Spiritual Abuse in Muslim contexts: Emerging Research and Critical Reflections

Spiritual Abuse in Muslim contexts: Emerging Research and Critical Reflections

Come and hear about the critically important research a fellow Muslim academic and researcher is pioneering. 

ZOOM Link will be shared nearer the time of the event.

Join us for a relaxed informal online webinar!

Speaker Bio: Maariyah Adam
Maariyah is the Founder and Managing Director of Sacred (body:mind:space), a community-based research organisation dedicated to examining abuse within Scottish Muslim communities. In 2024, Sacred published its first research report, “Sacred Trust, Silent Wounds: An Exploration of the Experiences and Understanding of Abuse in Scottish Muslim Communities”, offering an in-depth analysis of abuse within the Scottish Muslim context.

She is currently pursuing a PhD at The University of Glasgow, researching the use of Islamic-based texts in spiritual abuse within Muslim communities in the UK, with a particular focus on Muslim men. With a BA in Social Sciences, an MA in Islamic Studies, and an MSc in Public Policy, Maariyah brings an interdisciplinary perspective to her work, bridging academia and practice to address complex issues in Muslim communities. Her approach is grounded in decolonial research methods that centre community-led approaches, amplify minoritised voices, and promote self-representation, with a focus on producing research that drives tangible, positive change.

Maariyah has worked, consulted, and volunteered with various community-based organisations for over two decades and has experience in the field of Violence Against Women and Girls and has. Her research for Vibrant Scottish Mosques in 2022 led to the publication of the landmark report “Hear My Voice: A Report on the Experiences of Muslim Women’s Engagement with Mosques in Scotland”. She currently has several academic publications in progress, reflecting her ongoing contributions to both scholarly and community-focused discourses. With her combined expertise in research and grassroots engagement, she remains dedicated to supporting ethical leadership, advancing social justice, and empowering communities with the agency to drive
change.