and expertise, these partnerships expand access to treatment and education.
Equally vital are safe spaces—physical and emotional environments where vulnerability is not met with judgment but with support. These are the breeding grounds for recovery, empathy, and resilience.
Conclusion
Breaking the silence around addiction in Muslim communities starts with storytelling, advocacy, and collective compassion. The work of individuals like Tabari Zahir and organizations like Lamps of Light shows that healing is not only possible—it’s already happening.
To truly address addiction, communities must reject stigma, embrace vulnerability, and champion mental health education. Support systems, safe conversations, and empathetic leadership will be the pillars of a healthier future.
It’s time to replace silence with support—and shame with solidarity.
