Moments That Still Speak: Islamic Guidance for a Changing World

Introduction

The coming week offers a rich collection of religious, historical and civilisational occasions. Remembering these moments is not only an act of memory, but a means of guidance: to read our present challenges through the light of faith, wisdom and moral responsibility. This issue invites imams and Muslim cultural leaders to draw practical lessons from these occasions for today’s communities.

3 Rajab: Martyrdom of Imam al-Hadi (peace be upon him)

Imam al-Hadi (AS), the tenth Imam of the Ahl al-Bayt (pbut), lived under intense political pressure and surveillance, yet embodied moral integrity, wisdom and spiritual authority until his martyrdom in 254 AH.

In an age where authority is often confused with power, Imam al-Hadi (AS) teaches that true influence flows from God-consciousness and obedience to Allah. He said:

مَنِ اتَّقَى اللَّهَ يُتَّقَى، وَمَنْ أَطَاعَ اللَّهَ يُطَاعُ

“Whoever is mindful of Allah will be respected, and whoever obeys Allah will be obeyed.” (Bihār al-Anwār, vol. 75, p. 366)

Message for Muslims today:

Build influence through taqwa and integrity, not through control or compromise.

25 December: Christmas (Birth of Prophet Jesus, peace be upon him)

Christmas commemorates the birth of Prophet ‘Isa (Jesus), peace be upon him, a great messenger of Allah honoured in the Qur’an and beloved by Muslims.

At a time of interfaith tension, Islam’s reverence for Jesus (AS) provides a strong foundation for respectful coexistence and dialogue. The Qur’an quotes him saying:

وَجَعَلَنِي مُبَارَكًا أَيْنَ مَا كُنْتُ

“He has made me a source of blessing wherever I may be.” (Qur’an, 19:31)

Message for Muslims today:

Be confident in Islamic beliefs while practising respectful and principled coexistence.

3 Rajab: Passing of Sayyid Muhammad ‘Izz al-Din Husayni Zanjani (1434 AH)

A contemporary religious scholar known for intellectual engagement, reformist thought and concern for the moral condition of society.

His life highlights the need for scholars who address modern questions without abandoning religious roots. The Qur’an reminds:

فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

“So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (Qur’an, 16:43)

Message for Muslims today:

Seek guidance from scholars who combine faithfulness with insight into modern life.

4 Rajab: Passing of Shaykh al-Ishraq (Suhrawardi) (587 AH)

Shaykh Shihab al-Din Suhrawardi, founder of the philosophy of Illumination, integrated reason, spirituality and inner purification.

In a fragmented world, his legacy reminds Muslims that intellect and spirituality are not opposites. True knowledge enlightens both the mind and the heart.

Message for Muslims today:

Pursue knowledge that brings clarity, humility and closeness to Allah.

5 Rajab: Battle of Yarmouk (15 AH)

A decisive battle in early Islamic history where Muslim forces overcame a larger army through discipline, faith and unity.

Yarmouk teaches that success is not merely numerical or material. Allah says:

كَمْ مِنْ فِئَةٍ قَلِيلَةٍ غَلَبَتْ فِئَةً كَثِيرَةً بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ

“How many a small group has overcome a large group by Allah’s permission.” (Qur’an, 2:249)

Message for Muslims today:

Face challenges with discipline, unity and reliance on Allah, not despair.

8 Rajab: Birth of Shaykh al-Hurr al-‘Amili (1033 AH)

A renowned Shi‘a scholar and compiler of Wasā’il al-Shī‘a, one of the most important hadith collections in Islamic jurisprudence.

His life underscores the central role of authentic knowledge and preservation of tradition. The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said:

نَضَّرَ اَللَّهُ اِمْرَأً سَمِعَ مِنَّا حَدِيثاً فَحِفَظَهُ حَتَّى يُبَلِّغَهُ غَيْرَهُ  (منیة المرید في أدب المفید و المستفید، ج ۱، ص ۳۷۱)

“May God bless the person who hears a hadith from us and memorises it so that he may convey it to others.”

Message for Muslims today:

Anchor religious practice in authentic knowledge, not hearsay.

Closing Reflection

These occasions remind us that Islamic history is not a museum of the past, but a living source of guidance. When imams and cultural leaders translate these lessons into today’s language and challenges, faith becomes a force for moral clarity, resilience and hope in our communities.