I try my hardest not to hurt people but I somehow end up doing so with my words. What should I do to change? How can I control it? Omar Zia July 3, 2022 Friends What emanates from our tongues can be helpful—and harmful. Thank you for taking the first step to recognize this. In a hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) advises his companion to be careful of his speech because it is... Read More...
How do I stop being such a pushover? I am easily swayed by peer pressure. Omar Zia March 27, 2022 Friends Make a list of the values you strongly believe in. Are your peers pressuring you to go against what you believe in? Is that the company you want to be around? Voice your concerns, speak to them, and if they’re... Read More...
Sometimes I feel like my voice gets lost in my family or groups of friends. How do I feel valued if I am constantly ignored? Omar Zia March 20, 2022 Friends If speaking in front of the group isn’t working right now, divide and conquer. Begin by speaking to smaller groups of 2-3, or individual conversations. Once the individuals in the group see you as a valued mem... Read More...
We’ve been told it’s not okay to have bad company, but what if I am the one who can help my friends? Omar Zia March 13, 2022 Friends We've been told it's not okay to have bad company (friends who influence you in a negative way). But what if, after becoming stronger in faith, I am the one who can help my friends? That I'm the one who can in... Read More...
What do you say to someone who is ranting to you about a topic that you do not fully agree with? Omar Zia July 11, 2021 Friends This would depend the context of the conversation. Is this a friend who just needs to vent their feelings? If so, listen attentively and be present for your friend. Or is this a classmate who is involved in de... Read More...
I am considering not going to prom, but I feel like I will be missing out on this important experience. What should I do? Omar Zia February 21, 2021 Friends Prom is one of those nights where it seems like the whole world is out enjoying and you are the only one missing out. In reality, prom comes with a whole list of pressures – what to wear, how to style your hai... Read More...
What is your advice to Muslims suffering from mental health issues? Does it mean we are bad Muslims? Omar Zia December 20, 2020 Friends Thank you for your question. We are living in a time where our global society is becoming more aware and more accepting of the fact that stress is a reality of life and maintaining our mental health and well-b... Read More...
How can I give constructive criticism to a friend without offending her? What if she gets offended regardless? Omar Zia November 29, 2020 Friends When wanting to offer criticism we begin by asking ourselves, “What is my intention?” Then we ask, “What will be the impact?” There are times that we have good intentions, but the words come out wrong and the ... Read More...
What is the best way to put someone in their place when they make a hurtful comment about you without being disrespectful or hurting their feelings? Omar Zia September 27, 2020 Friends The central theme in the Qur’an and, indeed, in the life of a Muslim revolves around two phrases “Enjoin all that is good on yourself and your environment” and “Work against all that is wrong in yourself and i... Read More...
If you feel like your peer is battling a mental illness, how do you approach it without making them feel uncomfortable? Omar Zia August 30, 2020 Friends To begin, thank you for being a good friend. Though many institutions and media outlets are doing their best to normalize mental health and mental illness, the negative stigma around these issues still remain.... Read More...
