Faith, Integrity, and Thoughtfulness: Guiding Lights for Our Time

Introduction

As we enter a new week, we are reminded once again that the rhythm of the Islamic calendar connects our present challenges with the timeless wisdom of our past. The commemorations of this week invite us to reflect on sincerity, moral leadership, educational upbringing, and the cultivation of sound thought. Each occasion carries a message that can strengthen today’s Muslim communities and enrich the moral vision of our leaders, educators, and families.

3 Jumada al-Thānī: The Martyrdom of Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (11 AH)

Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (as), the luminous daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (s), embodied purity, devotion, and sincere worship. Her life reflected the highest ideals of spiritual truth and moral courage. In a world overwhelmed with outward show, her legacy reminds us that true elevation comes through inner sincerity and unwavering commitment to God. She taught:

مَنْ أَصْعَدَ إِلَى اللَّهِ خَالِصَ عِبَادَتِهِ أَهْبَطَ اللَّهُ لَهُ أَفْضَلَ مَصْلَحَتِهِ

“Whoever sends up to Allah pure and sincere worship, Allah sends down for him what is best for his welfare.” (Tanbīh al-Khawāṭir, vol. 2, p. 108)

Message for Today:

Let sincerity, not appearance, shape your relationship with God and guide your actions.

30 Jumada al-Awwal: Passing of ʿAllāmah Ali-Asghar Karbās̱chiyān (2003 CE / 1424 AH)

ʿAllāmah Karbās̱chiyān was a pioneer of holistic Muslim education, founding schools that combined academic excellence with deep moral formation. His legacy is rooted in cultivating students who are strong both intellectually and spiritually. In today’s educational climate – often dominated by competition and results – the Qur’anic model of role-modelling is vital. God says:

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:

Be a role model before you become a teacher; character teaches more powerfully than words.

1 Jumada al-Thānī: Passing of Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Fāḍil Lankarānī (2007 CE / 1428 AH)

Grand Ayatollah Lankarānī (r) was a leading jurist known for his scholarship, humility, and deep concern for the Muslim community. His teachings emphasised clarity in faith and responsibility in practice.

Message for Today:

Let your religious understanding lead you toward service, humility, and moral clarity.

3 Jumada al-Thānī: Passing of Muhammad Ibrāhīm Āyati (1964 CE / 1384 AH)

Muhammad Ibrāhīm Āyati was a distinguished historian, Qur’anic researcher, and university lecturer whose works helped shape modern understanding of early Islamic history. His clarity, integrity, and methodological precision made him one of the most trusted contemporary voices in the field. The Qur’an underscores the communal need for trustworthy experts when it states:

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

“Ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Qur’an 16:43)

Message for Muslims Today:

Seek knowledge from credible, honest scholars who embody integrity and depth, especially when navigating questions of history and religion.

20 November: World Philosophy Day

World Philosophy Day celebrates humanity’s pursuit of wisdom, critical reasoning, and the ethical questions that shape civilisations. For Muslims, philosophical reflection has historically been a vital part of engaging with revelation, understanding creation, and cultivating sound judgement. Philosophical inquiry resonates deeply with the Qur’anic call to pursue wisdom. Allah says:

يُؤْتِي الْحِكْمَةَ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَمَن يُؤْتَ الْحِكْمَةَ فَقَدْ أُوتِيَ خَيْرًا كَثِيرًا

“He grants wisdom to whom He wills, and whoever is granted wisdom has indeed been given abundant good.” (Qur’an 2:269)

In a world saturated with information yet devoid of meaning, the Qur’an reminds us of that knowledge alone does not confer nobility. Knowledge has a human source, whereas wisdom has a divine origin; this is why knowledge is always limited and prone to error, while true wisdom is free from fault. To attain wisdom, we must connect ourselves to the divine source of revelation.

Message for Today:

Seek wisdom derived from divine guidance for yourself and your children and avoid being trapped by false credentialism.