This Week in the Muslim World: Traditions, Trials, and Triumphs

Introduction

As we approach a week steeped in deep spiritual, historical, and ethical significance, we stand at a crossroads of reflection and action. From the powerful rituals of Hajj to the departure of Imam Hussein (as) from Makkah, from the enduring legacy of Imam Khomeini (May Allah be pleased with him) to the environmental consciousness of World Environment Day, these moments are not mere dates on the calendar but opportunities for our Muslim communities in the West to actively engage with their faith, values, and societal responsibilities. This editorial offers reflections, rooted in the Qur’an and hadith, to guide imams, cultural centre leaders, and educators in inspiring their communities to navigate the challenges of our time with Islamic clarity and wisdom.

Hajj Pilgrimage (Tamattu’)

The Hajj pilgrimage is a sacred journey undertaken during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, culminating in its rites performed between the 8th and 13th of the month. The Hajj pilgrimage, performed during the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, is a sacred obligation that includes several key rites: entering into the state of ihram, performing tawaf (circumambulation) around the Kaaba, the Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwah), standing at Arafat, spending the night at Muzdalifah, the symbolic stoning of the devil at Mina, the ritual sacrifice of an animal, shaving or trimming the hair, and finally the farewell tawaf. These rites commemorate the unwavering faith and submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his family, and remind pilgrims of their connection to Allah SWT and the Muslim Ummah. Hajj stands as one of the five pillars of Islam, symbolising unity, submission to Allah, and a journey towards self-purification. The rituals reflect a microcosm of human life—detachment from worldly concerns, brotherhood across ethnicities, and remembrance of Allah’s mercy and justice.

During the sacred days of Hajj, when hearts are humbled and souls are drawn nearer to Allah, it is vital for pilgrims to make balanced and meaningful supplications. The Qur’anic verse:

وَمِنْهُمْ مَنْ يَقُولُ رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“And among them are those who say, ‘Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.’” – Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:201)

reminds us to seek both worldly well-being and eternal salvation. Hajj is not only a ritual of the body, but a renewal of purpose, where believers should strive to align their prayers with this holistic vision. In the Ayah of the Week section, this profound verse is explored further with reflections on its spiritual and practical relevance.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In an age of disconnection and materialism, Hajj reminds us to prioritise spiritual goals and embrace diversity. Even those unable to perform Hajj can adopt its values by fostering community bonds and detachment from worldly excesses.

Practical Challenge:

Encourage your congregation to simplify their lives this week: reduce waste, avoid unnecessary purchases, and dedicate time to dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

8th Dhul Hijjah – Imam Hussein’s Departure from Makkah

Imam Hussein’s (as) decision to leave Makkah, despite the threat of Yazid’s tyranny, reflects a profound commitment to justice over personal safety. His stand teaches that faith requires courage against oppression. As he departed from Makkah on the 8th of Dhul-Hijjah, the day of Tarwiyah, he was accompanied by his family and companions, aware of the dangers ahead. Along his journey, he stopped at various stations such as Batn al-Rumma, Zarood, and Qasr Bani Muqatil, where he encountered messengers and even warning signs of impending danger. Despite these, he pressed forward, driven by a commitment to uphold truth and protect the values of Islam. This historic journey from Makkah to Karbala, ending in the tragic events of Ashura, remains a beacon of steadfastness and sacrifice for generations.

In the book Kashf al-Ghummah, it is narrated from Farazdaq: I met Hussain (peace be upon him) on his way back from Kufa, and he said to me, “O Abu Firas! What news do you bring?” I replied, “Shall I tell you the truth?” He said, “I want the truth.” I said, “Hearts are with you, but the swords are with Banu Umayyah! And of course, victory is from Allah.”

