Chaplaincy Care
Berkeley Muslim Life provides chaplaincy care to UC Berkeley students and staff through 1-on-1 appointments with our Chaplain Afraz Khan.
Note: If you are not a UC Berkeley student and/or have graduated and are interested in receiving Muslim counseling services, please visit Khalil Center's appointment request form.
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A chaplain is a spiritual care professional tending to an individual’s religious, spiritual and emotional needs. They provide a confidential, nonjudgmental space where a care seeker can share their story, process their experience and have support in making meaning of their journey. Along the way, a chaplain can provide spiritual insights and guidance to help ground one’s narrative in a God-centric reality.
The word “chaplain” itself comes from the Latin word “cappa” meaning cloak. As part of our chaplaincy care, we embrace those who come to us with warmth and safety.
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Our specific approach to chaplaincy care is rooted in the example of our Beloved Messenger Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).
In the Qur’an [33:45-46], God Almighty beautifully describes the role of the Prophet in four ways: he is a “witness,” a “deliverer of good news,” a “warner,” and a “beacon of light” calling to the Way of God.
We strive to embody this Prophetic ethic when providing chaplaincy care to our community. We serve to witness and affirm one’s journey and emotions, lend hope and a promising outlook of their experience, give caution regarding what may be harming them or others and ultimately help illuminate their continued path to God Almighty.
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Our chaplaincy care is meant for all UC Berkeley students, staff and faculty. From navigating struggles of faith and identity to handling relationship or academic challenges, we are here to support and accompany each person as they reflect on the meaning of their experience.
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UC Berkeley students, staff, and faculty can book an appointment with our chaplain Afraz below. At this time, chaplaincy care is only available to current UC Berkeley students and employees.
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Through the Muslim Mental Health Initiative (MMHI), current UC Berkeley students can also book an appointment with our Khalil Center clinicians who conduct wellness check-in consultations.
Students can also access UC Berkeley’s mental health resources here.