Living Faithfully in Our Time: Lessons from History and Today’s World

Introduction

This week’s occasions remind us that Islamic history is not only a record of the past, but a living source of guidance for facing the moral, social, and spiritual challenges of our own time.

9 Sha‘ban: The Final Letter of Imam al-Mahdi (AJ) to Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari (329 AH)

On 9 Sha‘ban 329 AH, Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance) issued his final letter to Ali ibn Muhammad al-Samari, the last of the Four Deputies. This letter marked the beginning of the Major Occultation (al-Ghaybah al-Kubra).

This event reminds Muslims that divine guidance continues even in the absence of direct access to the Imam, through scholars, reason, Hadith, and the Qur’an. Islam teaches responsibility, patience, and active hope rather than passive waiting. Imam Mahdi said:

«وَأَمَّا الْحَوَادِثُ الْوَاقِعَةُ فَارْجِعُوا فِيهَا إِلَىٰ رُوَاةِ أَحَادِيثِنَا»

“And as for new events that occur, refer to those who transmit our traditions.”

Message for today:

Be spiritually prepared, socially responsible, and connected to authentic Islamic knowledge.

11 Sha‘ban: Birth of Ali Akbar (AS) and Youth Day (33 AH)

Ali Akbar (peace be upon him), the son of Imam Husayn (AS), was born in 33 AH and was martyred at Karbala. He was renowned for resembling the Prophet (PBUH) in character and speech.

Islam presents youth not as a time for carelessness, but as the peak of moral courage and identity. Ali Akbar (pbuh) represents a model of faith, dignity, and conscious sacrifice.

Message for today:

Youth is the best time to build strong faith, moral courage, and meaningful purpose.

11 Sha‘ban: Death of Allama Muhammad Taqi Majlisi (1070 AH)

Allama Majlisi was one of the most influential Shi‘a scholars, playing a key role in reviving Islamic learning in Safavid Iran and shaping religious education.

His life highlights the importance of scholarship, teaching, and preserving religious knowledge in times of intellectual confusion and cultural change. Quran always praises knowledge and reflection:

يَرْفَعِ اللّٰهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنْكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ

“Allah raises those who believe and those who are given knowledge in rank.” (Qur’an 58:11)

Message for today:

Invest in learning and teaching Islam with depth, clarity, and responsibility.

11 Sha‘ban: Death of Sheikh Muhammad Taqi Aqa Najafi (Aqa Najafi Isfahani) (1331 AH / 1914 CE)

Aqa Najafi was a leading religious authority in Isfahan, known for his resistance to foreign influence and moral corruption during colonial pressures. His life reminds Muslims that scholars must engage with society, defend ethical values, and stand against injustice and moral decay.

Message for today:

Religious leadership must combine spiritual guidance with social courage.

28 January: International Day of Peaceful Coexistence

This international day promotes dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful living among diverse cultures and religions.

Islam sees peaceful coexistence as a core principle, rooted in justice, dignity, and mercy for all humanity. Quran teaches us that:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوباً وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا

“O mankind, We created you from male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.” (Qur’an 49:13)

Message for today:

Build bridges, not walls – with justice, respect, and Islamic ethics.

Closing Reflection

This week teaches us that true faith is lived through responsibility in absence, courage in youth, knowledge in leadership, and peace in diversity. Islam is not merely a memory of the past; it is a guide for shaping a better present and future.