What Do a Scholar, a Girl, and a Diplomat Have in Common?

Introduction:

At first glance, the Scholar Imām of the Prophetic Household (pbut), a young noblewoman from the Prophet’s family (pbut), and a modern Muslim diplomat seated at the United Nations table might seem to share little in common. But look again, and a deeper connection reveals itself: each represents a pillar of human civilisation rooted in Islamic tradition: knowledge, dignity, and peace. This week’s calendar unites five powerful occasions: the martyrdom of Imām al-Ṣādiq (a), the scholarly legacy of Shaykh Bahā’ī, the birth of Lady Fāṭimah Maʿṣūmah (s), World Book and Copyright Day, and the International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace. Though centuries and contexts apart, they call us to the same enduring truth that Islam is not merely a religion of rituals, but a living tradition of learning, refinement, and just action.

In a time when public discourse is too often driven by noise, division, and shallow influence, these commemorations invite us to lead with intellectual depth, spiritual beauty, and ethical clarity. They remind us that to be Muslim is to build, educate, defend dignity, and foster peace – all grounded in the luminous legacy of the Prophet (PBUH) and his purified progeny. In this issue of Friday Bulletin, we explore how these anniversaries can serve as teaching moments and spiritual fuel for Muslim leaders in the West who seek to uplift their communities and anchor them to timeless values.

25^th of Shawwāl: Martyrdom of Imām al-Ṣādiq (as) — The Foundation of Jafari Islam

Imām Jaʿfar al-Ṣādiq (as) was not only a spiritual leader but a towering intellectual figure whose school of thought now forms the basis of the Jaʿfarī (Twelver Shia) legal tradition. With over 4,000 students, including figures like Abū Ḥanīfa, his influence transcended sectarian lines. In today’s fractured world, his model of open discourse, depth of knowledge, and firm moral clarity provides essential guidance.

The Imām’s commitment to ethical action is reflected in his own words:

«كُونُوا دُعَاةً لِلنَّاسِ بِغَيْرِ أَلْسِنَتِكُمْ» (الکافی، الجزء ۲، ص ۷۸)

“Be callers to the truth, not merely with your tongues, but with your conduct.”

Message for Muslims in the West:

Imām al-Ṣādiq’s method invites Muslims to lead through example – to be known for their integrity, humility, and service to others in their societies. His teachings emphasise the importance of aligning one’s actions with the principles of justice and compassion, encouraging individuals to cultivate both personal and collective responsibility in shaping a harmonious and ethical community.

Practical Challenge:

Reflect on one area of your daily life where your conduct could be more aligned with Islamic values — whether it’s punctuality, patience, or honesty — and commit to acting upon it consistently this week.

1^st of Dhū al-Qaʿdah: Birth of Lady Fāṭimah al-Maʿṣūmah (sa) – A Day to Honour Daughters

Lady Fāṭimah al-Maʿṣūmah (sa), the noble sister of Imām al-Riḍā (as), is remembered for her piety, knowledge, and the deep love she inspired in the Ahl al-Bayt (as). Her shrine in Qom is a centre of spiritual gravity, but her character offers even more: a reminder that dignity, intelligence, and leadership are intrinsic to the Islamic concept of womanhood. On the Day of the Girl, her legacy challenges superficial cultural norms and affirms the honour Islam bestows upon daughters.

The Qur’an praises the spiritual potential of all believers, male and female:

إِنِّي لَا أُضِيعُ عَمَلَ عَامِلٍ مِّنكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ أَوْ أُنثَى (آل عمران، ۱۹۵)

“Indeed, I do not allow the work of any worker among you to be lost, whether male or female.” (Surah Āl ʿImrān, 3:195)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Muslim parents and educators must be proactive in cultivating self-worth and spiritual confidence in young girls, protecting them from both cultural inferiority complexes and consumerist pressures.

Practical Challenge:

Organise or attend a gathering (in-person or online) to celebrate the talents, ideas, and Islamic knowledge of the young girls in your community and invite them to speak or lead part of the programme.

3^rd of Ordibehesht: Commemoration of Shaykh Bahāʾī — Champion of Faith and Reason

Shaykh Bahāʾ al-Dīn al-ʿĀmilī (953–1030 AH) stands as a timeless symbol of the integration of religious scholarship and scientific inquiry. An accomplished jurist, mathematician, architect, and poet, his legacy is a testament to Islam’s historical encouragement of intellectual excellence and societal contribution. In a time when the dichotomy between faith and science is often exaggerated, Shaykh Bahāʾī’s life reminds us that devotion to Allah SWT can – and should – inspire the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

The Qur’an urges us toward reflection and intellectual striving:

يَرْفَعِ اللَّهُ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مِنكُمْ وَالَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْعِلْمَ دَرَجَاتٍ (المجادله، ۱۱)

“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees.” (Surah al-Mujādilah, 58:11)

Message for Muslims in the West:

In increasingly secular societies, Muslims can proudly draw on figures like Shaykh Bahāʾī to illustrate the harmony between faith and reason, and to encourage Muslim youth to see their academic and civic pursuits as sacred contributions.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one aspect of Shaykh Bahāʾī’s legacy (e.g., science, ethics, architecture) and create a 10-minute talk or a visual display to share at your mosque, youth centre, or cultural programme this week.

23^rd of April: World Book and Copyright Day — The Sacred Power of the Written Word

World Book and Copyright Day reminds us of the enduring power of knowledge, literacy, and the ethical use of intellectual property. In Islamic civilisation, books have been deeply revered – not just as vessels of knowledge, but as instruments of transformation. The very first revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a divine call to read, underlining the central role of literacy and writing in our faith.

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ (العلق، ۱)

“Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Surah al-ʿAlaq, 96:1)

This command was not merely a call to recite, it was the beginning of a civilisation built upon learning, record-keeping, and dissemination of truth.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In an era of misinformation and shallow content, Muslims must reconnect with meaningful reading – especially texts that nurture the intellect and soul. Protecting authors’ rights and promoting ethical sharing of knowledge is also a moral imperative in our digital world.

Practical Challenge:

Host a “Faith & Books” night at your centre or online — invite youth to bring and discuss one book (religious, cultural, or literary) that has shaped their thinking, and reflect on the Islamic duty of honouring knowledge and its creators.

24^th of April: International Day of Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace – An Islamic Vision of Just Peace

This international day calls upon the world to replace confrontation with cooperation and to commit to peace that is not imposed by power but grounded in justice. While these principles often remain slogans on global stages, Islam provided a clear framework for principled diplomacy over 1400 years ago. The Qur’ān commands believers to incline toward peace when the other party shows readiness, embodying humility, dialogue, and trust in Allah SWT:

وَإِنْ جَنَحُوا لِلسَّلْمِ فَاجْنَحْ لَهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ إِنَّهُ هُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ (الانفال، ۶۱)

“And if they incline to peace, then incline to it [also] and rely upon Allah. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Knowing.” (Surah al-Anfāl, 8:61)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Living as minorities in pluralistic societies, Muslims are uniquely positioned to model peaceful coexistence, civic engagement, and ethical participation in public discourse. Our communities must actively promote peace – not merely as the absence of war, but as a proactive commitment to justice and compassion.

Practical Challenge:

Identify one interfaith or intercommunity initiative in your area and join or support it even through small acts like sharing a meal, joining a dialogue event, or offering a Friday sermon on the Qur’anic ethics of peacebuilding.