Rooted in Justice, Led by Devotion: Navigating the Week Ahead

Introduction

Dear Imams and community leaders, this week presents a profound opportunity to bridge our sacred history with global ethical challenges. By reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice of the “Mother of Believers” and the universal call for equality, we can guide our congregations towards more compassionate and principled living in the modern world.

10 Ramadan: The Passing of Lady Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (as)

Lady Khadijah (as), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was the first person to embrace Islam and the primary supporter of the nascent divine mission. Her passing, along with that of Abu Talib, marked the “Year of Sorrow” (Am al-Huzn), as she was the Prophet’s greatest source of emotional and financial strength.

In an era where the role of women in leadership and social progress is often debated, Lady Khadijah stands as the ultimate archetype of a visionary businesswoman and intellectual who dedicated her wealth to social justice. Islam views her sacrifice not as a loss, but as the foundational pillar of the faith’s survival. God refers to this support in the Qur’an:

«وَوَجَدَكَ عَائِلًا فَأَغْنَىٰ»

“And He found you poor and made you self-sufficient.” (Surah Ad-Duha, 93:8)

Commentators like Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi note that this “self-sufficiency” was granted to the Prophet (pbuh) through the resources and devotion of Lady Khadijah.

Message for today:

Muslims today must honour her legacy by actively empowering and supporting women’s leadership and intellectual contributions as the backbone of our communities.

1 March: Zero Discrimination Day

Established by the United Nations, this day aims to promote equality before the law and in practice throughout all member states. it challenges the systemic prejudices related to race, gender, health status, and ethnicity that prevent people from living full and dignified lives.

This day is a platform to reiterate that Islam was a pioneer in dismantling tribalism and racism 1,400 years ago. Discrimination is seen as a disease of the heart that contradicts the very essence of Tawhid (the Oneness of God), which necessitates the oneness of the human family. The Qur’an explicitly states:

«يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ»

“O mankind, indeed, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

Message for today:

We must move beyond mere slogans and ensure our mosques and centres are truly inclusive spaces where no one feels marginalised due to their background or status.