Walking with Truth, Wisdom and Compassion

Introduction

As we enter the week from Wednesday 29 July to Tuesday 4 August 2026, we encounter a remarkable collection of historical, spiritual and humanitarian occasions. These events remind us that Islam nurtures both the heart and the intellect, personal devotion and social responsibility.

14 Ṣafar: Birth of Ḥakīm Mullā Muḥammad Fayḍ Kāshānī (1007 AH)

Mullā Muḥammad Fayḍ Kāshānī (1007–1091 AH) was one of the greatest Shi’ah scholars, philosophers, Qur’anic exegetes, jurists and mystics of the Safavid period. A distinguished student of Mullā Ṣadrā, he authored more than one hundred works, including Al-Wāfī, Al-Maḥajjah al-Bayḍāʾ and Tafsīr al-Ṣāfī, which continue to influence Islamic scholarship today.

The Qur’an praises those who possess true knowledge:

إِنَّمَا يَخْشَى اللَّهَ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الْعُلَمَاءُ

“It is only those of His servants who possess knowledge that truly stand in awe of Allah.”

(Qur’an 35:28)

This verse teaches that authentic scholarship produces humility before God rather than pride.

Message for Today:

Seek knowledge that transforms character as well as intellect.

15 Ṣafar: The Beginning of the Illness of the Noble Messenger of Allah

During the latter part of Ṣafar in the eleventh year after Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became seriously ill. Despite his physical weakness, he continued to advise the Muslim community, emphasising prayer, justice, compassion and unity until his passing.

The words, conduct and teachings of the Noble Prophet of Islam ﷺ throughout his blessed life remain, even after fourteen centuries, the most radiant embodiment of an ethical, God-centred way of life. As the Holy Qur’an declares:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example.” (Qur’an 33:21)

Message for Today:

Become more familiar with the life, character and teachings of the Noble Prophet of Islam (pbuh), and help your children grow in their knowledge and love of his exemplary way of life.

18 Ṣafar: Martyrdom of Uways al-Qaranī in the Battle of Ṣiffīn (37 AH)

Uways al-Qaranī was one of the most devoted believers of the early Islamic community. Although he never met the Prophet (PBUH) in person because he remained with his elderly mother, the Prophet (pbuh) praised his sincerity and piety. Uways later supported Imam ʿAlī (peace be upon him) and was martyred during the Battle of Ṣiffīn.

His life teaches that true honour comes through sincerity, obedience to parents and loyalty to justice – not through fame or worldly status.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:

إِنَّ أُوَيْسًا خَيْرُ التَّابِعِينَ (معالم الفتن، ج۲، ص ۷۵)

“Indeed, Uways is among the best of the Tābi’īn.”

Message for Today:

Do not miss the opportunity and blessing of serving your parents sincerely and without expecting anything in return.

20 Ṣafar: Arba’een of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him)

The twentieth of Ṣafar marks forty days after the martyrdom of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) and his companions at Karbalā’. Arba’een has become one of the greatest annual gatherings of Muslims, commemorating sacrifice for justice, truth and human dignity.

Arba’een reminds humanity that oppression can never extinguish truth. Imam al-Ḥusayn’s stand continues to inspire resistance against injustice, corruption and tyranny.

Message for Today:

Stand firmly for justice, regardless of the cost.

20 Ṣafar: The Return of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) to Karbalā’

After their release from captivity, the family of Imam al-Ḥusayn (pbuh) returned to Karbalā’ on the twentieth of Ṣafar, where they mourned their loved ones and renewed the message of Karbalā’.

Their return illustrates extraordinary resilience after unimaginable suffering. Rather than allowing tragedy to silence them, they transformed grief into moral awakening for future generations.

The Qur’an teaches:

وَلَا تَهِنُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَنْتُمُ الْأَعْلَوْنَ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُؤْمِنِينَ

“Do not lose heart nor fall into despair, for you shall prevail if you are believers.” (Qur’an 3:139)

Message for Today:

Transform suffering into hope and constructive action.

20 Ṣafar: The Reunion of the Blessed Head of Imam al-Ḥusayn (pbuh) with His Sacred Body

The blessed head of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him), which had been taken from Karbalā’, was later returned and reunited with his sacred body on the twentieth of Ṣafar.

Allah says:

وَلَا تَحْسَبَنَّ الَّذِينَ قُتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَمْوَاتًا بَلْ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّهِمْ يُرْزَقُونَ

“Do not think of those who have been slain in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving His provision.” (Qur’an 3:169)

Message for Today:

Human dignity can never be erased by the malicious intentions or oppressive efforts of tyrants. Just as the dignity and honour of Imam al-Ḥusayn (peace be upon him) have not diminished over the centuries, they continue to shine ever more brightly with each passing day.

8 Mordād / 30^th July: Commemoration of Shaykh Shihāb al-Dīn Suhrawardī

Shaykh Shihāb al-Dīn Suhrawardī (549–587 AH), known as Shaykh al-Ishrāq, founded the School of Illumination (Ḥikmat al-Ishrāq). His philosophical writings combined rational inquiry with spiritual insight and left a lasting influence upon Islamic philosophy.

His legacy reminds Muslims that reason and revelation complement one another. Intellectual excellence should illuminate faith rather than weaken it.

Message for Today:

Encourage yourselves and your children to pursue both knowledge and a deeper commitment to their faith.

30 July: International Day of Friendship

The United Nations designated 30 July as the International Day of Friendship to encourage friendship among peoples, cultures and nations as a means of promoting peace, dialogue and mutual understanding.

Friendship in Islam extends beyond social companionship; it is a means of strengthening faith, serving society and promoting peace.

Message for Today:

Build friendships that strengthen faith, compassion and social harmony.