Learning from the Past, Preparing for the Future

Introduction

Every week brings moments that invite us to remember, reflect, and renew our commitment to Allah SWT. The occasions in this week’s calendar connect us with the sacrifices of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), the pursuit of knowledge, and the responsibility of preparing future generations with faith, wisdom, and practical skills. For Muslim leaders, teachers, and educators, these occasions provide valuable opportunities to relate timeless Islamic principles to the challenges of contemporary life.

1 Safar (15 July): The Arrival of the Captives in Damascus

Following the tragedy of Karbala in 61 AH, the surviving members of Imam al-Husayn’s family (peace be upon him), including women and children, were taken captive and brought to Damascus. Their courage and powerful speeches transformed what appeared to be a military victory into a moral defeat for oppression.

The arrival of the captives reminds Muslims that dignity, truth, and faith can never be defeated by injustice. Islam teaches believers to stand firmly for justice even when they possess little worldly power:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ بِالْقِسْطِ

“O you who believe! Stand firmly for justice.” (Qur’an 4:135)

The courage of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) demonstrates that speaking the truth is itself a form of worship and resistance against oppression.

Message for Today: Build communities that defend truth with wisdom, courage, and dignity.

1 Safar (15 July): The Battle of Siffin

The Battle of Siffin took place in 37 AH between Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) and the forces of Mu’awiyah. The Battle of Siffin is a striking example of the ugliness and destructive consequences of two harmful traits within a society: hypocrisy and naivety. Hypocrites such as Ash’ath ibn Qays, together with naïve individuals such as Abu Musa al-Ash’ari, placed such pressure on Imam Ali (peace be upon him) and his loyal companions that they compelled him to accept arbitration.

Message for Today: Learn to recognise the hypocrites of your own time – those whose outward appearance contradicts their true intentions – and strive never to become one of them yourself.

15 July: World Youth Skills Day

World Youth Skills Day was established by the United Nations in 2014 and is observed annually on 15 July. It highlights the importance of equipping young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.

Islam encourages believers to develop beneficial skills that enable them to contribute positively to society. Alongside vocational and professional abilities, Muslims should also cultivate ethical character, responsibility, and service to others.

Message for Today: Equip young people with skills that strengthen both their future and their faith.

3 Safar (17 July): The Blessed Birth of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him)

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him) was born in 57 AH. He became one of Islam’s greatest scholars and laid strong foundations for the spread of authentic Islamic knowledge during a period of political change.

At a time when information is abundant but wisdom is often lacking, Imam al-Baqir teaches Muslims to combine knowledge with moral discipline and self-control. He said:

اَلصَّبْرُ صَبْرَانِ: صَبْرٌ عَلَى الْبَلَاءِ حَسَنٌ جَمِيلٌ، وَأَفْضَلُ الصَّبْرَيْنِ الْوَرَعُ عَنِ الْمَحَارِمِ

“Patience is of two kinds: patience in hardship, which is noble and beautiful; and the better of the two is keeping away from what Allah has forbidden.”

Message for Today: Teach people not only to endure hardship, but also to resist temptation.

3 Safar (17 July): The Birth of Shaykh al-Ra’īs Ibn Sina (Avicenna)

Ibn Sina (980–1037 CE) was one of the greatest physicians, philosophers, and scientists of the Islamic Golden Age. His works influenced medicine and philosophy for centuries in both the Muslim world and Europe.

His life demonstrates that Islam encourages intellectual excellence, scientific discovery, and lifelong learning when knowledge is pursued with sincerity and for the benefit of humanity.

Message for Today: Inspire young Muslims to excel in both faith and professional knowledge.

5 Safar (19 July): The Martyrdom of Lady Ruqayyah bint al-Husayn (peace be upon her)

According to widely accepted historical reports, Lady Ruqayyah, the young daughter of Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), was martyred in captivity in Damascus after enduring the suffering that followed the tragedy of Karbala.

Message for Today: Recognise the cruelty of those who have opposed Islam, who showed no mercy even to children and continue to do so today. Reject their injustice and distance yourselves from their actions.