Youth’s death sparks calls for more mental health supports in Winnipeg’s Muslim community

Posted on June 16, 2024 by Peggy

WARNING: This story contains discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, see the end of this story for resources.

The death of a youth as one of the most important religious holidays for Muslims got underway has members of Winnipeg’s Islamic community calling for more mental health supports.

Winnipeg police said they responded to a call involving a man in distress with self-inflicted injuries at the Waverley Grand Mosque Saturday afternoon.

Hakim Ghulam, a board member at the Manitoba Islamic Association, told CBC News on Sunday that the youth self-immolated sometime after afternoon prayers. He died later that night, Ghulam said.

“It’s a family who lost their loved one, and we are with them and with others who are struggling in this difficult time,” he said. “But we need to reflect upon it.”

The Islamic Association and the police did not provide further details on the youth’s identity out of respect for the family. But Ghulam said the family wanted it to be known he was suffering from mental health issues.

The incident happened on the eve of Eid al-Adha, a multi-day celebration commemorating the sacrifice of prophet Ibrahim.

On Sunday, the association issued a statement urging for the removal of barriers to accessing mental health resources.

“On this day of Eid, otherwise a day of celebration, our community is deeply saddened,” the statement said, adding that global issues such as the war in Gaza are impacting Muslims across the world.

“We cannot have positive mental health in the context of a racist, Islamophobic and genocidal world. And we cannot alleviate mental health concerns in a world that does not prioritize mental health as health.”

Ghulam said the association has mental health counsellors who work with them. But he added that the community as a whole, including politicians, all need to do their part.

“We need to work together. We need to take care of each other much more,” he said.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, here’s where to get help: