From Zaynab’s Courage to the Qur’an’s Call for Justice

Introduction:

Every week offers an opportunity to connect the lessons of our past with the responsibilities of our present. From the courage of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her) and the sacrifice of the companions at Mu’tah to the pursuit of knowledge, the dignity of persons with disabilities, and the eradication of poverty, this week’s observances invite us to reflect on what it means to live faithfully and serve humanity. For Muslims, remembrance becomes meaningful when it inspires justice, compassion, wisdom and practical action.

14 October: World Standards Day

First celebrated in 1970, World Standards Day recognises the contributions of experts and organisations that develop standards for the safety, reliability, compatibility and quality of products, services and systems. These standards support international trade, public safety and technological cooperation. Islam places a strong emphasis on honesty, excellence, accuracy and fulfilling obligations, principles that underpin responsible standard-setting and professional practice.

Message for Today: Uphold honesty, accuracy, transparency and accountability in every professional undertaking, recognising that quality and reliability are ethical responsibilities as well as technical requirements.

15 October: International White Cane Safety Day

The white cane has become a widely recognised symbol of independent mobility and a practical tool that helps blind and visually impaired people navigate their surroundings. The White Cane Safety Day promotes public awareness, safer streets and equal participation in society. The Holy Qur’an reminds believers that human dignity is universal and inclusive and is in no way diminished by any physical disabilities or impairments.

وَلَقَدْ كَرَّمْنَا بَنِي آدَمَ

“And We have certainly honoured the children of Adam.” (Qur’an 17:70)

Message for Today: Build mosques, schools and community spaces that are accessible to all, and replace pity and exclusion with respect, equal opportunity and meaningful participation.

5 Jumada al-Awwal: The Birth Anniversary of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), and Nurses’ and Community Health Workers’ Day

Lady Zaynab bint Ali (peace be upon her), the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), was born in Medina on 5 Jumada al-Awwal in the year 5 AH (approximately 626 CE). The daughter of Imam Ali and Lady Fatimah al-Zahra (peace be upon them), she became renowned for her eloquence, courage, knowledge and steadfastness, particularly following the tragedy of Karbala in 680 CE. Her birth anniversary is commemorated as Nurses’ and Community Health Workers’ Day, honouring her example of compassion and care for the wounded and suffering. Her life has come to symbolise the moral strength of those who protect human dignity in the face of hardship.

Message for Today: As practical followers of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), let us strive to alleviate the suffering and pain of those who have been harmed by the injustice and oppression of our time.

5 Jumada al-Awwal: The Battle of Mu’tah

The Battle of Mu’tah, fought between the Muslims and the polytheists during the lifetime of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), exemplified the sacrifice and faith of the early Muslims, as well as their commitment to ethical conduct in warfare. Among the Prophet’s instructions to the Muslim army were the following: “Do not harm those who live in monasteries. Do not harm women, children or the elderly. Do not cut down any trees, and do not destroy any homes. At a time when conflicts continue to devastate communities, Mu’tah invites reflection on responsible leadership, the human cost of war and the importance of ethical restraint. The Qur’an commands:

وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

“Do not transgress; indeed, Allah does not love transgressors.” (Qur’an 2:190)

Message for Today: Let us be the voice of the oppressed who have fallen victim to oppressors in the unjust wars of our time.

17 October 2026: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

The day calls attention to the multiple dimensions of poverty, including inadequate housing, limited access to education and healthcare, insecure employment and social exclusion. Islam calls for economic justice, the protection of vulnerable people and the fulfilment of social obligations through zakat, charity and responsible public institutions. Islam emphasises that wealth should not circulate exclusively among the wealthy in a society. It therefore establishes mechanisms to promote a more equitable distribution of wealth and prevent its concentration in the hands of a privileged few. The Qur’an states:

كَيْ لَا يَكُونَ دُولَةً بَيْنَ الْأَغْنِيَاءِ مِنْكُمْ

“So that wealth does not merely circulate among the rich among you.” (Qur’an 59:7)

Message for Today: Go beyond occasional charity by supporting fair opportunities, effective social protection, dignified employment and policies that help people escape poverty sustainably.

9 Jumada al-Awwal: The Birth Anniversary of Mulla Sadra

Mulla Sadra was a prominent Iranian Muslim philosopher born in Shiraz around 1571–72 CE, during the Safavid period. He studied Islamic philosophy, theology and Qur’anic interpretation, learning from leading scholars including Mir Damad and Shaykh Baha’i. His most influential work, al-Asfar al-Arba‘ah (The Four Journeys), developed an original philosophical synthesis drawing on several intellectual traditions, including Peripatetic philosophy, Illuminationism and Islamic mystical thought. His philosophy of the primacy of existence became particularly influential in later Islamic thought.

Message for Today: Cultivate critical thinking, deepen religious and scientific understanding, and ensure that knowledge serves wisdom, humility and the common good.