Important Friday Khutbah: Hold On to Life, Hold On to Hope
Content Warning
This article discusses mental health, emotional distress, self-harm and suicide.
Some readers may find this difficult or upsetting. Please read at your own pace and take breaks if needed.
If you are struggling, or if this content raises concerns about your own wellbeing or that of someone you know, support is available.
Please see the support information at the end of this article.
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On Friday 11 September 2026, an important khutbah will be delivered at both Balham Masjid and Tooting Islamic Centre, addressing an issue that affects many individuals and families in silence: emotional distress, despair, and suicidal thoughts.
Many people may be experiencing emotional pain, stress, anxiety, grief or sadness that they have not felt able to talk about. Some may be struggling with personal challenges, family difficulties, isolation, trauma, depression, or feelings of hopelessness. Too often, these struggles remain hidden because people fear being misunderstood, judged, or stigmatised. The result is that many suffer alone when support could be available.
This khutbah forms part of efforts to support Hold On, Islam21c's Muslim suicide prevention and mental wellbeing campaign. The campaign seeks to help Muslims facing despair, loneliness, depression, trauma and suicidal thoughts, while encouraging families, communities, mosques and leaders to respond with compassion, understanding and practical support.
Breaking the Silence
Islam teaches the sanctity of life and encourages believers to place their trust in the mercy of Allah. At the same time, emotional suffering is a reality that can affect anyone.
The Hold On campaign highlights how conversations around mental health, depression, trauma and suicidal thoughts can remain difficult within some Muslim communities. Some people may worry that others will not understand them, may judge them, or may not take their struggles seriously. This fear can prevent individuals from seeking the support they need.
Some people may experience thoughts of ending their life when emotional pain becomes overwhelming. With the right support, help and treatment, many people are able to recover and find hope again. The campaign reminds us that people experiencing severe emotional distress often need understanding, reassurance and practical support rather than silence or judgement.
A Message for Our Community
The purpose of this khutbah is not only to raise awareness but also to remind us of our collective responsibility towards one another.
We encourage every member of our community to:
- Check in on family members, friends, neighbours and colleagues.
- Take concerns about mental wellbeing seriously.
- Create safe spaces where people feel able to speak openly.
- Respond with compassion rather than judgement.
- Encourage those who are struggling to seek support early.
- Learn more about mental wellbeing and how to support others.
- Make du'a for those facing difficulties and support them in practical ways.
Taking the time to listen, check in on someone, and encourage them to seek support can make a real difference.
Local Support Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please remember that help is available and that you do not have to face difficulties alone.
We would especially like to highlight Mindworks UK, a local charity and psychological support service that provides counselling, psychotherapy, faith-based therapy, coaching, workshops and wellbeing support for adults, children and families. Their services support people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, stress, relationship difficulties and other emotional challenges in a confidential and supportive environment.
Mindworks UK
We also encourage community members to visit the Hold On campaign website, which contains articles, videos, guidance and support resources for those experiencing emotional difficulties or supporting someone who may be struggling.
Hold On
If You Need Help Right Now
If you feel at risk of harming yourself, or if you are worried about someone else's safety, seek help immediately.
Emergency
- Call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, has seriously harmed themselves, or there is an immediate risk to life.
- Attend your nearest A&E department if urgent emergency support is required.
Urgent Mental Health Support
- NHS 111: Call 111 and select the Mental Health Option to access urgent mental health support from trained professionals, available 24 hours a day.
Free Confidential Listening Support
- Samaritans: Call 116 123 free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for confidential support from trained volunteers. [samaritans.org]
Support for Young People
- Childline: Call 0800 1111 for free and confidential support if you are under 19 years old. [childline.org.uk]
Support is available, and you do not need to face difficult feelings alone.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Balham Masjid and Tooting Islamic Centre are committed to protecting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
This article is intended to raise awareness and signpost sources of support. It is not a substitute for professional medical, mental health or crisis services. If there are concerns about someone's safety or wellbeing, support should be sought from an appropriate healthcare professional or support service without delay.
Where concerns are raised regarding the safety of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, information may need to be shared with relevant safeguarding agencies or emergency services in accordance with safeguarding responsibilities and the law.
You Are Not Alone
The Prophet ï·º taught us mercy, compassion and care for one another. As a community, we must ensure that no one feels they have to suffer alone.
We invite all congregants attending either Balham Masjid and Tooting Islamic Centre on Friday 11 September 2026 to listen carefully to this important khutbah, reflect on how we can support one another, and help build a community where every person knows that their life matters, their struggles matter, and that there is always hope.