Reflecting on Faith, Sacrifice, and Compassion: Lessons from This Week’s Sacred Events

Introduction:

As we approach important dates in the Islamic calendar alongside an international day of humanitarian awareness, this issue invites Muslim community leaders and imams to reflect on these events through an Islamic lens. Understanding the spiritual and ethical significance of these occasions equips us to foster more compassionate, informed, and ethically grounded Muslim communities.

20th Safar – Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (AS)

Arbaeen marks forty days after the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) in Karbala; a stand for truth, justice, and dignity that continues to inspire millions. It is also a time to remember the unimaginable suffering of the Prophet’s family in the aftermath of his passing. The Qur’an commands:

قُلْ لَا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى

“Say, I ask of you no reward for it except love for my near relatives.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:23)

Yet, despite this clear divine instruction, much of the Muslim community failed to honour and protect the Ahl al-Bayt after the Prophet’s death, leading to tragic events such as Karbala. Arbaeen calls us to re-examine our loyalty to the Prophet’s family, not merely in words but through action, justice, and compassion in our societies.

Message for Muslims Today: Let Arbaeen be a time to actively live the values of truth, fairness, and care for the oppressed, the very values the Ahl al-Bayt gave their lives to defend.

20th Safar – Return of the Ahl al-Bayt (AS) to Karbala

This day commemorates the return of the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Karbala after the tragedy, symbolising resilience and the preservation of truth despite suffering.

Their return is a reminder to maintain faith and integrity under hardship, reflecting the Qur’anic command:

وَاصْبِرْ وَمَا صَبْرُكَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ

“And be patient, for your patience is only through Allah.” (Qur’an 16:127)

Message for Muslims Today: Draw strength from patience and resilience in facing social and cultural challenges.

23rd Safar – The Breaking of Prophet Saleh’s She-Camel by His People

This event recalls the rejection of a divine sign by Prophet Saleh’s people, leading to their downfall due to arrogance and injustice.

It warns against ignoring signs of truth and justice, urging communities to embrace humility and ethical conduct. The Qur’an states:

فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَعَقَرُوهَا فَدَمْدَمَ عَلَيْهِمْ رَبُّهُمْ بِذَنْبِهِمْ فَسَوَّاهَا

“But they denied him and hamstrung the she-camel. So their Lord completely destroyed them and their city for their sins.” (Qur’an 91:14)

Message for Muslims Today: Recognise and protect the signs of Allah in our time – whether they are sacred values, vulnerable people, or moral truths – and stand against their harm or desecration.

19th August – World Humanitarian Day

An international day recognising humanitarian workers and raising awareness of humanitarian needs worldwide.

Islam emphasises compassion and care for all humanity, as reflected in the Prophet’s teaching:

مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً نَفَّسَ اَللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرَبَ اَلْآخِرَةِ وَ خَرَجَ مِنْ قَبْرِهِ وَ هُوَ ثَلِجُ اَلْفُؤَادِ وَ مَنْ أَطْعَمَهُ مِنْ جُوعٍ أَطْعَمَهُ اَللَّهُ مِنْ ثِمَارِ اَلْجَنَّةِ وَ مَنْ سَقَاهُ شَرْبَةً سَقَاهُ اَللَّهُ مِنَ اَلرَّحِيقِ اَلْمَخْتُومِ (بحارالانوار، ج ۷۱، ص ۳۲۱)

“ Whoever relieves a believer from a difficulty, Allah will relieve him from the difficulties of the Hereafter, and he will rise from his grave with a heart at peace. Whoever feeds him in his hunger, Allah will feed him from the fruits of Paradise. And whoever gives him a drink, Allah will give him to drink from the sealed nectar.”

Message for Muslims Today: Embrace and promote humanitarian values through active service in your communities and beyond.