February 19, 2026

RAMADAN BEGINS, BLACK HISTORY STORIES CONTINUE AND EVENT HIGHLIGHTS SHARED

RAMADAN - THE FIRST 10 DAYS

As you know, the first ten days of Ramadan 2026 are known as the Days of Mercy (Rahmah)—a sacred time to renew our intentions, strengthen our faith, and seek Allah’s blessings. As the month begins, our community along with Muslims around the world turn to fasting, prayer, reflection, and gratitude, reconnecting with our Creator, families, and communities.

Fasting from dawn to sunset nurtures patience, humility, and empathy. Each prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and act of remembrance carries multiplied reward, reminding us of Allah’s vast mercy and compassion.

These days also call us to sincere repentance and renewal. Through du‘a, reflection, and reconciliation, we seek forgiveness and strive to repair relationships, extending mercy to others as we hope for it ourselves.

Sadaqah/Charity is especially meaningful during this time. Whether through financial support, sharing meals, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness, generosity reflects the true spirit of Ramadan.

May these first ten days bring mercy, forgiveness, renewed faith, and abundant blessings for all. Ramadan Mubarak!

RAMADAN AND MENTAL HEALTH:

HOW THE FASTING MONTH IMPACTS WELL-BEING

MAS-SSF wants to share information on ways Ramadan can benefit your mental health. Although the long fasts come with challenges, it also is a month to re-set the soul and the mind. Click here to read more about:

Spiritual Growth and Mindfulness
A Sense of Community
Self-Discipline
A Digital and Mental Detox
How to Care for Youth Mental Health During Ramadan

Throughout this month we will continue to offer interesting details on esteemed Muslim African scholars of the Islamic Golden Age whose pioneering work helped shape early understandings of psychology and mental health.

Al-Jahiz

Al-Jahiz (c. 776–868 CE), born in Basra (modern-day Iraq), was a groundbreaking Muslim scholar of East African descent whose work bridged zoology, sociology, and early psychology during the Abbasid era.

In his seven-volume Kitab al-Hayawan (The Book of Animals), he closely examined animal behavior, social organization, adaptation, and survival—centuries before modern behavioral science.
In his writings on human societies, he explored how climate, culture, diet, and community influence temperament and personality—highlighting the powerful link between environment and mental well-being.
He described how environment, scarcity, and social dynamics shape behavior, anticipating key principles of environmental psychology and stress response theory.
Al-Jahiz distinguished between instinctive and learned behavior, laying early foundations for comparative psychology.
Through sharp social commentary and humor, he examined pride, envy, bias, and self-deception—early insights into cognitive and emotional patterns.
He also defended the dignity and intellectual contributions of Black communities, recognizing the psychological harm of prejudice and social exclusion.
Al-Jahiz’s legacy reminds us that mental health is deeply connected to environment, identity, resilience, and community—an understanding that remains central to holistic wellness today.

Next Week We Will Share Another Profile of a Noteworthy Muslim Scholar!

A NIGHT OF CULTURE AND COMMUNITY AT THE ASA BANQUET

On Saturday, February 7th, the Afghan Student Association (ASA) on the Sacramento State University (SSU) campus held its Fourth Annual Cultural Banquet and MAS-SSF was invited to join.

MAS-SSF staff, alongside other Afghan service providers and local businesses, connected with new community members to share information about our services, workshops, and programs. Through banners, flyers, and printed materials, our team introduced guests to the range of support we offer — while engaging in meaningful one-on-one conversations with more than 30 attendees throughout the evening.

The program also showcased the richness of Afghan culture through lively performances and community recognition, including:

A live musical performance by Samir Roashan
The Attan, a traditional Afghan dance celebrating unity and heritage
A cultural fashion show highlighting traditional clothing from across Afghanistan
A team recognition and award ceremony honoring event organizers and contributors

Guests also enjoyed a variety of Afghan delicacies, adding to the festive atmosphere. The evening was a joyful opportunity to celebrate Afghan culture, strengthen community connections, and share space in appreciation of tradition and unity.

Many thanks to the ASA for inviting MAS-SSF to participate and to SSU for allowing students to hold this Banquet in the spacious Union Ballroom on campus!

BUILDING HEALTHIER SLEEP HABITS: OMID FOR AFGHANS HOSTS IMPACTFUL WELLNESS DISCUSSION

On February 11th, the MAS-SSF Omid for Afghan Program hosted a new Sleep Management and Personal Wellness Discussion Group led by Paris Ashrafi, Clinical Marriage and Family Support Trainee. A total of 26 adults actively participated, engaging in meaningful dialogue and asking thoughtful questions throughout the session held at the Salam Center.

One participant shared that the topic was especially timely and helpful. She described struggling with insomnia, daytime fatigue, and difficulty concentrating while driving — even missing red lights at times due to sleep deprivation. Through the discussion, she gained a clearer understanding of how disrupted sleep was affecting her daily life and learned practical strategies to better manage her condition.

The discussion group focused on:

Healthy sleep habits and the strong connection between sleep, mental health, and overall wellbeing
The impact of sleep deprivation on mood, focus, and daily functioning, along with practical strategies to improve sleep routines and environment
Guided practice of the 4-7-8 breathing technique to help calm the mind and body before bedtime

Meanwhile, 33 children were cared for through supervised babysitting, enjoying engaging, hands-on activities and nutritious snacks.

MAS-SSF is pleased with the high level of participation and the positive feedback received from attendees.