Disabilities and Autism

Bismillah.

Assalamu alaikum.

I initially found this on Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s blog. It’s an answer to a question answered by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari of Sunnipath regarding children who have disabilities. It deals with children who are have “special needs”, meaning that they face disablities or other conditions, such as Autism, which is a psychological development disorder. It is in response to a concern a sister had regarding her two children who have this disorder and how her family are upset about this. I think this is one of the best question and answer I have read on SunniPath.

Unfortunately, this demographic is highly frowned upon in Muslim countries, or even, in Muslim psyche, to the point that these children are not accepted by their own family. These children are stigmatized throughout their lives. Not only are the children stigmatized, but also the parents and family of the child.  And this may lead to the resentful attitude toward “special needs” children. This attitude is not only found in Muslims countries, but also in Western societies. Alhamdulillah, in the West, the sciences of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Medicine are developed such that these children can undergo therapy to improve skills in different aspects of life and functioning, which may not be found in other parts of the world. Parents, whose children have autism, act immediately to find any way to help their children. Unfortunately, there are Muslims who just mope and ponder over why their child is like that. Ustadha Zaynab mentions in her answer that as a Muslim mother, she feels alone, since there aren’t any Muslims who act to do bring about awareness. It is essential that we educate ourselves about this condition and being awareness to our communities about it to rid any prejudice we may have toward someone with autism. Through this can we be able to understand these children better and help them achieve the best in life.

Please click on the the following link to read the answer: “Disabilities and Autism” by Ustadha Zaynab Ansari

I couldn’t agree more to what Sidi Faraz said: “This gets my vote for Best Islamic Answer of the Year.”

May Allah Ta’ala make it easy for those children who face this condition, or any debilitating condition, may Allah Ta’ala make it easy for the parents and families of these children, and may Allah bless them always. Ameen.

Ma’salama.

Sufyan Yunus

~ by Sufyan Yunus on September 24, 2007.