Guiding Lights: Lessons from Faith, Knowledge, and Tradition

Introduction

The coming week brings together moments of spiritual reflection, intellectual heritage, and universal human values. By revisiting these occasions through an Islamic lens, we are reminded how faith guides not only remembrance, but also ethical action and responsible leadership in today’s complex world.

27 Jumada al-Thani: Martyrdom of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A)

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (peace be upon him), the fifth Imam (pbuh) of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), was a foundational scholar who revitalised Islamic knowledge during a period of political oppression. His title al-Baqir reflects his role in “splitting open” knowledge and making its depths accessible to the Ummah.

In an age of misinformation and shallow religious discourse, Imam al-Baqir’s legacy reminds us of that authentic religious authority is rooted in knowledge, patience, and moral clarity. Islam elevates knowledge and awareness as an act of worship:

هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ

“Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Qur’an 39:9)

Message for Today:

True leadership in the community must be grounded in deep faith, knowledge, humility, and ethical responsibility.

1 Rajab: The Expedition of Tabuk (9 AH)

The Expedition of Tabuk provided an opportunity for the hypocrites to reveal their true nature and to openly display their opposition to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). One of their actions was the construction of Masjid al-Dirār opposite Masjid Qubā’, seeking to oppose the religion of God under the guise of a mosque – the very place meant to embody the highest form of devotion. It was in response to this that the Qur’an issued the following command:

لَا تَقُمْ فِيهِ أَبَداً ۚ لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى التَّقْوَىٰ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ ۚ فِيهِ رِجَالٌ يُحِبُّونَ أَن يَتَطَهَّرُوا ۚ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُطَّهِّرِينَ

“Do not ever stand in it. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in. In it are men who love to purify themselves, and Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an 9:108)

Message for Today:

True faith is defined by sincerity and righteousness, not by outward religious symbols; Muslims today must remain vigilant against the misuse of sacred spaces or religious language to serve personal, political, or divisive agendas, and instead support institutions founded upon taqwā, integrity, and moral clarity.

1 Rajab: Birth of Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A) (57 AH)

The lives of all the infallible Imams are rich with words and conduct that guide us in how to live a God-centred life and a life filled with piety. Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him), in one of his profound statements, said:

قالَ الباقِر عليه السلام: كُلُ عَيْنٍ باكِيَةٌ يَوْمَ القِيامَةِ اِلاّ ثَلاثَ عُيُونٍ: عَيْنٌ سَهَـرَتْ فِى سَبـيلِ اللّهِ. وَ عَيْنٌ فاضَتْ مِنْ خَشْيَةِ اللّهِ. وَ عَيْنٌ غَضَّتْ عَنْ مَحارِمِ اللّه (معدن الجواهر و ریاضه الخواطر، ج ۱، ص۳۴).

“Every eye will weep on the Day of Resurrection except three: an eye that stayed awake in the way of Allah; an eye that overflowed with tears out of fear of Allah; and an eye that lowered itself from what Allah has forbidden.” (Ma‘dan al-Jawāhir wa Riyāḍ al-Khawāṭir, vol. 1, p. 34)

Message for Today:

In an age of constant distraction and moral pressure, this teaching reminds us that true success lies in vigilance, sincere humility before God, and conscious self-restraint—small, consistent acts of piety that shape a life pleasing to Allah.

2 Rajab: Passing of Abu Rayhan al-Biruni (440 AH)

Al-Biruni was a pioneering Muslim scientist, historian, and philosopher whose work bridged cultures and advanced human knowledge across astronomy, geography, and anthropology.

His life exemplifies how Islam encourages curiosity, scientific rigour, and engagement with other civilisations:

وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِي عِلْمًا

“And say: My Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (Qur’an 20:114)

Message for Today:

Faith and science are partners in the pursuit of truth, not rivals.

30 Azar: Yalda Night

In ancient Iranian culture, families traditionally gather on this night to converse, share stories, and recite the Shahnameh and the poetry of Hafez. This night, and the family conversations it encourages, can become an opportunity for spiritual reflection and for drawing family members closer to one another and to Allah, the Exalted.

Message for Today:

We can turn any occasion – including Yalda Night – into an opportunity for family members to grow closer to one another and to Allah.

18 December: Arabic Language Day

Arabic is the language of the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), as well as a means of transmitting Islamic civilisation. Considering the inherent untranslatability of language, it can be said that a full understanding of the religion is nearly impossible without understanding Arabic.

Message for Today:

To strengthen your own religious understanding and that of your children, learn Arabic and teach it to them as well.

20 December: International Human Solidarity Day

This day highlights global responsibility, cooperation, and mutual dignity among all people. Islam views solidarity as a moral obligation rooted in justice and compassion:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ

“Indeed, the believers are but brothers.” (Qur’an 49:10)

And beyond faith boundaries, the Qur’an teaches justice and kindness:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are just.” (Qur’an 60:8)

Message for Today:

Human solidarity must be lived through ethical action, justice, and compassionate engagement.

Closing Reflection

These occasions remind us that Islamic leadership today requires faith expressed through action, knowledge combined with humility, solidarity, and hope anchored in divine guidance. All these milestones – which often come and go so quietly that we scarcely take the time to study them – can become extraordinary opportunities for reflection and learning from the past to build a better future. Yet this requires one essential condition, one we frequently overlook: thoughtful reflection.