Colloquium Meetings 2026-2027

By Muslims, for Muslims: Building Culturally Rooted Psychedelic Education and Care

Abstract: Muslims are already part of the psychedelic landscape. They are turning to these medicines for trauma, addiction, and spiritual disconnection, often quietly and without guidance from their own tradition or community. Yet most education, clinical expertise, and integration support is built without Muslims in mind, and the Islamic conversation about these substances remains largely closed.

This talk argues that safe and meaningful engagement requires awareness, education, and expertise that are rooted in the culture, lineages, and intellectual tradition of Islam, and created by and for Muslims. It draws on the work of Ruhani, which is convening Muslim leaders, supporting scholarly and anthropological research, and building spaces where faith and healing can be discussed seriously rather than in silence.

I will share what we are seeing in how Muslims are using psychedelics, where the gaps in support lie, and what needs to happen next to promote healthy use. That includes culturally literate practitioners, leader and community education, harm-reduction approaches that respect religious frameworks, and closer collaboration between universities, clinicians, and Muslim communities.

Bio: Sughra's expertise lies in religion, plant medicines and Muslim cultures. Working in a range of spiritual and religious capacities, Sughra Ahmed has spent time in the UK and USA exploring contextual theology, religious expressions and plant medicines across communities of faith and belief. As Associate Dean for Religious Life, at Stanford University her role included preaching, research and pastoral care with a focus on person centred care of staff and students.