Journeys of Knowledge and Journeys Across the Earth

Introduction:

Every week offers an opportunity to look at familiar events through a deeper lens. This week, the memory of a Qur’anic scholar and the global observance of tourism invite us to reflect on two forms of journey: the journey of knowledge and the journey across the earth. Both can become acts of worship when guided by faith, responsibility and a search for truth.

12 Rabīʿ al-Thānī: The Passing of Mahdi Elahi Qomshe’i, Qur’an Translator

Mahdi Elahi Qomshe’i (c. 1901–1973) was an Iranian scholar, philosopher, mystic, poet and translator of the Qur’an. He studied Islamic sciences and philosophy in Qomsheh (Shahreza), Isfahan and Mashhad before teaching Islamic philosophy and related subjects in Tehran, including at University of Tehran. He is particularly remembered for his Persian translation of the Qur’an, as well as works in Islamic philosophy, mysticism and religious literature. He passed away on 12 Rabīʿ al-Thānī 1393 AH (25 Ordibehesht 1352 SH / 1973) and was buried in Qom near the shrine of Lady Fatimah al-Ma‘sūmah. Throughout the centuries, translations of the Qur’an have opened the way for people of different languages to understand the Word of Divine Revelation. This understanding, in turn, should serve as a prelude to putting the Qur’an’s lofty teachings into practice and bringing about a change in our everyday conduct. Only then can we truly be counted among those who are guided by the Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an beautifully states:

إِنَّ هَذَا الْقُرْآنَ يَهْدِي لِلَّتِي هِيَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ الَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ الصَّالِحَاتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًا كَبِيرًا

“Indeed, this Qur’an guides to that which is most upright and gives good news to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward.” (Qur’an 17:9)

Message for today:

Let us preserve the Qur’an not merely by reciting its words, but by learning its meanings and carrying its guidance responsibly into our lives.

27 September: World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day has been observed annually on 27 September since 1980. Tourism has since become a major global social and economic activity, connecting people with different cultures, landscapes and communities. The United Nations notes that tourism provides livelihoods to hundreds of millions of people and has important links with sustainable development, cultural exchange and the protection of natural and cultural heritage. For Muslims, travel can be more than leisure: it can be an opportunity to contemplate creation, encounter different peoples with dignity, appreciate cultural diversity and recognise humanity’s shared dependence on the Creator. The Holy Quran says:

قُلْ سِيرُوا فِي الْأَرْضِ فَانْظُرُوا كَيْفَ بَدَأَ الْخَلْقَ ثُمَّ اللَّهُ يُنْشِئُ النَّشْأَةَ الْآخِرَةَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

“Say, ‘Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation, then Allah will bring it into being one more time. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.’” (Qur’an 29:20)

Message for today:

Let every journey become an opportunity to learn, show hospitality, respect creation and encounter other peoples with humility and good character.