Truth, Trust, and Transformation: Islamic Lessons for a Changing World

Introduction

As we enter the week of 15–21 October 2025, we reflect upon the lives of several towering scholars of Islam and a global call for eradication of poverty. Each occasion is a reminder that knowledge, compassion, and action remain at the heart of faith. For imams and cultural leaders, these dates are not mere commemorations but opportunities to translate timeless Islamic wisdom into the living reality of today’s world.

22 Rabiʿ al-Thānī – Passing of Mullā Mohsen Fayz Kāshānī (1091 AH)

A prolific scholar, philosopher, and mystic, Fayz Kāshānī integrated reason and spirituality, drawing from Qur’an, ḥadīth, and ethics to create a holistic vision of faith. His works such as al-Maḥajjah al-Bayḍāʾ remain a bridge between knowledge and purification of the soul.

Message for Today:

Fayz Kāshānī’s life is a reminder for us to seek knowledge that nurtures both intellect and character.

23 Rabiʿ al-Thānī – Passing of Mullā Ahmad Narāqī (1245 AH)

A jurist and social reformer, Narāqī authored ʿAwd al-Amr and Miʿrāj al-Saʿādah, emphasising the moral responsibilities of believers and rulers alike. He was among the first to articulate the idea that leadership in society must align with divine law and justice.

Message for Today:

Leadership, at every level, is an act of trust before Allah, not a privilege for the self.

26 Rabiʿ al-Thānī – Passing of Āqā Najafī Qūchānī (1363 AH / 1944 CE)

Sayyid Muhammad Hasan Hosseini (1295–1363 AH), known as Aqa Najafi Quchani, was a prominent scholar and jurist of the 14th century AH. Among his most important works are Seyahat-e Sharq (“Journey to the East”) and Seyahat-e Gharb (“Journey to the West”). His book Seyahat-e Gharb presents, in a remarkably creative manner, a depiction of the nature of the Barzakh (the intermediate world between death and resurrection) and the journey of souls after death.

Message for Today:

Let us, by reflecting deeply on the realms that follow death, prepare ourselves – from this very moment – for those inevitable stages of existence.

26 Rabiʿ al-Thānī – Passing of Sayyid Mujtaba Musavi Lari (1434 AH / 2013 CE)

A modern scholar and author of Ethics and Spiritual Growth, Sayyid Lari dedicated his life to presenting Islam in contemporary language, addressing global audiences with clarity and reason. He was a living example of wisdom and piety together, as Quran commands:

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ

“Call to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good counsel.” (Qur’an 16:125)

Message for Today:

Communicate Islam with wisdom, relevance, and kindness.

28 Rabiʿ al-Thānī – Passing of Allāmah ʿAbd al-Ḥusayn al-Amīnī (1390 AH / 1970 CE)

Author of the encyclopaedic al-Ghadīr, Allāmah Amīnī devoted his life to authentic scholarship and unity based on truth. His meticulous research into the Hadith of Ghadir established a model of intellectual honesty and dialogue across traditions. He wrote 11 volumes of his book (Al-Ghadir) to elaborate on this profound Hadith of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH):

پیامبر اسلام (ص): مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلاَهُ فَعَلِيٌّ مَوْلاَهُ

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): “Whoever I am his master (mawlā), then ʿAlī is his master (mawlā).”

Message for Today:

Let us reflect upon the life, conduct, and words of Amir al-Mu’minin (Imam Ali, peace be upon him), and strive to bring our own lives into closer harmony with his noble example.

17 October – International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

This global day calls humanity to end poverty and injustice. Islam anticipated this mission through the divine injunctions of zakāh, khums, and ṣadaqah – building economic compassion as a pillar of faith. The Qur’an praises those who give constantly, by night and by day:

الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ بِاللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ سِرًّا وَعَلَانِيَةً

“Those who spend their wealth by night and by day, secretly and openly…” (Qur’an 2:274)

Message for Today:

Give generously and wisely; social justice begins with personal responsibility.

Closing Reflection

These anniversaries and observances together form a living curriculum for Muslim leaders: purify the heart, lead with justice, act with sincerity, teach with wisdom, learn with honesty, and give with compassion. Each of these scholars – and the global call against poverty – reminds us that faith is action, and action is the true voice of faith.