In recognition of May as both Mother’s Day Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, we pause to reflect on the unique role that mothers play in shaping our lives, communities, and the world. In Islam, the status of a mother is elevated to the highest degree, emphasizing their vital role in nurturing, educating, and supporting their children.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Paradise lies at the feet of mothers.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). This profound statement highlights not only the immense respect mothers are due but also the immense weight of their emotional and physical labour in raising the next generation. The Islamic tradition places great importance on honouring and caring for mothers, not only in words but through actions of kindness, patience, and support.
Yet, despite the great love and reverence mothers receive, it’s crucial to recognize that the mental health of women, particularly mothers, often goes unnoticed. The pressures of balancing familial responsibilities, personal challenges, societal expectations, and sometimes trauma can take a significant toll on their emotional and mental well-being. For many, this burden is compounded by cultural and social factors that may make it more difficult to seek help or talk openly about mental health struggles.
At Sakeenah Canada, we understand the challenges that mothers, especially within marginalized communities, may face. We believe that every mother deserves access to support and care that fosters healing, empowerment, and wellness. As part of our commitment to women’s mental health, we offer a variety of services to address the emotional, psychological, and mental health needs of women who have experienced trauma, violence, grief, or other life challenges.
Our Mental Health Program offers culturally competent, trauma-informed therapy to women navigating the complexities of motherhood, relationships, and personal wellness. We provide:
At Sakeenah Canada, we recognize the unique needs of women, particularly mothers, and understand that mental health care must be accessible, culturally relevant, and empowering. This month, as we celebrate the love and sacrifices mothers make every day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting women’s mental health and well-being. Our services are a resource for mothers and women who need care, healing, and a supportive community to thrive.
To all the mothers out there: we honour you, we see you, and we are here for you.
Sakeenah Canada, a national charitable organization, was founded in 2018 in response to a gap in culturally and religiously sensitive services available for women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness. Since then, our services have expanded to include mental health therapy and counseling. Sakeenah has also started The People’s Market, a food program that helps combat food insecurity, and has become the first licensed foster care agency for Muslim children in all of North America. We currently operate 8 transitional homes across Canada: Toronto, Brampton, Milton, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Regina, in addition to the first long-term housing program for Muslim women and children in Canada, in Windsor.
Every night, thousands of women and children in Canada face homelessness, poverty, and trauma. We are on a mission to change that.
While Sakeenah functions at a national level, our head office and The People’s Market operate out of land that is part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations.
Sakeenah believes that while a land acknowledgement is the first step, we also understand that land acknowledgements alone are not sufficient to redress the harm caused by centuries of land theft, forced displacement and ongoing acts of settler colonialism. We recognize that this work is ongoing and complex, and we are dedicated to doing our part to create a better future for all.
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