Then he (peace be upon him) said:

إِنَّ هَذِهِ اَلدُّنْيَا قَدْ تَغَيَّرَتْ وَ تَنَكَّرَتْ وَ أَدْبَرَ مَعْرُوفُهَا فَلَمْ يَبْقَ مِنْهَا إِلاَّ صُبَابَةٌ كَصَابَّةِ اَلْإِنَاءِ وَ خَسِيسُ عَيْشٍ كَالْمَرْعَى اَلْوَبِيلِ أَ لاَ تَرَوْنَ أَنَّ اَلْحَقَّ لاَ يُعْمَلُ بِهِ وَ أَنَّ اَلْبَاطِلَ لاَ يُنْتَهَى عَنْهُ لِيَرْغَبَ اَلْمُؤْمِنُ فِي لِقَاءِ اَللَّهِ مُحِقّاً فَإِنِّي لاَ أَرَى اَلْمَوْتَ إِلاَّ اَلْحَيَاةَ وَ لاَ اَلْحَيَاةَ مَعَ اَلظَّالِمِينَ إِلاَّ بَرَماً إِنَّ اَلنَّاسَ عَبِيدُ اَلدُّنْيَا وَ اَلدِّينُ لَعْقٌ عَلَى أَلْسِنَتِهِمْ يَحُوطُونَهُ مَا دَرَّتْ مَعَايِشُهُمْ فَإِذَا مُحِّصُوا بِالْبَلاَءِ قَلَّ اَلدَّيَّانُونَ (بحارالانوار، ج ۷۵، ص ۱۱۶)

“Indeed, this world has changed and turned away, and its good has retreated, so that nothing remains of it but a trickle, like the remnants of water in a vessel, and a mean existence, like a barren pasture. Do you not see that truth is not acted upon, and falsehood is not forbidden? Let the believer desire to meet Allah with righteousness, for I see death as nothing but life, and life with the oppressors as nothing but disgrace. Indeed, the people are slaves to this world, and religion is a mere lick upon their tongues. They uphold it as long as their livelihoods are secure, but when they are tested by trials, the truly religious are few.” (Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 75, page 116)

Message for Muslims in the West:

In a world where the truth is often overshadowed and falsehood left unchallenged, the words of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) remind us to stand firm in upholding justice and moral integrity, even in the face of adversity. As Muslims in the West, it is vital to embody these values by being courageous in confronting injustice and nurturing sincerity in our faith, both privately and publicly.

Practical Challenge:

This week, identify one situation in your community or workplace where injustice or unfairness exists. Take a thoughtful and respectful step to address it – whether by raising awareness, offering support to those affected, or promoting fairer practices – demonstrating courage and commitment to justice in line with Imam Hussain’s example.

9th Dhul Hijjah – Day of Arafah

The Day of Arafah is a pinnacle of spiritual reflection, where pilgrims gather in humility and supplication. For those not on Hajj, fasting and prayers are highly recommended. Imam Hussein (as) – on the Day of Arafah – said:

اللّٰهُمَّ اجْعَلْنِى أَخْشاكَ كَأَنِّى أَراكَ، وَأَسْعِدْنِى بِتَقْواكَ، وَلَا تُشْقِنِى بِمَعْصِيَتِكَ، وَخِرْ لِى فِى قَضائِكَ، وَبارِكْ لِى فِى قَدَرِكَ، حَتَّىٰ لَاأُحِبَّ تَعْجِيلَ مَا أَخَّرْتَ وَلَا تَأْخِيرَ مَا عَجَّلْتَ .

O Allah, make me fear You as though I can see You, and bring me happiness through Your consciousness, and do not make me wretched through disobedience to You. Choose what is best for me in Your decree, and bless me in that which You have destined for me, so that I do not wish for the hastening of what You have delayed, nor the delay of what You have hastened.

This heartfelt supplication encapsulates a deep yearning for a life centred on divine awareness and submission to Allah’s wisdom. Imam Hussain (as) asks for a profound sense of God-consciousness – so vivid as if he could behold his Lord – which leads to genuine happiness and shields him from the spiritual ruin of sin. His prayer for contentment with Allah’s decree reflects a serene trust in divine timing and destiny, urging believers to align their desires with God’s will rather than struggling against it.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In a fast-paced world, Arafah reminds us to pause, reflect, and seek forgiveness, especially amid modern distractions.

