With winter on the horizon and the holiday season of Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, it’s common to know someone who might feel lonely, isolated or disconnected. Despite all the advanced communication tools we have, loneliness remains a persistent challenge.
Growing up in Mombasa, Kenya, life used to center around tightly knit extended families living together. Daily activities included school, after-school tutoring, sports clubs, cemetery visits, congregational prayers and baraza, the traditional community gatherings. Weekends were filled with excitement, featuring beach walks, cricket, soccer, fishing and swimming. With no big screens around, there was always something to keep both teenagers and seniors entertained.
There were certainly moments in my life, particularly during my years studying in the United Kingdom, when I felt like I lacked genuine friendships. While I had classmates and a few casual friends or acquaintances, none of them felt as deeply connected to me as my brothers, sisters and mother back home.
During my rotation and co-op, I moved from city to city without knowing anyone, often feeling lonely. To cope, I found comfort in God, read books and enjoyed watching soccer or cricket. Sharing my thoughts and feelings with God became a source of solace. My constant companion was the shortwave radio, which I used to listen to world news on BBC, Voice of America, and Voice of India, along with Hindi songs. It provided an escape that eased my loneliness.
The National Institute on Aging highlights that loneliness and isolation can have serious effects on mental health. They report that 1 in 4 Americans over 65 experiences social isolation, which significantly raises the risk of dementia, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.
What is loneliness?
Loneliness — not the extreme kind like solitary confinement, but the everyday isolation many experience — is often overlooked by families and public health initiatives. Lately, it’s become a big concern in America, drawing attention from the surgeon general and Centers for Disease Control.
Loneliness is just as harmful as serious illnesses like cancer or heart disease. It can take a heavy toll on both mental and physical health, particularly for people with disabilities or those living alone. For seniors, losing a spouse or companion often creates a space for loneliness to take hold. Many with disabilities face obstacles that restrict their activities and social interactions, and nearly half of those who live alone report feeling lonely and lacking companionship.
According to AARP, over 8 million adults aged 50 and older experience isolation, with health risks similar to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. In early 2024, 30% of adults reported feeling lonely at least once a week, and 10% experienced it daily. Almost half of U.S. adults struggle with significant loneliness.
Teens and screens have a complicated relationship that can negatively affect mental health and well-being over time. Devices like smartphones, TVs and social media often give a false sense of connection or community. This change in how friendships are formed can sometimes push teens toward extremism, risky behaviors, toxic content, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and feelings of loneliness.
The U.S. surgeon general’s advisory suggests various ways to address the growing issue of loneliness. These include creating spaces for connection, hosting community programs like movie nights in parks, library events and playground activities, and supporting organizations that foster social interactions.
I’m proud of the innovation in Upper Macungie Township, where I live, with its proposal for a $38.5 million community center at Grange Park that, according to the nonprofit involved, would be the largest in the Lehigh Valley. Upper Macungie also hosts movie nights at Lone Lane Park.
An Islamic perspective
Islam emphasizes the importance of building connections and fostering social interactions. Muslims are encouraged to pray together five times daily and attend Friday prayers, creating opportunities to bond. The concept of community (Ummah) is fundamental, promoting unity and strength. Being part of a community helps combat loneliness by providing support, shared experiences and regular social engagement, especially during group prayers and Islamic celebrations. These events often include refreshments (Tabaruk) or meals (Nyaz), enhancing the sense of togetherness.
Studies reveal that activities like daily communal prayers, Friday prayers, Ramadan iftars, Eid celebrations, and honoring Imam Husayn’s martyrdom can help combat loneliness. Frequent mosque visits are also linked to reduced anxiety and depression, better sleep quality, and improved emotional regulation, anger management and resilience.
Daily congregational prayers highlight unity, uniting people from all walks of life — rich or poor, happy or troubled, influential or everyday individuals — to stand together in devotion. Annually, millions of Muslims come together for events like Hajj, Ashura, and Arbaeen in Mecca and Karbala, fostering a worldwide connection that stretches across continents, from the Americas to Africa to Asia.
This is a contributed opinion column. Mohammed Khaku is past president of Al Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. For more details on commentaries, read our guide to guest opinions at themorningcall.com/opinions.
https://www.mcall.com/2025/10/12/opinion-holidays-can-be-a-time-of-joy-but-also-of-loneliness/
