Many in the Muslim community are affected by suicide. However, we scarcely hear this deeply relevant and real issue discussed in our Islamic circles.
Join us for a special 3-week Series on Breaking the Silence on Suicide, as we work to correct that by diving deep into the causes, impacts, stigma, community response, and religious guidance surrounding this this far reaching topic and the broader subject of mental health.
Led by Othman Altalib, Abdelwahab Elsirag, Social Worker Suheir Kafri, and Imam Kebba Sallah, each week will feature a different combination of speakers as they discuss suicide through the lenses of their various expertise and experiences.
This series was designed for all attendees who wish to learn more about this subject. Whether you simply want to know more, know a loved one dealing with this issue, or are yourself struggling, we hope you will come away with knowledge, guidance, clarity, and empathy. Resources will be available each week for those who may find them of benefit.
Due to the mature and sensitive subject matter, those under the age of 18 will not be admitted. Featuring a talk and discussion, doors open at 7:15 for coffee and connection with the event beginning at 7:30 in Qahwa Cafe. Purchasing a ticket is encouraged and donations are always graciously appreciated to help support future events. We look forward to your attendance.
About the Grounding: Comprised of a talk and discussion questions, our weekly interactive series for young adults and working professionals ages 21+ examines contemporary issues through spiritual lens.
Schedule
Week 1: Understanding the Struggle - w/ Othman Altalib
Understanding the causes and struggles people face (loneliness, depression, pressure, trauma, etc.), and acknowledging the silent but heavy burdens many face.
Week 2: Finding Hope & Healing - w/ Abdelwahab Elsirag and Othman Altalib
Where we will discuss value and sanctity of life in Islam, emphasizing hope, Allah’s mercy, and highlight how seeking help is not a sign of weak faith.
Week 3: Building Support & Community w/ Abdelwahab Elsirag, Suheir Kafri, and Imam Kebba Sallah
Where we examine the role and responsibility of the community, recognize warning signs, learn how to support one another, and reduce the stigma around mental health.
About The Speakers
Othman Altalib
Othman Altalib lives by one central mission: inspiring others to find their purpose and live it with passion every single day, all while putting the ummah first. With nearly 15 years leading teams at IBM, Google, and multiple startups, he’s cultivated the discipline to RYSE above challenges while helping others do the same.
For 20 years, Othman has delivered Khutbahs across the country focusing on aligning our purpose with the greater good of the ummah, reminding us that true leadership means serving something larger than ourselves. Through RYSE Coaching, Othman helps individuals identify their "why" and cultivate the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical fortitude to live by it. His mission is to help people RYSE beyond their limitations, live with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to the world, so that our legacy extends far beyond us, and uplifts the Ummah for generations to come.
Abdelwahab Elsirag
Abdelwahab Elsirag is the President & CEO of I Will Coaching LLC, a Northern Virginia–based life-coaching and therapeutic Services agency. With over a decade of experience in mentoring, parent coaching, and clinical individual and family support, he works closely with youth, parents, and community partners to promote resilience, growth, and healthier family systems. Abdelwahab is passionate about bridging professional expertise with cultural and faith-based perspectives, empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with confidence. His programs serve hundreds of families each year across multiple counties, building stronger communities through practical tools, compassion, and consistency.
Suheir Kafri
Suheir Kafri is a Licensed Social Worker at the ADAMS Center in Sterling, VA and holds a QMHP-A certification in Mental Health from the Virginia Board of Counseling as a Qualified Mental Health Professional and licenure from the Virginia Board of Social Work . Suheir manages the ADAMS Mental Health Program and developed the ADAMS network of mental health providers. Suheir serves as Chair, of the Loudoun County Family Services Advisory Board and is in her second four-year term.
Suheir has also formed partnerships between ADAMS and county organizations to provide informed seminars and workshops within the mosque setting to better inform the community on how to seek services that will enable them to be enriched through all the resources available to them, through both Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Imam Kebba Sallah
Imam Kebba Sallah was born and raised in the Washington D.C. area. He is the community Imam for the ADAMS Sully branch in Chantilly, Virginia and has completed memorization of the Holy Quran and has ijaazah in Qiraat Hafs An Assim. He has studied Islamic sciences in the traditional method with local and international teachers. He is a student of Imam Mohamed Magid and other U.S. based scholars. He studied classical Arabic language at Qasid Institute in Amman, Jordan and continues to pursue advanced Arabic mastery.
He has led taraweeh, daily prayers, Khutbas, and Halaqaat for over 14 years at ADAMS and other institutions in the Northern Virginia area. He has served on the board of Hidayah Academy and McLean Islamic Center for several years. He has extensive experience with youth development and has led local youth mentoring programs for nearly a decade within the Northern Virginia community.