Memory, Mercy, and Moral Responsibility

This week is not merely a sequence of dates; it is a set of reminders. It gathers together prophetic history, the legacy of the Imams (pbut), the witness of scholars, and a public call to care for the world we inhabit.

14 Khordad / 3 June 2026: Passing of Imam Khomeini (R.A.)

Imam Sayyid Ruhollah al-Musavi al-Khomeini (R.A.), one of the most influential Muslim scholars and leaders of the modern era, passed away on 14 Khordad 1368 SH (3 June 1989). Through his scholarship, spiritual insight, and steadfast leadership, he played a decisive role in the Islamic Revival of the twentieth century and inspired millions of Muslims to reconnect faith with social responsibility, justice, and resistance to oppression.

Imam Khomeini devoted his life to promoting these Qur’anic principles and reminding Muslims that faith must be reflected not only in personal devotion but also in the pursuit of justice and the defence of the oppressed.

Message for today: A believer should combine spiritual devotion with moral courage, striving to uphold justice, dignity, and service to humanity in every sphere of life.

18 Dhu al-Hijjah: The end of the Flood of Noah (A.S.)

The Qur’an describes the end of Noah’s Flood with striking brevity: the waters subsided, the command was fulfilled, and the Ark came to rest on Mount Judi. This is the Qur’anic image of deliverance after steadfastness.

وَقِيلَ يَا أَرْضُ ابْلَعِي مَاءَكِ وَيَا سَمَاءُ أَقْلِعِي وَغِيضَ الْمَاءُ وَقُضِيَ الْأَمْرُ وَاسْتَوَتْ عَلَى الْجُودِيِّ وَقِيلَ بُعْدًا لِلْقَوْمِ الظَّالِمِينَ

(هود، ۴۴)

“And it was said: ‘O earth, swallow your water, and O sky, withhold (your rain).’ And the water subsided, and the matter was accomplished, and the Ark came to rest upon Mount Al-Jūdī. And it was said: ‘Away with the wrongdoing people.’” (Hud 11:44)

In our time, this speaks to moral patience, collective responsibility, and the certainty that corruption does not last forever. Islam teaches that deliverance belongs to those who remain faithful when the waters rise.

Message for today: Hold firm to faith and duty when the world feels overwhelmed.

18 Dhu al-Hijjah: The fire of Nimrod made cool for Abraham (A.S.)

The Qur’an recounts how Ibrahim was cast into fire, yet Allah made it “coolness and safety” for him. The miracle is not only about rescue; it is about divine protection for the one who stands for truth.

قُلْنَا يَا نَارُ كُونِي بَرْدًا وَسَلَامًا عَلَى إِبْرَاهِيمَ (الانبیاء، ۶۹)

“We said: ‘O fire, be coolness and safety upon Abraham.’” (Al-Anbiyā’, 21:69)

Message for today: Faith must remain steady even when principled living becomes costly.

18 Dhu al-Hijjah: Eid al-Ghadir

Shia historical memory places the event of Ghadir Khumm on 18 Dhu al-Hijjah in the year 10 AH, after the Prophet’s Farewell Pilgrimage. It is remembered as the day of declaration, covenant, and continuation of divine guidance. Quran says:

الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا (المائده، ۳)

“Today I have perfected your faith for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your way.” (Al-Ma’idah 5:3)

Message for today: Truthful leadership is a religious duty, not a political luxury.

20 Dhu al-Hijjah: Birth of Imam Musa al-Kazim (A.S.)

Imam Musa al-Kazim (pbuh) is the seventh Imam (pbuh) of Twelver Shi‘ism. He is remembered for his patience, restraint, worship, and the very quality embedded in his title: the one who restrains anger.

The Qur’an describes the people of excellence in terms that fit his moral legacy:

الَّذِينَ يُنْفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ (آل عمران، ۱۳۴)

“Those who spend in prosperity and in adversity, who restrain anger, and who pardon people – and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Aal ‘Imran 3:134)

Message for today: Restraint of anger is not weakness; it is worship in action.

22 Dhu al-Hijjah: Martyrdom of Maytham al-Tammar

Maytham al-Tammar was one of the distinguished companions and loyal followers of Imam Ali (pbuh), and he was executed under Umayyad rule. His memory belongs to the long Islamic tradition of people who chose truth over safety.

Message for today: Stand for truth even when truth is unpopular.

22 Dhu al-Hijjah: Passing of Khwaja Abdullah Ansari

Khwaja Abdullah Ansari was a major Persian Sufi writer and religious scholar, remembered for devotional prose and spiritual reflection. He passed away in Herat in Dhū al-Hijjah 481 AH, around the late eleventh century.

Message for today: A strong Muslim heart is built in reflection, prayer, and sincerity.

22 Dhu al-Hijjah: Passing of Shaykh Abbas Qummi

Shaykh Abbas Qummi was a prominent Shi‘a hadith scholar and the compiler of Mafatih al-Jinan, one of the most widely used devotional collections in Shi‘a life. His work made acts of worship, du‘a, and ziyarat more accessible to ordinary believers.

Message for today: Preserve religious learning in forms that people can actually carry into daily life.

5 June 2026: World Environment Day

World Environment Day is a United Nations observance held annually on 5 June since 1973, led by UNEP. At a time of climate anxiety, waste, pollution, and ecological loss, Islam asks Muslims to see environmental care as part of worship, not an optional extra.

Message for today: Caring for the earth is a religious responsibility tied to faith itself.