Guiding Principles from Our Heritage for Today’s Challenges

Introduction

As we step into a new week, we reflect on historical milestones that illuminate our present and guide our future. Each of these anniversaries offers a doorway into Islamic wisdom – insights that help imams, community leaders, and educators empower their communities toward ethical living, unity, and spiritual growth.

5 Jumada al-Thani – Passing of Ibn Abī al-Ḥadīd (656 AH)

Ibn Abī al-Ḥadīd was a Sunni scholar who held profound admiration for Amir al-Mu’minin ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (a). He authored a detailed commentary on Nahj al-Balāgha, in which he highlighted the virtues and pre-eminence of Imam ʿAlī (a) over the first three caliphs. One of his odes in praise of Imam ʿAlī (a) was even inscribed around the shrine of the Imam. His life exemplifies that adherence to a particular school of thought or tradition should never – and cannot – blind a truth-seeking individual to the luminous and unparalleled words of Nahj al-Balāgha and the extraordinary character of Amir al-Mu’minin (a).

Message for Today:

Encourage your community to pay greater attention to their authentic heritage, such as Nahj al-Balāgha, and to make fuller use of it.

5 Jumada al-Thani – Passing of Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn

Mawlānā, left behind one of the greatest masterpieces of Persian mystical literature: The Masnavi, a six-volume work containing 25,632 verses. Through symbolic and instructive stories, Mawlānā explores the struggles of the human soul on its journey toward God, illuminating the path of love, purification, and inner awakening.

In an age filled with distraction, spiritual fatigue, and identity confusion, Mawlānā’s teachings remind us that the journey to God requires patience, self-discipline, and sincere effort. His message echoes the Qur’anic principle that the path to divine closeness is not effortless but deeply transformative:

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا

“As for those who strive in Our path, We shall surely guide them to Our ways.” (Qur’an 29:69)

This verse mirrors the spiritual labour embodied in the Masnavi – striving against the ego, purifying the heart, and walking the path of truth even when it is difficult.

Message for Today:

Encourage your community to embrace spiritual discipline and inner growth as part of everyday life, not as an occasional act.

8 Jumada al-Thani – Passing of Sayyid ʿAbd al-Ḥusayn Sharaf al-Dīn al-ʿĀmilī (1377 AH / 1958 CE)

Sayyid Sharaf al-Dīn was a leading scholar of unity (taqrīb), dialogue, and reconciliation among Muslim schools of thought. His works and efforts significantly shaped modern Muslim unity movements. At a time when sectarian tensions continue to affect Muslim societies, Sayyid Sharaf al-Dīn’s message is urgently needed. The Qur’an commands:

وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا

“Hold fast together to the rope of Allah, and do not become divided.” (3:103)

His life teaches us that unity is not a slogan, but a responsibility grounded in faith, knowledge, and mutual respect.

Message for Today:

Promote unity-focused programmes that strengthen trust and cooperation across Muslim communities.

10 Jumada al-Thani – The Covenant of Imam Ali (a) with the People of Najran (37 AH)

This covenant is an Islamic example of legal protection, fairness, and social harmony between Muslims and non-Muslims. It outlines security, religious freedom, and rights for the Christian community of Najran under Imam Ali’s governance.

In our diverse societies, this document serves as a model of justice and coexistence. The Qur’an affirms:

لَا يَنْهَاكُمُ اللَّهُ عَنِ الَّذِينَ لَمْ يُقَاتِلُوكُمْ فِي الدِّينِ وَلَمْ يُخْرِجُوكُمْ مِنْ دِيَارِكُمْ أَنْ تَبَرُّوهُمْ وَتُقْسِطُوا إِلَيْهِمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ

“Allah does not forbid you from being kind and just towards those who do not fight you on account of religion and do not drive you out of your homes. Indeed, from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Qur’an 60:8)

Message for Today:

Champion justice and respectful coexistence with people of all faiths in your communities.