Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about our Islamic Counselling, Guidance, and Support services. If your question is not answered here, please do not hesitate to contact us.
1. What is Islamic counselling?
Islamic counselling combines practical guidance with the teachings of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). It aims to help individuals, couples, and families navigate personal, marital, family, and spiritual challenges while strengthening their relationship with Allah ﷻ.
2. Why should I seek guidance from an Imam or Aalimah (Female Islamic Scholar) instead of relying solely on family or friends?
An Imam or Aalimah provides guidance rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), while understanding the religious, spiritual, family, and cultural challenges Muslims often face. Guidance is impartial, confidential, and focused on helping individuals make informed decisions in accordance with Islamic teachings. Where appropriate, referrals may also be made to licensed professionals for concerns requiring specialized mental health or legal expertise.
3. Who can benefit from Islamic Counselling?
Our services are available for:
– Individuals
– Married couples
– Engaged couples
– Parents
– Youth and teenagers
– Men and women
– Families
– New Muslims (reverts)
4. Are counselling sessions confidential?
Yes. All discussions are treated with strict confidentiality and conducted in a respectful and safe environment. Information is not shared unless required by law.
5. Is this service only for married couples?
No. This service is for all Muslims, single or married.
6. Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. Appointments are available both in person (preferred) at Masjid Bilal in Scarborough and virtually for clients throughout Ontario and across Canada.
7. Can sisters request a female scholar?
Yes. An Aalimah (female Islamic scholar) is available for sisters seeking confidential Islamic guidance and support. Click here for further details.
8. How do I book an appointment?
Appointments can be requested by emailing:
Male Islamic Scholar: imam@masjidbilal.ca
Female Islamic Scholar: aalimah@masjidbilal.ca
We will respond as soon as reasonably possible to arrange a suitable appointment.
9. How long is a counselling session?
Most sessions are approximately 30–60 minutes, although the duration may vary depending on the nature of the matter.
10. How many sessions will I need?
Every situation is unique. Some matters may be addressed in a single consultation, while others benefit from multiple sessions to allow for meaningful progress and follow-up.
11. Is this a replacement for therapy?
No. The staff of Masjid Bilal are not licensed professionals.
Islamic counselling at Masjid Bilal is not a substitute for licensed mental health or legal services. Rather, it provides guidance rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Islamic principles. Where appropriate, referrals may be made to licensed Muslim therapists, mental health professionals, certified coaches, lawyers, or other qualified professionals.
12. What types of issues can you help with?
We provide confidential Islamic guidance and support for a wide range of personal, family, spiritual, and community-related matters, including:
– Identity and faith-related struggles
– Religious questions, doubts, and confusion
– Strengthening one’s relationship with Allah
– Marriage and family relationships
– Premarital counselling
– Divorce/Talaq, Khula’, separation, and post-divorce guidance
– Parenting challenges
– Youth and young adult concerns
– Family conflict and communication challenges
– Waswasah (Shaytanic whispers) and intrusive thoughts
– Developing healthier habits and overcoming harmful behaviours, including challenges related to social media, excessive internet use, pornography, and other unhealthy behaviours that may negatively impact one’s faith, relationships, wellbeing or daily life.
– University and school challenges
– Balancing Islamic commitments with work, and social environments
– Personal growth, character development, and spiritual wellbeing
13. Will I be judged?
No. We strive to provide a compassionate, respectful, and welcoming environment where individuals can discuss their concerns openly while receiving guidance rooted in Islamic teachings.
14. When should I seek Islamic counselling?
You do not need to wait until a problem becomes overwhelming. Seeking guidance early can often help prevent misunderstandings, improve communication, and lead to better outcomes for individuals and families.
15. What should I expect during my first appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity to discuss your concerns in a confidential, respectful, and non-judgmental environment. The Imam or Aalimah will listen carefully, ask relevant questions to better understand your circumstances, and provide guidance rooted in the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the principles of Islamic jurisprudence. Depending on your situation, practical recommendations and follow-up appointments may also be suggested.
16. What are the expectations for those attending counselling?
To ensure a respectful, safe, and productive environment, all participants are expected to:
– Conduct themselves in accordance with Islamic ethics and etiquette.
– Treat one another with respect, honesty, patience, and courtesy.
– Allow each person an opportunity to speak without interruption.
– Refrain from abusive, threatening, intimidating, or disrespectful behaviour.
– Approach the counselling process with sincerity and a willingness to listen, reflect, and engage constructively.
These expectations help foster meaningful dialogue and enable guidance to be provided in a constructive manner.
Please note: Failure to abide by these expectations may result in the suspension or refusal of counselling services at our discretion. This policy is in place to protect the safety, dignity, and well-being of all participants and to maintain a respectful environment conducive to effective Islamic guidance.