Did you know...

• Intermittent fasting was a part of our tradition long before physicians recommended it.
• The Prophet (s) told a companion, Zahir bin Haram, who struggled with body image confidence, that he was valued in the eyes of Allah.
• Islam emphasizes the importance of consent and respect for personal boundaries, such as maintaining privacy in the bathroom and seeking permission before entering a room.
• Islam views entertainment as a human need. After striving for Allah's sake, we are encouraged to relax and have fun with permissible activities.
• The Prophet (s) advocated for social justice in a society that practiced racism, tribalism, and patriarchy.
• A companion with an alcohol problem was defended by the Prophet (s) when others cursed him.
• The women of Al-Madinah were encouraged to have strong personalities and inquisitive minds.
• The Prophet (s) taught a young companion, al-Fadl, to take personal responsibility for controlling his sexual urges by lowering his gaze.
• The Prophet (s) experienced a year-long sadness at the loss of his wife and uncle and worried when the religion of Allah was mocked. He relied on Allah and the community for emotional support.
• The most important qualities to focus on when seeking a spouse are not wealth or ethnicity, but character and religion, according to the Prophet (s).
• Fulfilling our responsibilities towards our parents has a profound impact on our life in this world and the Hereafter.
• Remembering Allah, reciting the Qur'an, and engaging in morning and evening dhikr routines comforted the Prophet (s) and served as a self-help mental health treatment.

After graduating from West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Amber Khan went on to pursue health education. She has been a Muslim youth educator since 2010, teaching physical, social, mental, reproductive, and sexual health education at schools and community centers. She has also been the chair of the Education Committee for the Islamic Medical Association of North America (IMANA) since 2015 and a community educator for The Family and Youth Institute since 2021. 

Sister Amber also holds an associate's degree in Islamic Studies from Mishkah University with a focus on Aqeedah and Dawah. 

The Health and Wellness: From an Islamic Perspective series is a comprehensive collection of books that delves into the vital aspects of the health and well-being of youth from an Islamic standpoint. This series is the first of its kind to tackle Muslim youth's most common health concerns by putting the Islamic way of life at the forefront of its answers and centering the Muslim narrative. Through practical guidance, insightful explanations based on research, and relatable examples and graphics, this series serves as a preventive intervention. By learning health from an Islamic perspective, Muslim youth may be more likely to practice Islam with confidence, reduce engagement in risky behavior, and improve their overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. 

From Level 1 to Level 6, The Health and Wellness: From an Islamic Perspective series offers a structured, age-appropriate approach filled with valuable knowledge that empowers Muslim youth to make informed choices and embrace a balanced lifestyle rooted in Islamic values. Catering to the diverse needs and developmental stages of readers, the books cover a wide range of topics, such as personal hygiene, nutritious eating, physical fitness, puberty, sexual health, mental illness, social health, body image, drug use, contemporary health issues, stress management, and spiritual health. 

The Health and Wellness: From an Islamic Perspective series can be used in schools, Islamic study circles, or homes, serving as an invaluable resource for parents, educators, youth leaders, imams, and mental health professionals. 

Have you ever considered how to nurture your students’ or children’s faith in Islam through a health education curriculum? This series delves into the wisdom underlying Islamic practices and beliefs, showcasing how they are precisely formulated by the One, All-Wise and All-Knowing Creator. Since this book falls within the category of health education, it addresses important health topics while adopting an Islamic perspective. These topics are presented with a focus on their relevance, engaging pedagogy, and age appropriateness. 

The series offers insights and answers to numerous questions confronting Muslim youth residing in Western contexts, such as the United States. Moreover, it endeavors to provide solutions for the challenges that Muslim communities encounter in multicultural and multi-religious environments. Additionally, it serves to reaffirm fundamental Islamic concepts and their authentic purpose. 

Level 2 presents topics suitable for ages 11 and above. The unit Reproductive and Sexual Health centers around the topic of puberty for both male and female students, recognizing that they are approaching or have already entered it based on their age. This level also discusses matters of hygiene common during puberty, including acne and body odor, as well as the Islamic rulings of taharah (spiritual purification) and body hair. 

Discussed topics:
UNIT A – REPRODUCTIVE & SEXUAL HEALTH
 

• Chapter 1: PUBERTY
• Section 1: Onset of Puberty
• Section 2: Physical Changes
• Section 3: Mental Changes
• Section 4: Spiritual Changes

Chapter 2: REPRODUCTION & MENSTRUATION

• Section 1: Reproductive Anatomy
• Section 2: The Process of Reproduction
• Section 3: Menstrual Cycle
• Section 4: Fiqh of Menstruation

Chapter 3: HYGIENE

• Section 1: Puberty & Hygiene
• Section 2: Fiqh of Hygiene
• Section 3: Common Contagious Illnesses

Please note that the topics are presented in an age-appropriate manner. Teachers are also advised to review the rest of the levels in the series, as these topics are discussed in greater depth to provide a more comprehensive understanding. For example, Levels 5 and 6 offer a more detailed view of reproductive and sexual health topics.