Anchoring Our Values in a Shifting World

Introduction

As Muslims navigating an increasingly complex and unjust world, the need to ground ourselves in divine guidance has never been more urgent and necessary. Each issue of Friday Bulletin presents new challenges and opportunities to reflect on how our sacred traditions guide us toward ethical action and deeper understanding. In this week’s issue, we explore four significant occasions: the historic Mubahala, the celebration of Family Day, the International Day for Countering Hate Speech, and World Refugee Day. Through the lens of Islamic teachings, we aim to empower our Imams and cultural leaders to respond to these moments with faith, wisdom, and clarity.

24^th Dhul Hijjah – The Event of Mubahala

The Event of Mubahala took place in the 9th year after Hijrah, when a delegation of Christian leaders from Najran (present-day southern Saudi Arabia) came to Medina to engage in theological discussions with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) regarding the nature of Jesus (peace be upon him). After extensive dialogue, when the Christians refused to accept the Islamic understanding based on revealed knowledge, the Qur’anic verse of Mubahala (Aal-e-Imran, 3:61) was revealed, inviting both parties to a mutual invocation of God’s curse upon the liars. The Prophet brought with him his closest family members – Imam Ali (peace be upon him), Lady Fatima (peace be upon her), Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (peace be upon them) – to represent “ourselves, our women, and our sons.” Witnessing the spiritual gravity and truthfulness of these figures, the Christians withdrew from the challenge, choosing instead to negotiate a peaceful agreement. This event not only confirmed the spiritual authority of the Ahlul Bayt but also marked a powerful moment of interfaith diplomacy in early Islamic history.

The Holy Qur’an recounts this in Surah Aal-e-Imran:

فَمَنْ حَاجَّكَ فِيهِ مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا جَاءَكَ مِنَ الْعِلْمِ فَقُلْ تَعَالَوْا نَدْعُ أَبْنَاءَنَا وَأَبْنَاءَكُمْ وَنِسَاءَنَا وَنِسَاءَكُمْ وَأَنْفُسَنَا وَأَنْفُسَكُمْ ثُمَّ نَبْتَهِلْ فَنَجْعَلْ لَعْنَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَى الْكَاذِبِينَ ﴿آل عمران / ۶۱﴾

“Then whoever disputes with you about it after knowledge has come to you, say, ‘Come, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women, ourselves and yourselves, then let us pray earnestly and invoke the curse of Allah upon the liars.'” (Aal-e-Imran, 3:61)

Islam teaches us that standing by the truth, even when it is unpopular, is a mark of integrity. The participation of the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them) in this event is a lesson in courage, family unity, and unwavering commitment to faith. For Muslims in the West, this moment symbolises the importance of knowing our values and expressing them confidently, even when faced with societal doubt or pressure.

Message for Muslims in the West: Let this event be a reminder that our values are not negotiable. Speaking the truth with humility and dignity, even when isolated, is a form of devotion.

Practical Challenge: Host a family or community study session about the significance of Mubahala and discuss how each member of the Ahlul Bayt exemplifies truthfulness in their lives.

31^st Khordad – Family Day

Family is the cornerstone of Islamic civilisation. Islam places immense emphasis on maintaining the bonds of kinship, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) said:

إِذَا أَرَادَ اَللَّهُ بِأَهْلِ بَيْتٍ خَيْراً فَقَّهَهُمْ فِي اَلدِّينِ وَ رَزَقَهُمُ اَلرِّفْقَ فِي مَعَايِشِهِمْ وَ اَلْقَصْدَ فِي شَأْنِهِمْ وَ وَقَّرَ صَغِيرُهُمْ كَبِيرَهُمْ وَ إِذَا أَرَادَ بِهِمْ غَيْرَ ذَلِكَ تَرَكَهُمْ هَمَلاً .

“When Allah wills good for a household, He grants them understanding of religion, gentleness in their livelihood, balance in their affairs, and respect between young and old. But when He wills otherwise, He leaves them to themselves.” (Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, vol. 8, p. 392)

In today’s fast-paced and individualistic societies, especially in the West, families face enormous pressure. This day is a call to reinforce Islamic family values – communication, shared spiritual growth, and respect across generations. In a time when consumer culture, digital distractions, and social media misinformation often weaken family ties, Islamic teachings offer a practical and ethical framework for restoring warmth, stability, and harmony at home. Preserving the values mentioned in the Hadith above is not just about family happiness but about safeguarding the moral and spiritual fabric of our communities. Strong families create confident, rooted individuals who can face modern challenges while staying true to their faith. This Hadith is further explored in the Hadith of the Week section of this issue of Friday Bulletin.

Message for Muslims in the West: Investing time and attention into family life is not just a personal value but a religious responsibility. A united and compassionate family is a fortress against the erosion of Islamic identity.

Practical Challenge: Organise a weekly family discussion where members reflect on one Islamic teaching and its application in their daily lives.

18 June – International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Hate speech threatens social harmony and disproportionately affects minority communities, including Muslims. Islam unequivocally condemns verbal aggression, slander, and the fuelling of hatred. The Qur’an commands:

وَقُلْ لِعِبَادِي يَقُولُوا الَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ يَنْزَغُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ كَانَ لِلْإِنْسَانِ عَدُوًّا مُبِينًا ﴿الاسراء / ۵۳﴾

“Tell My servants to say that which is best. Indeed, Satan sows discord among them.” (Al-Isra, 17:53)

In a climate of rising Islamophobia, the Prophet’s (peace be upon him and his family) model of speaking gently and responding to ignorance with wisdom is more crucial than ever. While defending our rights, we must do so without adopting the very language of hatred we reject.

Message for Muslims in the West: Counter hate not only with protest, but with principle. Let our voices reflect our values: justice, dignity, and respect for all.

Practical Challenge: Run a social media campaign or Friday khutbah on the power of respectful speech in confronting bigotry and building bridges.

20^th June – World Refugee Day

Islamic civilisation was born in the context of migration. The Prophet’s (peace be upon him and his family) own Hijrah is a foundational moment of our faith. Refugees are not merely a political issue; they are a test of our humanity and piety. The Qur’an reminds us:

وَالَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُوا الدَّارَ وَالْإِيمَانَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِي صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةً مِمَّا أُوتُوا وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌ وَمَنْ يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ ﴿الحشر – ۹﴾

“And they give [others] preference over themselves, even though they are in need.” (Al-Hashr, 59:9)

This verse captures the essence of selfless solidarity and welcoming others not out of surplus, but even when one is in difficulty. It teaches us that true success (الفلاح) lies in overcoming selfishness and embracing others with sincere compassion. In a world where refugees are often politicised or dehumanised, this Qur’anic ethic urges us to see them as our moral responsibility, to support them with dignity, and to create communities where they are embraced not as burdens, but as blessings. More than 1400 years before naming this day by the United Nations as the ‘World Refugee day’, this profound verse reminds us that the strength of a society is measured by how it treats its most vulnerable members, calling us all to rise above prejudice and fear with hearts open in kindness.

Message for Muslims in the West: Let us become advocates and allies for refugees in our communities, not only in speech but in service and support.

Practical Challenge: Partner with a local refugee organisation to host a donation drive or volunteer support event during this week.