Faith, Unity, Justice, and Environmental Responsibility: Reflections for the Week Ahead

Introduction

As we step into a new week, we are reminded of three profound occasions: Eid al-Fitr—a celebration of faith, gratitude, and renewal— the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination—a call for justice, unity, and human dignity – and the International Day of Zero Waste. All of these occasions carry deep significance in the Islamic tradition, offering timeless wisdom that remains highly relevant in today’s world.

For Imams and cultural leaders, these events provide a crucial opportunity to guide communities towards a stronger sense of faith and a deeper commitment to justice. By drawing from Islamic teachings, we can empower ourselves and others to live more meaningful and ethical lives.

Eid al-Fitr: A Celebration of Faith and Accountability

Eid al-Fitr marks the culmination of Ramadan, a month of fasting, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. It is a day of joy, but also a day of reflection and accountability, as highlighted in the sermon of Imam Ali (AS):

“أَيُّهَا اَلنَّاسُ إِنَّ يَوْمَكُمْ هَذَا يَوْمٌ يُثَابُ فِيهِ اَلْمُحْسِنُونَ وَ يَخْسَرُ فِيهِ اَلْمُسِيئُونَ“

“O people! This day of yours is a day when the righteous are rewarded, and the wrongdoers lose.”

This hadith reminds us that Eid is not merely a festival but a spiritual checkpoint—a moment to assess our progress in righteousness and to carry forward the lessons learned during Ramadan. It calls on us to celebrate our spiritual victories while recognising the areas where we still need to improve. As we enjoy the rewards of our efforts in Ramadan, we must remember that Eid is also an opportunity for self-accountability, ensuring that the virtues developed during Ramadan are integrated into our everyday lives.

The hadith is further explored and elaborated in the ‘Hadith of the Week’ section of this issue of Friday Bulletin.

Message for Muslims in the West

For Muslims in Western societies, Eid is more than just a personal celebration—it is a chance to showcase the beauty of Islam to the wider community. By embodying the values of kindness, generosity, and gratitude, we can counter negative stereotypes and foster mutual understanding. Eid gatherings, charity drives, and open community events can serve as powerful tools for interfaith and intercultural engagement.

Practical Challenge

Organise or participate in an Eid event that includes non-Muslim neighbours, colleagues, or classmates. Share the meaning of Eid with them and demonstrate Islam’s emphasis on compassion, unity, and social responsibility.

Islam’s Call for Justice: Standing Against Racism and Discrimination

From 21-27 March, the world observes the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism and Racial Discrimination. Islam has stood against racial injustice from its very inception. At a time when tribalism and racial supremacy were deeply entrenched in society, the Qur’an proclaimed:

“يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ“

“O mankind! We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” (Qur’an 49:13)

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced this message in one of his sermons, declaring:

“لَا فَضْلَ لِعَرَبِيٍّ عَلَى أَعْجَمِيٍّ وَلَا لِعَجَمِيٍّ عَلَى عَرَبِيٍّ وَلَا لأبيضَ عَلَى أَسْوَدَ وَلَا لِأَسْوَدَ عَلَى أبيضَ إِلَّا بِالتَّقْوَى“

“An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have superiority over a white person—except through righteousness.”

Message for Muslims in the West

Muslims living in diverse, multicultural societies must actively embody Islam’s stance against racism. This means rejecting discrimination not only within broader society but also within our own communities. The unfortunate reality is that some Muslims still experience prejudice based on ethnicity, nationality, or skin colour, even within the Muslim ummah itself. We must challenge these biases, advocate for the oppressed, and work towards a community where righteousness—not race—defines a person’s worth.

Practical Challenge

Take a moment to reflect on any biases you may hold, even unconsciously. Engage in a conversation with someone from a different racial or cultural background. Listen to their experiences and commit to being a voice for justice within your community.

International Day of Zero Waste: A Call for Environmental Responsibility

On March 30th, the world observes the International Day of Zero Waste, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of reducing waste and adopting sustainable practices for the betterment of our planet. Islam has long emphasised the value of environmental stewardship. The Qur’an encourages us to not waste resources, as it states:

“إِنَّ اللّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ“

“Indeed, Allah does not like those who are wasteful.” (Qur’an 7:31)

This verse reminds us that wastefulness is not in accordance with the teachings of Islam. The concept of moderation (Wasatiyyah) is a central aspect of Islamic practice, and it calls on us to utilise resources responsibly and avoid excess. There is a beautiful story about the Prophet Muhammad’s encounter with the extravagance of one of his companions, even during the ritual of ablution (wudu). Here is a summary of that story:

أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ آله و سَلَّمَ مَرَّ بِسَعْدٍ وَهُوَ يَتَوَضَّأُ فَقَالَ: «مَا هَذَا السَّرَفُ يَا سَعْدُ». قَالَ: أَفِي الْوُضُوءِ سَرَفٌ؟ قَالَ: «نَعَمْ وَإِنْ كُنْتَ عَلَى نَهْرٍ جَارٍ»

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed by Sa’d while he was performing ablution and said, ‘What is this extravagance, O Sa’d?’ He said, ‘Is there extravagance in ablution?’ He said, ‘Yes, even if you were by a flowing river.’

This hadith encourages us to use resources wisely, regardless of their abundance, and to reflect on how excessive consumption impacts not only our environment but also the communities around us.

Message for Muslims in the West

Muslims in Western societies are presented with a unique opportunity to lead the way in sustainable living. In a world where consumption is often prioritised over conservation, Islam offers a clear moral framework for reducing waste, preserving resources, and living in harmony with the planet. The practices of recycling, reducing, and reusing are in perfect alignment with Islamic values of moderation (wasatiyyah) and responsibility. By adopting these habits, Muslims can make a positive impact on the environment, setting an example of faith-based environmentalism.

Practical Challenge

Reflect on your daily habits and identify three areas in your life where you can reduce waste—be it through using fewer plastic items, conserving water, or choosing reusable products. Commit to making one sustainable change this week, and encourage your family and community to follow suit. Share your journey on social media with the hashtag #IslamicZeroWaste to inspire others to act.

Last word

This week, we are reminded of three essential Islamic principles: strengthening faith, upholding justice, and being stewards of the environment. Eid al-Fitr teaches us gratitude, renewal, and accountability, while the Week of Solidarity against Racism calls us to defend human dignity and equality. Additionally, the International Day of Zero Waste urges us to reflect on our responsibility towards the Earth and its resources, calling us to reduce waste and live sustainably. By living these values and integrating them into our communities, we can create a society that is more compassionate, just, and aligned with the teachings of Islam.

Let us make a commitment this week—not just to celebrate Eid, but to carry its lessons beyond the day. Let us not just condemn racism but actively work to eliminate it from our hearts and our societies. And let us not only be mindful of our spiritual growth but also of our environmental impact, striving to protect and preserve the resources Allah SWT has entrusted to us.

May Allah SWT grant us wisdom and strength to be true ambassadors of His message, making the world around us a reflection of His justice, compassion, and balance.