Lessons from the Week’s Sacred Anniversaries

Introduction

In this week’s edition, we reflect upon several significant occasions in the Islamic calendar and their relevance to our time. These moments from history and heritage are not only commemorations but also guideposts for ethical living, spiritual awareness, and societal responsibility. By revisiting them through the lens of the Qur’an and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, we can draw lessons that empower us and help us guide our communities towards righteousness and resilience.

5 Rabi‘ al-Awwal: Passing of Lady Sukayna, Daughter of Imam al-Husayn (AS)

Lady Sukayna, the noble daughter of Imam al-Husayn (AS), was a symbol of dignity and eloquence, who endured immense suffering after Karbala yet preserved her father’s legacy with courage. Her life reminds us of patience in hardship and the importance of carrying values through adversity. The Qur’an praises steadfastness:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى ٱلصَّـٰبِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” (Al-Zumar, 39:10)

The Message of this event:

Patience with dignity enables Muslims to uphold their values even amid societal challenges.

8 Rabi‘ al-Awwal: Martyrdom of Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (AS) – 260 AH

Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (AS), the eleventh Imam, lived under severe restrictions yet guided his followers with wisdom and emphasised truthfulness as the key to virtue. His words remain a warning against falsehood:

الامام الحسن العسکری (ع): جُعِلَتِ الْخَبَائِثُ كُلُّهَا فِي بَيْتٍ وَجُعِلَ مِفْتَاحُهَا الْكَذِبُ

Imam Hasan al-‘Askari (AS): “All evils have been placed in a house, and the key to that house is lying.” (Jāmi‘ al-Akhbār, vol. 1, p. 148)

The Message of this event:

In a world of misinformation, Muslims must lead by practising honesty in speech and action.

9 Rabi‘ al-Awwal: Commencement of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (AJ)

This day marks the beginning of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (may Allah hasten his reappearance), the awaited saviour who will fill the earth with justice and equity. The Qur’an promises:

وَلَقَدْ كَتَبْنَا فِي الزَّبُورِ مِنۢ بَعْدِ ٱلذِّكْرِ أَنَّ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ يَرِثُهَا عِبَادِيَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحُونَ

“And We have already written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that My righteous servants shall inherit the earth.” (Al-Anbiya, 21:105)

This verse instils hope that righteousness will prevail and that active waiting requires self-reform and service to humanity.

The Message of this event:

Active awaiting means striving for justice, integrity, and moral excellence in daily life.

5 Shahrivar (27 August): Commemoration of Muhammad ibn Zakariya al-Razi – The Day of the Pharmacist

Al-Razi (Rhazes) was a pioneering Muslim physician, chemist, and philosopher whose works influenced both Islamic and Western medicine for centuries. Islam emphasises the pursuit of knowledge that benefits humanity. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) says:

عَالِمٌ يُنْتَفَعُ بِعِلْمِهِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ عَابِدٍ (مستدرک الوسائل، ج ۱۷، ص ۳۰۱)

“A scholar whose knowledge benefits others is better than a thousand worshippers.” (Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, vol. 17, p. 301)

The Message of this event:

Muslim professionals should see their expertise in science and medicine as a form of service to humanity and an act of worship.