Divorce Support Toolkit
American Muslim communities are experiencing a rise in marital struggles and divorce at similar rates to their non-Muslim counterparts. Getting a divorce may come with many challenges and little help or support in navigating them. However, with appropriate support and direction, divorce does not need to feel so difficult and stigmatized. This toolkit provides resources and practical tips on maneuvering through a divorce, regardless of what stage of the process you are in.
History of the Project
American Muslim communities are experiencing a rise in marital struggles and divorce at similar rates to their non-Muslim counterparts. However, Muslim families and couples face unique challenges as they navigate divorce, particularly stigma, shame, and lack of familial or community support. Guided by the principles of community-based participatory research (Wallerstein & Duran, 2010), we conducted a three-pronged needs assessment of the divorce process among American Muslim couples. First, we conducted a review of current research on divorce amongst both American-Muslim and other-religion families. This review provided information about the potential areas of conflict during the divorce process as well as ways to support struggling couples. Second, we interviewed individuals who were from diverse professional backgrounds (e.g., Marriage/Family Therapist, Imam, Social Worker), and served clients struggling with marriage or were divorced themselves. Finally, based on the findings from the literature review and interviews, an online survey was created and disseminated to the broader American Muslim community.
This toolkit is for you if:
- You are dealing with divorce yourself, at any stage–be it just in the beginning, in the midst of a divorce, post-divorce or even contemplating remarriage
- You have a loved one (friend, sibling, etc.) you want to support
- You are a community leader who wants to learn how to support your congregants
- You are a mental health professional who is looking for resources for their clients
To create this toolkit, The FYI team selected relevant resources from a variety of platforms while keeping cultural and religious sensitivities in mind. Other content on these platforms do not necessarily reflect the vision and views of The FYI. These resources should not replace the consultation of a trained mental health professional when needed. It is our hope that individuals and couples will use it as a resource along with counseling.
Contemplating Divorce
In the Midst of a Divorce
Interacting With
Your Partner
Discussions With Your Children
Thinking about therapy?
The FYI’s Therapy Guide can help.
After a Divorce
Finding Your New Normal
Getting a divorce may leave you navigating many emotions. Here’s how you can cope.
Considering Remarriage
Being open to remarriage happens over time, and comes with unique challenges.
Supporting Loved Ones
Know someone going through a divorce? Here’s how you can offer support.
Looking for more?
Click here for information on support groups, organizations, and further reading.
- Finding Allah Through Divorce
- Protecting Kids from Divorce Tug of Wars: 10 Golden Rules
- Focus on the Family articles about divorce and marriage
- Redefining the D-Word: An online class about five shifts you can make to come to terms with your divorce, recover your confidence, and live your best year ever.
- For support groups and organizations, scroll to the tables below.
Support Groups
| Support Group | Web Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nasiha Counseling Treatment Center | https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups/support-group-for-divorced-muslim-women/35702 | Support group for divorced Muslim women |
| Wasilah Connections | https://wasilahconnect.org/event/ | Wasilah Connections aims to be a social service organization that will create and support individuals by providing holistic support to the challenges people face. They provide divorce support groups regularly. |
| Islamic Society of Greater Houston | https://isgh.org/support/ | Support group for Muslims whose marriages have ended. You will find welcoming and supportive people who have shared similar experiences. Facilitators will guide the group to discuss important issues surrounding divorce. |
| Muslim Women’s Alliance | https://mwachicago.org/ | Dedicated to empowering Muslim women and girls. MWA’s core focus areas are the development of leaders, fostering community service, mentoring women, and empowering the community through social justice awareness and action. |
Organizations
| Organization Name | Web Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Faith Trust Institute | https://www.faithtrustinstitute.org/ | A national, multifaith, multicultural training, and education organization with global reach working to end sexual and domestic violence. |
| The Khalil Center | https://khalilcenter.com/counselingtherapy/ | Provides counseling and therapy services. Has web therapy sessions available. Discounted fees based on income, financial assistance, and insurance coverage. |
| Peaceful Families Project | https://www.peacefulfamilies.org/ | Programming includes prevention and intervention and addresses domestic violence among Muslim families and communities through collaboration with imams, community leaders and members, social service professionals, activists, educators, legal providers, and youth leaders. |
| Turning Point for Women and Families | http://tpny.org | Provides direct services like free counseling, crisis intervention, support groups, and advocacy & referral services for women/children affected by domestic violence that are culturally and religiously sensitive. |
| In Shaykh’s Clothing | https://inshaykhsclothing.com | A resource website for spiritual abuse in the Muslim community. They discuss the phenomenon of spiritual abuse, help those directly affected, and work on prevention by providing education, training, and policies. |
| Heart Women and Girls | http://heartwomenandgirls.org | Empowers faith-based communities to address sexual violence and improve sexual health literacy. They ensure that all Muslims have the resources, language, and choice to nurture sexual health and confront sexual violence. Their work is culturally-sensitive and developmentally appropriate for the audiences that they serve. |
| Wellness Through Counseling | https://www.wellnessthroughcounseling.com | Culturally sensitive therapy and counseling services. Provides individual psychotherapy, marriage counseling, and family therapy. |
| National Stepfamily Resource Center | https://www.stepfamilies.info/ |
This toolkit was developed by Madiha Tahseen, Ph.D., Youmna Ansari, B.A., Fatma Gdoura, B.A., Jude El-Buri, B.A, and designed by Sarrah AbuLughod, M.A. This toolkit was also vetted by Rafee Al-Mansur, M.S., MFT-R, and Amal Killawi, LCSW. This project was supported by a generous grant from Dar Al-Hijra.
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