Lessons from the Past, Actions for the Present: Islamic Values in Focus

As we navigate the tapestry of life, key historical events and commemorative days offer profound opportunities for reflection, growth, and action. This week, we explore a rich array of occasions: the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the remembrance of Sheikh Mufid’s scholarly legacy, the death of Abdul Muttalib, and the martyrdom of Ayatollah Modarres. Each of these moments carries timeless lessons deeply rooted in Islamic values.

Furthermore, as we continue our thematic exploration of The Approach of Islamic Values in Strengthening Family Foundations, we turn our focus to the importance of nurturing strong families as the bedrock of a vibrant Islamic society. Through this editorial, we aim to connect these significant events to actionable principles, helping us draw from the wisdom of our faith to enrich our lives today.

03^rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Celebrating Inclusivity and Compassion

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a moment to reaffirm our commitment to creating an inclusive and compassionate society. Islam encourages support for those with disabilities, viewing it as both a moral obligation and a path to divine reward. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“مَنْ أَعَانَ ضَعِیفاً فِی بَدَنِهِ عَلَى أَمْرِهِ أَعَانَهُ اَللَّهُ عَلَى أَمْرِهِ“

“Whoever assists a person with physical weakness in their affairs, Allah will assist them in their own affairs.”

This teaching reminds us that by supporting individuals with disabilities—whether through accessibility, understanding, or advocacy—we fulfil a divine responsibility and nurture a just society. In this week’s Hadith section, we have examined this profound saying of the Prophet of Islam from various perspectives. As Muslims, we must reflect on how we can enhance our communities to accommodate and empower all individuals, ensuring no one is left behind.

29 November – Sheikh Mufid Day: Honouring the Legacy of a Great Scholar

The 29^th November commemorates the life and works of Sheikh Mufid (RA), a luminary of Islamic scholarship whose contributions to theology, jurisprudence, and Shia thought continue to resonate. His works, like Kitab al-Irshad, inspire Muslims to seek knowledge and deepen their faith.

The Quran emphasises the value of knowledge:

“یَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا مِنْکُمْ وَالَّذِینَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ“

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Surah Al-Mujadila, 58:11)

On this day, let us reflect on Sheikh Mufid’s enduring legacy and strive to follow his example by contributing to the intellectual and spiritual enrichment of our communities.

27^th Jumada al-Awwal: The Death of Abdul Muttalib: A Role Model of Devotion and Leadership

The death anniversary of Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), is a time to reflect on his unwavering dedication to monotheism and his pivotal role in protecting the Kaaba. He set a standard of faith and leadership that inspired future generations.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself reflected on the virtues of his lineage, stating:

“إِنَّ اللَّهَ اِصْطَفَى کِنَانَةَ مِنْ وَلَدِ إِسْمَاعِیلَ، وَ اِصْطَفَى قُرَیْشاً مِنْ کِنَانَةَ، وَ اِصْطَفَى مِنْ قُرَیْشٍ بَنِی هَاشِمَ، وَ اِصْطَفَانِی مِنْ بَنِی هَاشِمَ“

“Indeed, Allah chose Kinanah from the descendants of Ismail, Quraysh from Kinanah, Banu Hashim from Quraysh, and me from Banu Hashim.”

Abdul Muttalib’s life teaches us the importance of steadfast belief and serving as protectors of faith, values we must strive to emulate in our own lives.

10^th Azar: Martyrdom of Ayatollah Modarres: Courage and Justice in Leadership

The martyrdom of Ayatollah Modarres on the 10^th of Azar is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in defence of truth, justice, and the Islamic way of life. His life exemplified resistance to oppression and dedication to serving the people through Islamic principles.

The Quran commands believers to stand firmly for justice:

“یَا أَیُّهَا الَّذِینَ آمَنُوا کُونُوا قَوَّامِینَ بِالْقِسْطِ شُهَدَاءَ لِلَّهِ“

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:135)

Let Ayatollah Modarres’s unwavering stance inspire us to advocate for justice in our daily lives, ensuring that fairness and integrity remain at the heart of our actions.

Strengthening Family Foundations: The Approach of Islamic Values

Continuing the discussions from previous editions, this week’s focus is on The Approach of Islamic Values in Strengthening Family Foundations. Family is the cornerstone of Islamic society, fostering love, support, and moral growth. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said:

“خَیْرُکُمْ خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَهْلِی“

“The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.”

Families serve as the first environment where values are instilled, faith is nurtured, and individuals find solace. By fostering mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to shared goals, we can ensure that our families become beacons of Islamic virtue and stability in a rapidly changing world.

In this issue, we delve into practical strategies inspired by Islamic teachings to strengthen familial bonds, promote effective communication, and ensure a nurturing environment for all family members.

Continuing the discussions from previous editions, this week’s focus is on The Approach of Islamic Values in Strengthening Family Foundations. Family is the cornerstone of Islamic society, fostering love, support, and moral growth. The Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) said:

“خَیْرُکُمْ خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَیْرُکُمْ لِأَهْلِی“

“The best of you is the one who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.”

Families serve as the first environment where values are instilled, faith is nurtured, and individuals find solace. By fostering mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to shared goals, we can ensure that our families become beacons of Islamic virtue and stability in a rapidly changing world.

In this issue, we delve into practical strategies inspired by Islamic teachings to strengthen familial bonds, promote effective communication, and ensure a nurturing environment for all family members.