Guiding Lights: Faith, History, and Our Future

This week’s edition explores pivotal events that offer guidance for Muslims today. In a complex world, understanding our history is key to living with purpose and shaping a better future. The upcoming dates, from sorrowful anniversaries to celebrations of knowledge, call us to embody the principles of our faith.

28 Safar: The Passing of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

This day marks the passing of the Prophet (PBUH) in the 11th year of the Hijra, a sorrowful moment when he transitioned from this world to the next. His passing reminds us that while his physical life concluded, his message is our eternal guide for all time. As the Quran says:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِمَنْ كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا ﴿احزاب، ۲۱﴾

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” (Quran / 33-21)

Message for Muslims in the West: Embody the Prophet’s noble character in your daily lives by living his teachings.

28 Safar: The Martyrdom of Imam Hassan al-Mujtaba (AS)

This is a day of remembrance for the martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Hassan (AS). He was a figure of immense patience and wisdom, who sacrificed his worldly status for the preservation and unity of the Muslim community. His life teaches us that true strength lies in a commitment to peace and forbearance in the face of conflict.

Message for Muslims in the West: Learn from Imam Hassan’s patience, using diplomacy and wisdom to navigate challenges and build bridges within your communities.

30 Safar: The Martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS)

We commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Reza (AS), a beacon of knowledge and compassion. His life teaches us that true leadership is rooted in piety and justice. One of his wise sayings is:

أفضَلُ العَقلِ مَعرِفَةُ الإِنسانِ نَفسَهُ

The best of wisdom is a person’s knowledge of themselves.

Message for Muslims in the West: Embody Imam Reza’s wisdom by seeking self-knowledge through vigilant introspection (Muraghebah), the foundation for both personal and communal flourishing.

1 Rabi’ al-Awwal: Laylat al-Mabit and the Start of the Hijra

This marks the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah, a turning point for Islam. It highlights the self-sacrifice of Imam Ali (AS) and the importance of trust in Allah. The Hijra reminds us to build a strong, supportive community.

Message for Muslims in the West: Create a strong, supportive community where you help and protect one another in upholding your faith.

1 Rabi’ al-Awwal: The Attack on the House of Lady Fatima Zahra (AS)

This day marks the tragic assault on the home of Lady Fatima Zahra (AS), the daughter of the Prophet (PBUH). This event symbolises the great injustices that befell the Prophet’s family, who were subjected to violence and disrespect despite the clear command in the Quran to honour them:

قُل لَّا أَسْأَلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا الْمَوَدَّةَ فِي الْقُرْبَى (شوری، ۲۳)

“Say, [O Muhammad], ‘I do not ask you for it any payment, except affection for [my] kindred.'”

Message for Muslims in the West: Advocate for justice and human rights, standing in solidarity with the oppressed and marginalised.

1 September: Day of Commemoration of Abu Ali Sina and Doctor’s Day

This day honours Abu Ali Sina, a Muslim polymath who excelled in medicine and philosophy. His life embodies Islam’s emphasis on seeking knowledge for the benefit of humanity. The Prophet (PBUH) said:

طَلَبُ اَلْعِلْمِ فَرِيضَةٌ عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ (مستدرک الوسائل، ج ۱۷)

“The seeking of knowledge is obligatory for every Muslim.”

Message for Muslims in the West: Excel in science and other fields, following the example of our great scholars to benefit humanity.