1. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims
  2. Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

Ask A Question About Islam And Muslims

5 Questions

Can someone with a history of being in special education and currently having schizophrenia become a Shia Muslim?
Amina Inloes

Yes. 

However, it is good to keep in mind that some religious practices that are very emotional, crowded, or energetic (such as visiting the holy sites on Arbaeen) which are fine for most people may be overstimulating and trigger mental health episodes in someone vulnerable, even if one hopes for blessings and healing through them at the same time, and they can also bring healing. Also, sometimes, mental health conditions are masked as excessive religiosity and piety which are then inadvertently encouraged by people around them.
So it is good to be thoughtful about what is most appropriate to do if there are special circumstances.

Of course this is not about converting specifically but just about being mindful of one's practices when there are special circumstances.

On the other hand, some mental health conditions push people to consider spiritual matters more deeply than they would have otherwise. 

May Allah grant them healing and inshallah also intercession of Ahl Al Bayt (a). 
Does my autism and ADHD affect the validity of my prayers and duas if my mind wanders and I forget which Raka'ah or Surah I recited?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

No, autism or any illness never affect the validity of your Prayers as far as you perform your worship properly or as much as you can.

‘Wassalam.
Is there a specific Dua or Amal to cope with mental illnesses like ADHD and improve one's personal functioning?
Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi

Remembering Allah, and repeating it, reciting Ayatul Kursi and other Quranic Suras, reciting Ziyarat Ashura and performing the obligatory Prayers on time are among best things to cope with mental and psychological illnesses.

Wassalam.
I have mental illnesses and by being with my narcissistic mother they become worse. Can I move out from her home if she hurts me mentally and emotionally while being available to help her when she needs?
Amina Inloes

Yes.

(However, if you have a mental illness, this would be on the condition that you are able to care for yourself and live on your own, or else that you will have the required support and assistance. Since mental illnesses vary in nature, this may or may not be relevant to you personally.)