Remembering, Reflecting, and Rising: Faithful Responses to the Lessons of This Week

Introduction:

As Muslim leaders and educators in the West, our mission is not only to preserve our heritage but to illuminate the values of Islam in response to the moral challenges of our times. This week’s calendar offers unique occasions that call for remembrance, introspection, and action – from recalling the horrors of genocide and honouring the hope that sustains humanity, to recognising the role of youth literature and celebrating the intellectual legacy of Muslim scientists. Each event, viewed through the lens of Islam, can be transformed into a powerful opportunity to inspire ethical leadership, cultivate resilience, and promote justice and knowledge in our communities.

11 July – International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica

The massacre in Srebrenica, which took place in July 1995 during the Bosnian War, is considered the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Over the course of several days, more than 10,000 Bosniak Muslim men and boys were systematically separated from their families and executed by Bosnian Serb forces under the command of General Ratko Mladić. Despite being declared a “safe area” by the United Nations and protected by Dutch peacekeepers, the enclave fell to Serb forces who proceeded with mass killings and forced deportations. The events in Srebrenica have since been legally classified as genocide by international courts, including the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ), highlighting the failure of international intervention and the devastating consequences of ethnic hatred, nationalism, and the breakdown of political order.

11^th July is set aside by the United Nations to honour the memory of the victims, acknowledge the suffering of survivors, and reinforce global commitment to preventing such atrocities in the future. For Muslims, it is a painful reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred, religious discrimination, and ethnic violence.

From an Islamic standpoint, unjust bloodshed is among the gravest of sins. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned of its spiritual consequences:

لا يَزالُ قَلبُ العَبدِ يَقبَلُ الرَّغبَةَ و الرَّهبَةَ حتّى يَسفِكَ الدمَ الحَرامَ، فإذا سَفَكَهُ نُكِسَ قَلبُهُ، صارَ كأنَّهُ كِيرٌ مُحْمٍ أسوَدُ مِن الذَّنبِ، لا يَعرِفُ مَعروفا و لا يُنكِرُ مُنكَرا (كنز العمّال: 39951).

“The heart of a servant continues to be receptive to hope and fear until he sheds forbidden blood. But once he does, his heart is overturned and becomes like a burning furnace – blackened by sin – no longer recognising good as good, nor evil as evil.” (Kanz al-‘Ummāl, Hadith 39951).

Message for Muslims in the West:

The Srebrenica genocide is a sobering reminder of what can happen when prejudice, dehumanisation, and indifference go unchecked. For Muslims in the West, it reinforces the urgent need to build strong, informed communities that actively challenge Islamophobia, stand up for human rights, and foster alliances with others who defend justice and dignity for all.

It also highlights the importance of preserving historical memory, raising awareness among younger generations, and engaging civically to prevent marginalisation. In a society where subtle forms of discrimination may persist, Muslims must not only seek safety for themselves but also become moral voices against all forms of hate before they escalate into violence.

Further messages of this Hadith for the Muslim communities in the west are discussed in the Hadith of the Week section.

Practical Challenge:

Organise or participate in a local interfaith event or commemoration. Share a khutbah or community talk about the Islamic stance on justice, sanctity of life, and the memory of Srebrenica.

12^th July – International Day of Hope

Hope is not wishful thinking; it is a spiritual engine that drives resilience, action, and faith. The International Day of Hope encourages communities worldwide to find strength in hardship and to empower others through compassion and vision. Islam beautifully aligns with this concept, placing hope at the heart of spiritual life.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِن رَّحْمَةِ اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا

“Say, O My servants who have transgressed against themselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” (Surah al-Zumar, 39:53)

Message for Muslims in the West:

Teach youth and families that hope is an act of faith – linked to patience, repentance, and trust in God – not just optimism.

Further messages of this Ayah for the Muslim communities in the west are discussed in the Ayah of the Week section.

Practical Challenge:

Ask members of your centre to write one hope-based goal for the week and act upon it, whether helping a neighbour, forgiving someone, or returning to regular prayer.

9 July (18th Tir) – National Day of Children’s and Youth Literature

This day reminds us of the power of storytelling in shaping the hearts and minds of children. Literature is not just for entertainment; it forms identity, imagination, and moral vision. In the Islamic tradition, storytelling was a prophetic method. The Qur’an itself recounts the stories of past nations, prophets, and moral lessons as a guide for reflection.

The Qur’an says:

فَاقْصُصِ الْقَصَصَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ

“So relate the stories, perhaps they will reflect.” (Surah al-A’raf, 7:176)

These stories not only convey spiritual truths but also nurture empathy, resilience, and a sense of purpose in the young.

Message for Muslims in the West:

Support the reading and creation of children’s books that nurture Islamic values, ethical imagination, and cultural confidence.

Practical Challenge:

Start a children’s book corner or story hour at your mosque or centre featuring Islamic moral stories and Muslim-authored books in English.

13^th July (22nd Tir) – Birth Anniversary of Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi

Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, born around c. 780 – c. 850, was a towering figure in the Islamic Golden Age and the father of algebra. His works laid the foundation for modern mathematics and were translated into Latin, influencing Europe’s scientific awakening. He symbolises the harmonious union of faith and reason, a legacy Muslims must reclaim and revitalise.

Imam Sadeq (as) said:

طَلَبُ اَلْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ فِي كُلِّ حَالٍ (بحارالانوار، ج۱، ص ۱۷۲)

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation in every condition.” (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 1, p. 172)

This hadith emphasises that the pursuit of knowledge is not optional or limited by time, place, or circumstance – it is a constant religious and moral duty. It encourages believers to remain lifelong learners, always striving to grow intellectually and spiritually, regardless of their stage in life or external challenges.

Message for Muslims in the West:

Muslims must reconnect with the legacy of their scientific pioneers – figures like Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, the father of algebra, whose groundbreaking work shaped the foundations of modern science. Knowing and taking pride in these intellectual giants is not just about history; it’s about reclaiming a rich tradition where faith and reason thrived together. Let their example inspire a revival of curiosity, learning, and innovation rooted in Islamic values. Embrace and celebrate the Islamic intellectual tradition by striving for excellence in science and discovery as a form of devotion and identity.

Practical Challenge:

Host a Khwarizmi Day in your centre: invite a Muslim scientist, organise a STEM workshop, or run a student project competition linking Islam and science.