Guidance from History for Contemporary Ethical Living

Introduction

This week’s commemorations, spanning from 1–7 July 2026 (corresponding to mid-Muharram), bring together a range of significant historical, scholarly and spiritual events in Islamic history. Each occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on faith, morality, leadership, and responsibility in today’s world.

17 Muharram: The Destruction of the People of the Elephant (Ashab al-Fil)

This refers to the divine intervention that protected the Ka‘bah when Abraha’s army attempted to destroy it. According to the Holy Quran, birds sent by Allah destroyed the invading force:

وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ ، تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ ، فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَّأْكُولٍ

“And He sent against them birds in flocks, striking them with stones of baked clay, and He made them like eaten straw.” (Qur’an 105:3–5)

This event reminds believers of divine protection over sacred values and places. It reinforces trust in Allah’s ultimate power over human arrogance.

Message for Today:

No power based on arrogance can ultimately prevail against divine truth.

17 Muharram: Birth of Sheikh Baha’i

Sheikh Baha’i was a prominent Muslim scholar, mathematician, architect and jurist who contributed significantly to the sciences. His life reflects the harmony between faith and knowledge, showing that intellectual excellence can serve religion.

Message for Today:

Muslims today should combine religious commitment with scientific and intellectual growth.

18 Muharram: Passing of Ayatollah Ali Safi Golpaygani

A respected Shi‘a jurist and marja‘, known for his scholarship and devotion to Islamic law and ethics. His life highlights the importance of religious leadership rooted in humility and service.

Message for Today:

True leadership in Islam is based on knowledge, piety and responsibility toward society.

18 Muharram: Passing of Allama Tabataba’i (1402 AH)

Allama Tabataba’i, a contemporary philosopher and Qur’anic exegete, devoted more than twenty years of his blessed life to compiling the twenty-volume Tafsir al-Mizan. He believed that since the Holy Qur’an is described as:

هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

“A guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)” (Qur’an 2:185)

it is therefore possible – and indeed necessary – to interpret the Qur’an by referring to the Qur’an itself. For this reason, his approach in al-Mizan is based on “interpreting the Qur’an through the Qur’an” (tafsir al-Qur’an bil-Qur’an).

Tafsir al-Mizan has been published in several languages and has been widely praised by leading scholars as a comprehensive and authentic work of Qur’anic exegesis.

Message for Today:

Deep understanding of the Qur’an is essential for navigating modern intellectual challenges.

19 Muharram: Departure of the Caravan of Karbala Captives towards Syria

After the tragedy of Karbala, the surviving family of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) was taken as captives towards Damascus.

The caravan of the captives of Karbala – despite their suffering – moved from station to station with dignity and honour, faithfully conveying to future generations the timeless message of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) that:

إِنِّي لَا أَرَى الْمَوْتَ إِلَّا سَعَادَةً، وَلَا الْحَيَاةَ مَعَ الظَّالِمِينَ إِلَّا بَرَمًا

Imam Hussein (as): “I see death as nothing but happiness and living with oppressors as nothing but misery.”

Message for Today:

Standing for justice may require patience through hardship and suffering.

22 Muharram: Arrival of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) at Siffin

Mu‘awiyah is portrayed in Islamic history as a symbol of hypocrisy and deception, and for this reason he was unable to reconcile with Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who represented the pure and authentic Islam of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family). Mu‘awiyah’s deceit and hypocrisy even extended into the battlefield, as some so-called religious people were unable to distinguish between a true believer and those who merely appeared religious while concealing hypocrisy.

Message for Today:

Learn and teach the skill of recognising and distinguishing a hypocrite from a truly devout believer through careful attention to their signs and patterns of behaviour.

22 Muharram: Passing of Sheikh Tusi

A foundational Muslim scholar and author of key works in jurisprudence and hadith studies. He established structured Islamic legal methodology that continues to influence religious scholarship.

Message for Today:

Strong intellectual foundations are essential for preserving religious understanding.