Returnees from Iraq

Psychological Resilience and Spiritual Healing

The psychological aspects associated with the experiences of returnees are profound. The trauma of displacement has long-lasting effects, and consequently, psychological resilience is a crucial area of focus within Shia teachings. There is a recognition that spiritual practices serve as mechanisms for psychological healing, drawing upon the rich reservoir of Shia rituals and prayers designed to provide solace and reflection.

Prayer, meditation, and community supplication—integrated within the framework of Shia worship—offer returnees pathways to navigate feelings of loss, longing, and uncertainty. The act of gathering for communal prayers can serve to diminish feelings of isolation, fostering a sense of collective healing that acknowledges shared hardships while simultaneously reinforcing faith in divine benevolence.