In a recent episode of the podcast 'Sakan' on Al Jazeera 360, Dr. Ahmed Miloud, a professor of Arab and Islamic history and culture, explores the profound impact that the disintegration of tribal and extended family structures has on individual mental health. He describes how the breakdown of these social frameworks has left Muslims vulnerable, stripping them of their 'psychological armor' and exposing them to the harsh realities of modern life. Without the protective network of family and tribe, individuals face greater challenges in coping with life's adversities.

Dr. Miloud critiques the current social structure, comparing it to a group of wild donkeys converging around a water source. He illustrates how individuals, driven by immediate material interests (such as jobs or services), form temporary and instrumental relationships that lack emotional fulfillment and lasting security. As soon as the mutual interests fade, these individuals return to their isolation, leading to a sense of perpetual loneliness and existential alienation. This paradigm shift, from community tightness to individual disintegration, highlights the urgent need for a return to supportive social connections.

The consequences of this tribal absence extend beyond emotional issues, precipitating a rise in psychological fragility among individuals facing life’s challenges. Dr. Miloud emphasizes that without the stabilizing presence of a community or tribe, people are increasingly susceptible to emotional distress, manifesting in mental health crises. The conversation raises critical questions about modern life and societal organization, urging a re-examination of our collective values regarding belonging, community, and mental health in a rapidly changing world.