Practical Challenge:

This week, whenever you feel impatient or discontent with delays or unexpected changes in your life, take a moment to recite or reflect on Imam Hussain’s (as) words: “Choose what is best for me in Your decree, and bless me in that which You have destined for me.” Let this reflection strengthen your trust in Allah’s timing, and write down one personal situation where you can practice patience and surrender to His will.

10th Dhul Hijjah – Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice)

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son Ismail (Ishmael) in obedience to Allah’s command, before Allah provided a ram as a substitute. This historical act symbolises ultimate submission to God’s will and marks the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage. Eid al-Adha highlights the virtues of sacrifice, charity, and gratitude, reinforcing spiritual connections within the Muslim community. It is a time to reflect on obedience to God, share blessings with those in need, and strengthen bonds of family and community.

One of the traditions of Eid al-Adha is that both Muslims performing the Hajj pilgrimage and other Muslims around the world – if they are financially able – offer a sacrificial animal and distribute its meat to the poor and needy. This is a beautiful tradition that highlights the importance of social responsibility in Islam. The Qur’an expresses this concept beautifully with the verse:

لَنْ يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَكِنْ يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَى مِنْكُمْ

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but your piety.” (Qur’an, 22:37)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Eid al-Adha and this verse teaches that the true essence of sacrifice lies not in the physical act of offering meat, but in the sincerity, humility, and taqwa (piety) behind it. For Muslims in the West, this serves as a reminder that acts of charity and sacrifice should stem from a genuine desire to please Allah and benefit the community, not for display or social status. The verse encourages a focus on inner purity and spiritual sincerity, inspiring a practical approach to charity and social responsibility.

Practical Challenge:

Invite families to contribute to local food banks or shelters as a reflection of Qurbani’s spirit.

14th Khordad (4th June) – Passing of Imam Khomeini (May Allah be pleased with him)

Imam Khomeini (May Allah be pleased with him) was a renowned religious scholar and exceptional spiritual leader whose life was completely dedicated to deepening the understanding of Islamic teachings and promoting ethical values among the Muslim Ummah. His enduring legacy includes emphasising the principles of justice, compassion, and the importance of personal and collective responsibility in contemporary Muslim societies.

He echoed the Qur’anic principle:

كُونُوا قَوَّامِينَ لِلَّهِ شُهَدَاءَ بِالْقِسْطِ

“Be persistently standing firm for Allah, witnesses in justice.” (Qur’an, 5:8)

Imam Khomeini’s emphasis on justice mirrored this divine call for truthfulness and integrity in the face of adversity. His teachings continue to inspire believers to pursue justice as a reflection of faith in action.

Message for Muslims in the West:

In today’s complex societies, standing firmly for justice as encouraged in the Qur’an (5:8) and in the life of Imam Khomeini is a vital responsibility for Muslims living in the West. By embodying truthfulness and fairness in their daily lives and communities, Muslims can positively influence broader society while staying true to their faith’s ethical principles.

Practical Challenge:

Host a discussion group on ethical leadership in contemporary society, drawing lessons from Imam Khomeini’s vision.

5th June – World Environment Day

June 5th marks World Environment Day, a reminder of our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world. Remarkably, Islam emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship over 1,400 years ago. The Qur’an states in Surah Hud, verse 61:

هُوَ أَنْشَأَكُمْ مِنَ الْأَرْضِ وَاسْتَعْمَرَكُمْ فِيهَا

“He created you from the earth and made you its inheritors.” (Qur’an 11:61)

This verse reminds us that human beings originate from the earth and have a divine duty to cultivate and maintain it. Caring for the environment is therefore not only a modern necessity but also a sacred trust entrusted to us by God.

Message for Muslims in the West:

Amid climate crises, Muslims must lead by example in sustainability, echoing our responsibility as caretakers of the Earth.

Practical Challenge:

Launch a community-wide green initiative, tree planting, recycling drives, or a workshop on reducing consumption.