“My Lord! Cause me to enter whatever I may do sincerely, and cause me to leave it sincerely, and grant me supporting authority from Your presence.”
— Qur’an 17:80
This prayer, recited during times of transition, has been my anchor when I stepped into my role at MYH, and now, as I prepare to leave it. It speaks to entering and exiting each chapter with sincerity, integrity, and the support of something greater. That has been my prayer, and the spirit in which I say goodbye.
I joined Muslim Youth Helpline in July 2020, when the world was in flux. We were all trying to find our feet amidst a global pandemic and growing uncertainty. Becoming the CEO of a mental health helpline during such a period has been a journey filled with light, learning, and, yes, moments of heartache, but I would not change a single thing.
Over the last five years, I’ve come to understand far more deeply the realities facing young Muslims in the UK: the resilience they carry, the pain they often bear in silence, and the structural challenges they face every single day.
We are a young community, nearly half of Muslims in the UK are under 25. And we are disproportionately impacted by mental health struggles, often with few safe places to turn.
One in two young Muslims has experienced anxiety or depression. Two-thirds have had suicidal thoughts. Compared to the general population, this is stark and sobering.
Consider also:
- Two-thirds of young Muslims report being bullied in school.
- 70% of Muslims experiencing mental health challenges have also faced Islamophobia.
- 40% of Muslims in the UK live in the most deprived areas.
- And Muslims have the lowest hourly earnings across the UK population.
When young people are growing up in poverty, discrimination, and isolation, the mental toll is profound. Research tells us children from low-income households are four times more likely to develop severe mental health conditions by age 11, than those from high-income homes. These realities demand attention and action.
At MYH, I’ve learned that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about holding space for others. It’s about listening, acting with honour, and staying true to your principles, especially when no one is watching.
In this spirit of thoughtful and principled leadership, we now turn the page to a new chapter for MYH. I’m delighted to introduce our new CEO, Aamer Chaudhry, who brings a wealth of insight and experience in the charity sector and a deep commitment to supporting young people at MYH.
To our donors, partners, volunteers, and friends: Thank you. You gave not out of obligation but out of love. You believed in our mission and the value of every young person who reached out for help. You stood with us and with them. You are the quiet champions of our community’s well-being.
To our young people, you have taught me more than you’ll ever know. Your courage, vulnerability, and strength gave me purpose on the hard days. Each time you reached out to MYH, you reminded me why this work matters. You are never alone, and you are never without worth.
To my team and everyone who has walked alongside me in this work, thank you for the trust, the growth, and the memories.
And to God always and above all, thank You for letting me serve, carrying me through, and granting me the honour of this chapter.
“My Lord! Cause me to enter whatever I may do sincerely, and cause me to leave it sincerely, and grant me supporting authority from Your presence.”
— Qur’an 17:80
With love, prayers, and a heart full of gratitude,
Maaria Mahmood
PS. As I close this chapter, I’m doing one final thing for MYH: raising funds for a campaign I couldn’t complete during my time: an Emergency Support Fund. This fund is designed to help young people in crisis access immediate assistance when they need it most.
If you’ve ever believed in MYH’s mission, in the power of showing up for our young people when no one else will, I invite you to give one more time, for one more life changed.
Donate to the MYH Emergency Support fund:
https://muslimyouthhelpline.donorsupport.co/page/FUNTUVEYYKH