Beyond the Calendar: Faith as a Lens for Our Time

Introduction

Each week, this magazine reflects on key global and Islamic occasions, helping Imams and cultural leaders connect timeless faith with today’s realities. The days ahead invite us to revisit towering Muslim scholars and global values, and to rediscover how Islam guides ethical leadership, justice, and human dignity in every age.

1 Ramadan: Death of Abu Ali Sina (Avicenna) (428 AH)

Abu Ali Sina was one of the greatest Muslim physicians and philosophers, whose works such as The Canon of Medicine shaped science for centuries. He symbolised the unity of faith, reason, and knowledge.

In a world facing misinformation and moral confusion, Ibn Sina reminds us that knowledge must serve truth and humanity. Islam honours those who seek knowledge for the sake of God.

Message for today:

Seek knowledge that strengthens both faith and service to society.

1 Ramadan: Death of Sayedeh Nosrat Amin Isfahani (1403 AH / 1983 CE)

Sayedeh Nosrat Amin was a pioneering female Islamic scholar in Iran, renowned for her Qur’anic exegesis and legal expertise. She proved that scholarship and piety are not limited by gender.

At a time when women’s voices are often marginalised or misrepresented, her life reflects Islam’s deep respect for women’s knowledge and spiritual authority.

Message for today:

Empower women as leaders of knowledge, faith, and community.

3 Ramadan: Death of Shaykh al-Mufid (413 AH)

Shaykh al-Mufid was a foundational Shia theologian and jurist who defended Islamic beliefs through reason and revelation. He trained many great scholars and strengthened Shi‘a intellectual life.

In an age of confusion and doubt, he teaches us that faith must be supported by knowledge and clarity.

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

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

Message for today:

Protect faith through learning, dialogue, and wisdom.

20 February: World Day of Social Justice

Established by the United Nations, this day calls for fairness, equality, and the protection of human rights across the globe.

While many speak of justice today, Islam teaches that true justice must be rooted in divine guidance, not ideology.

لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا رُسُلَنَا بِالْبَيِّنَاتِ وَأَنزَلْنَا مَعَهُمُ الْكِتَابَ وَالْمِيزَانَ لِيَقُومَ النَّاسُ بِالْقِسْطِ

“We have indeed sent Our messengers with clear proofs, and sent down with them the Scripture and the Balance, so that people may uphold justice.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:25)

Message for today:

Do not accept everything presented to you as “justice” by the media. Many of these are pseudo-justice or false forms of justice. True justice must be in accordance with divine revelation.

21 February: International Mother Language Day

This day honours linguistic diversity and the right of all peoples to preserve their native languages and cultural identity.

In a globalised world, Islam values diversity as a sign of God’s wisdom, not a cause for division.

Message for today:

Respect languages and cultures as signs of God, not barriers.

Closing Reflection

These occasions remind us that Islam is not confined to the past – it is a living guide for justice, knowledge, unity, and dignity. By grounding our responses to today’s challenges in divine values, we help our communities walk the path of ethical, faithful leadership.