Blog by Nihmanah F.A.
In this month’s blog, we’ll be sharing a conversation with Nihmanah F.A – an avid volunteer of Islamic centre of Britain (ICoB). Nihmanah, shares her experience of living with Autism and being deaf and how this has impacted her life.
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Nihmanah F.A. I would describe myself as a Muslim Hijabi who is deaf, a British Sign Language (BSL) user and Autistic. As a student at college, I studied a variety of courses, including Early Years, Beauty Therapy and an Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care – a two-year program that is equivalent to three A levels.
As part of my learning about Islam and the deen, I have been memorising the Qur’an alongside doing Islamic Studies, which has benefited me in many ways, and I would be able to teach it in the future In’Sha’Allah.
How would you summarise our conversation today?
I am sharing something about a topic that is not often talked about in the Muslim community. This is something that I have personally experienced and that is Autism (invisible disability) and Deaf. I will be sharing my experience and how people can still live a fulfilling life.
How would you describe Autism?
Autism is a developmental disability that both children and adults have from any age. It is a hidden disability and not a physical disability and according to the National Autistic Society they have mentioned that “More than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum and there are around 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.” People with autism might be shut down and melt down. The difference between them both is that shutting down is like a flight and fight. You know when someone with autism would be unable to communicate or find it difficult to talk about their feelings to their parents, friends or even other family members. Meltdown is where they have a loss of control due to the overwhelming amount from their sensory input and causing a high amount of anxiety as well.
What kind of response do you get from the Muslim community as someone with Autism?
Being autistic as a whole can be challenging, however in the Muslim Community it is even harder. This is due to the fact that not many people understand what Autism is and how hidden disabilities can affect people as a whole. It is not easy having to mask your disabilities all the time in places you are unfamiliar with. Simple things like not being able to eat spicy food, can affect my day! This can affect how I cope with my sensory levels, as food is one of the areas within the Autism spectrum.
How does being Autistic affect someone’s mental well-being?
Being autistic can affect someone’s mental well-being.
In addition to being autistic and deaf myself, I have anxiety, which can affect my mental health on a regular basis. There are days when I am able to be myself, but there are other days when I get very anxious and sometimes get panic attacks.
The concept of routine is one that is crucial to being autistic, but it also has a huge impact on mental health as it can affect each individual by routine. For example, if your college classes were cancelled last minute, it would upset your brain and make your day worse since your routine isn’t what you expect it to be, which can trigger a panic attack or even shut you down from others.
Tell us about your journey of being Deaf and learning BSL?
Alongside being Autistic, another aspect I like to talk about is being Deaf and learning BSL. I have had hearing loss (deaf/hard of hearing) since a very young age. Even though I am deaf, I am a hearing aid user and predominantly use sign language as a form of communication in my daily life. I am also using lip-reading to help me communicate with friends and family. I am currently in the process of gaining my BSL qualification. This will not only help me, but also help fellow Muslims in the community access services they desperately need.
Tell us about Nasheed-Signing and why it is important?
I have been learning sign language to nasheeds and naats for the past two years. This has allowed me to showcase my passion and love for praising Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and Allah in a language that is visual based and an official language as well.
By learning sign language, I have been able to create a business called “Nasheeds Signing,” where I can teach other children nasheed-signing and post Islamic reels in sign language. My work can be viewed on instagram: @nasheeds_signing_ .
Since creating nasheeds signing, it has helped me but also many fellows deaf Muslims who might not be able to understand nasheeds and how sign language can benefit the community. I hope that my work, inspires people and help bring people closer to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). In’Sha’Allah, once I am fully qualified in sign language, I intend to teach nasheed signing to people all over the world.
How would you like to see ICoB help people with hidden and visible disabilities in the future?
I would like to see ICoB being at the forefront of helping those who have disability as a whole. For example, having ramps for the wheelchair users, having symbols for signs like toilets, classroom and library.
You can also try and learn the basics for communication aids (BSL, Makaton , Tassels etc) and also encourage deaf awareness as well. That way you are able to communicate better with those in need and understand those people who need this assistance in their lifetime.
