1 of 9 Artist in Residence for Pocc x Clear Channel

  • Lareb Naseem
  • James Chipman

I alongside nine other artists in residence with Pocc were selected for a national #billboard campaign focusing on #selfcare & #mentalhealth. We were asked the following question: "What do you do to check in on your mental health?" and I answered with the following... Name: Salah / Namāz / Prayer Description: Salah (prayer) is self-care. It is the time within the day I and millions of other #Muslims around the world take out to reconnect with our Lord Allah Subhanahu wa ta'ala, Arabic for "The most glorified, the most high". Salah is a reminder to us all and to keep us in check- "O my people, this worldly life is only [temporary] enjoyment, and indeed, the Hereafter - that is the home of [permanent] settlement. (Quran 40:39)" This life is a test and how we treat others and how we treat ourselves is all that matters. Our bodies are a gift from God- and we will be held accountable for how we treat said bodies. So I think I can put aside time in my day to thank Allah SWT for giving me this life, and take time out to ground myself when things get too overwhelming. It’s something I truly wish I took advantage of growing up, only now am I realising the importance of it and this realisation itself is a part of his test. It’s never too late to look after yourself and prayer is definitely mine and millions of other Muslims forms of self-care, a check-in with myself and God. Please find photographs below!