Anchored in Faith, Active in the World

As Muslims living in Western societies, we are constantly navigating a landscape filled with challenges and opportunities. The key to walking this path with wisdom lies in rooting our understanding of current events and commemorations within the framework of our Islamic principles. This week, our Friday Bulletin magazine explores nine significant dates on the calendar, connecting each with insights from the Qur’an and Sunnah to guide our understanding and our actions.

26 June – United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

This day is observed globally to stand in solidarity with victims of torture and to reaffirm the universal commitment to its eradication. It reminds the international community of the physical and psychological wounds inflicted by such inhumane treatment, often in the shadows of state or military power.

From the perspective of Islam, the prohibition of torture is clear and absolute. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

إنَّ اللّه َ تَعالى يُعَذِّبُ يَومَ القِيامَةِ الَّذينَ يُعَذِّبونَ النّاسَ في الدّنيا

“Allah will torture those who torture people in this world.”

Torture is a violation of human dignity and justice, both of which are core Islamic values.

Message for Muslims in the West:

We must raise our voices wherever injustice occurs and support survivors of torture by promoting policies rooted in compassion and accountability.

Practical Challenge:

Research one organisation working against torture and write a letter of support, donate, or share their work with your community.

30 June – International Day of Parliamentarism

This day honours the role of parliaments in upholding democracy, ensuring representation, and holding governments accountable. It reminds us of the importance of good governance and public participation in shaping our societies.

Islam encourages collective consultation (shura) in decision-making. The Qur’an states:

وأمرهم شورى بينهم

whose affairs are [decided] by mutual consultation among them (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:38)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Participation in public life is not only permissible but can be an expression of Islamic values. Muslim communities should seek representation that aligns with justice, equity, and moral integrity.

Practical Challenge:

Attend a local council meeting or write to your MP about an issue that matters to you as a Muslim citizen.

7 Tir – Day of Amr bil-Ma’ruf and Nahy ‘an al-Munkar (Enjoining Good and Forbidding Evil)

This day serves as a reminder of a vital Islamic principle: standing for what is right and speaking against what is wrong. This principle is not reserved for scholars or leaders; it is the duty of every believer. Studies in social psychology and community health show that societies where individuals feel responsible for confronting injustice and wrongdoing tend to have stronger social bonds, lower crime rates, and greater collective wellbeing.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

كنتم خير أمة أخرجت للناس تأمرون بالمعروف وتنهون عن المنكر

“You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong…” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:110)

Message for Muslims in the West:

In a time where moral values are often blurred, Muslims must gently yet clearly live and model good character, honesty, and justice.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one wrong you frequently witness (e.g. gossip, dishonesty, exclusion) and respond this week by actively doing its opposite. Be a quiet protest through your actions.

10 Tir – Day of Cultural Diplomacy and Global Engagement

This day encourages dialogue among cultures and the building of bridges between communities. Cultural diplomacy fosters peace and understanding across different nations and belief systems.

Islam highly values the idea of cultural interaction rooted in mutual respect. The Qur’an states:

يا أيّها الناس إنّا خلقناكم مِنْ ذكَرٍ وَأنْثَى وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا

“O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another…” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:13)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Rather than isolating ourselves, we should become ambassadors of Islamic values through respectful dialogue and meaningful community engagement.

Practical Challenge:

Host or participate in a local interfaith or cultural exchange event. Share a value from Islam that promotes peace and cooperation.

29 Dhu al-Hijjah – Death Anniversary of Ayatollah Mohammad Hadi Ma’rifat

Ayatollah Ma’rifat was a renowned scholar whose work in Qur’anic sciences helped shape contemporary understanding of divine revelation. His legacy lives on in the many students he taught and books he authored. Among his most influential works are Al-Tamhīd fī ‘Ulūm al-Qur’ān (Introduction to Qur’anic Sciences) and Al-Tafsīr al-Atharī al-Jāmi‘. These texts continue to be essential references for scholars and students of Qur’anic studies around the world.

Remembering such figures connects us to our intellectual heritage and reminds us of the duty to preserve and deepen Islamic scholarship. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

العلماء ورثة الأنبياء (غرر الأخبار، جلد۱،  ص۴۲)

“The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.” Ghurar al-Akhbar, Volume 1, P 42

Message for Muslims in the West:

Let us honour our scholars by continuing to study, reflect, and teach Islam in ways relevant to our time and place.

Practical Challenge:

Choose one book or lecture by Ayatollah Ma’rifat this week and read or listen to it. Share one key insight with your family or community.

1 Muharram – The Attack of Abraha on Mecca

The story of Abraha’s failed attack on the Ka’bah with a powerful army and elephants is a divine sign of Allah’s protection. Despite their strength, the army was defeated by birds (Ababil) sent by Allah, showing that human power cannot overcome divine will.

أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ

“Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the companions of the elephant?” (Surah Al-Fil, 105:1)

Message for Muslims in the West:

No matter how strong opposing forces may seem, Allah’s support is greater. We must place trust in Him, especially when standing for truth.

Practical Challenge:

Reflect on a personal fear or opposition you face. Say a special du’a and commit to one small courageous action this week.

1 Muharram – The Siege of Banu Hashim in Shi’b Abi Talib

The Quraysh’s boycott of the Prophet (PBUH) and his family was meant to crush their resolve, but instead, it strengthened their unity and faith. Despite hunger and hardship, they remained steadfast in their mission. This three-year siege, which began around 7 BH, marked one of the most difficult periods in the Prophet’s early mission and revealed the deep moral commitment of the early Muslim community to uphold truth in the face of persecution.

Message for Muslims in the West:

When you face social pressure or isolation for your beliefs, remember the Prophet’s patience and the resilience of his family.

Practical Challenge:

Reach out to someone in your community who feels isolated and support them with kindness and presence.

1 Muharram – The Prophet’s Command to Collect Zakat

At the beginning of the Islamic calendar, the Prophet emphasised social justice and care for the needy by instituting zakat collection. Zakat is not charity – it is a right of the poor. Holy Quran says:

خُذْ مِنْ أَمْوَالِهِمْ صَدَقَةً تُطَهِّرُهُمْ

“Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)

This verse is further discussed in the Ayah of the Week section of this issue of Friday Bulletin.

Message for Muslims in the West:

We must institutionalise generosity, ensuring that our communities are supported through regular and organised giving.

Practical Challenge:

Calculate any zakat you may owe and plan how you can give it regularly or support your local zakat institution.

5 Muharram – The Passage of Prophet Musa Through the Sea

When Prophet Musa (AS) and the Israelites were trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the sea, Allah miraculously parted the sea, offering deliverance for the oppressed. The Holy Quran described it as:

فَأَوْحَيْنَا إِلَى مُوسَى أَنِ اضْرِبْ بِعَصَاكَ الْبَحْرَ فَانْفَلَقَ فَكَانَ كُلُّ فِرْقٍ كَالطَّوْدِ الْعَظِيمِ ﴿الشعرا، ۶۳﴾َ

“So We inspired Moses, ‘Strike the sea with your staff,’ and it parted, and each part was like a mighty mountain.” (26:63)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Even in moments of despair, Allah provides a way out. Trust, patience, and action go hand in hand.

Practical Challenge:

Think of one challenge you’ve been avoiding. Take the first brave step toward it this week, with full reliance on Allah.