In an effort to combat addiction within the Muslim community and beyond, Faizan-E-Madina Mosque in Peterborough recently hosted a drug and alcohol awareness event, drawing dozens of attendees, including young people.
Organized by Dr. Azhar Chaudhry, a local GP, the workshop aimed to help families and individuals struggling with addiction find pathways to support, The BBC reported.
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The event highlighted a critical yet often stigmatized issue within the Muslim community, which Dr. Chaudhry, who also works at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, described as “a huge problem.”
According to Dr. Chaudhry, reaching those affected has been challenging due to cultural stigma. However, he noted that the mosque’s involvement in the event was “encouraging,” as the mosque committee not only attended but also assisted in organizing the workshop.
“This is a sensitive issue for the community,” Dr. Chaudhry said. “There is a lot of stigma, so it needs to be addressed cautiously, but attitudes are improving, hopefully.”
Dr. Chaudhry, a member of the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA), has been serving the community since he moved from Pakistan in 2001.
Alongside his medical practice, he volunteers his time to hold workshops on CPR, diabetes, and cancer screenings at the mosque to raise health awareness within the British Muslim community.
“I love what I do. I am passionate about saving lives,” he shared.
A Step in the Right Direction
Raja Alyas of Aspire, a charity that collaborates with Peterborough City Council, GPs, and the Probation Service, praised the workshop as “a step in the right direction.”
Aspire, which aims to reach underserved communities, also operates a clinic at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, offering those facing stigma a discreet option to seek help.
“The workshop was well attended and interactive. It was great to see young people asking questions about how they can safeguard themselves,” Alyas said.
“It was good to see attendees acknowledging that there is an issue. Previously, such efforts weren’t as well received.”
Alyas also noted that the mosque’s openness to hosting more events, including those specifically for women, represents a meaningful shift in attitudes.
“The mosque saying they look forward to more events, including for women, is a step in the right direction,” he added.
Through its efforts to host this workshop, Faizan-E-Madina Mosque has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the challenges facing both its Muslim congregation and the wider British community.
The mosque’s role as a community hub not only provides a safe space for discussing difficult issues like addiction but also helps empower the younger generation with knowledge to make informed decisions.
As the partnership between community leaders, health professionals, and support organisations like Aspire strengthens, there is hope that the stigma around addiction can be reduced and that those in need will feel more supported in seeking help.