Faith, Freedom, and Truth: Islamic Reflections on the Week’s Milestones

Introduction

As Muslims engage with the challenges of modern life, history offers both guidance and inspiration. The anniversaries and global observances of this week – from the stand of Mirzā Shirāzī against foreign domination to the birth of Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), the Battle of Mu’tah, and Global Media and Information Literacy Week – all remind us that faith must always translate into awareness, courage, and responsibility.

1 Jumādā al-Ūlā: The Tobacco Protest and the Fatwa of Mirzā Ḥasan Shirāzī (1309 AH / 1891 CE)

In 1891, Grand Ayatollah Mirzā Ḥasan Shirāzī issued a historic fatwa declaring the use of tobacco unlawful after the Qājār government granted its trade monopoly to Britain. This became a nationwide movement defending Iran’s economic independence and Islamic dignity. In an era of economic dependency and cultural influence, Shirāzī’s stand reminds us that true strength comes from moral conviction and unity under divine principles. Imam al-Sajjād (as) says:

فَكَمْ قَدْ رَأَيْتُ يَا إِلَهِي مِنْ أُنَاسٍ طَلَبُوا اَلْعِزَّ بِغَيْرِكَ فَذَلُّوا

“How many, O my God, have I seen – people who sought honour through others than You, and were abased.” (Ṣaḥīfah al-Sajjādiyyah, 1:134)

Message for Today:

Defending independence begins with reliance on God and faith-driven integrity in every sphere of life.

5 Jumādā al-Ūlā: The Birth of Lady Zaynab al-Kubrā (peace be upon her) (5 AH)

Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family), embodied courage, eloquence, and faith in the most difficult of times; particularly after the tragedy of Karbala. In a world that celebrates appearance over virtue, Lady Zaynab’s life teaches us the power of steadfastness, intellect, and moral resistance against tyranny.

Message for Today:

Let Lady Zaynab’s example inspires us to raise voices of truth with dignity and wisdom, especially when silence means injustice.

5 Jumādā al-Ūlā: The Battle of Mu’tah (8 AH)

The Battle of Mu’tah marked the first large-scale encounter between Muslim forces and the Byzantine Empire. Though vastly outnumbered, the Muslims fought bravely under the leadership of Zayd ibn Ḥārithah, Jaʿfar ibn Abī Ṭālib, and ʿAbd Allāh ibn Rawāḥah, each of whom attained martyrdom.

Message for Today:

True victory is moral and spiritual; standing firm for justice even when worldly success seems distant.

24-31 October: Global Media and Information Literacy Week

This global observance encourages responsible use of information and media. Long before modern discussions of “information literacy,” the Qur’an had already taught believers how to assess truth and verify sources:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَى مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ

“O you who believe! If a wicked person comes to you with news, verify it carefully, lest you harm people in ignorance and later regret your actions.” (Al-Ḥujurāt 49:6)

In the digital age, misinformation can destroy reputations and divide communities. The Qur’an calls for reflection, verification, and restraint in speech.

Message for Today:

Think before you share; words are powerful tools that can either build truth or spread harm.