Faithful Resolve and Responsible Scholarship in Challenging Times

Introduction

The coming week invites reflection on moments of moral testing, scholarly legacy, and faithful responsibility. By revisiting these occasions through an Islamic lens, we are reminded that courage, knowledge, and integrity remain essential for guiding Muslim communities today.

19 Rajab: The Expedition of Tabuk (9 AH)

The Expedition of Tabuk took place in a time of severe heat, scarcity, and external threat, testing the sincerity and commitment of the Muslim community. It exposed hypocrisy while strengthening the resolve of true believers.

Tabuk teaches that faith is proven in hardship, not comfort. Islam calls believers to sincerity, vigilance, and moral clarity, especially when religion is misused for personal or political aims. The Qur’an warned against false religiosity through the episode of Masjid al-Dirār:

لَا تَقُمْ فِيهِ أَبَدًا ۚ لَّمَسْجِدٌ أُسِّسَ عَلَى التَّقْوَىٰ مِنْ أَوَّلِ يَوْمٍ أَحَقُّ أَن تَقُومَ فِيهِ

“Do not ever stand in it. A mosque founded on righteousness from the first day is more worthy for you to stand in.” (Qur’an 9:108)

Message for today:

True faith requires sincerity, courage, and standing with truth even when it is difficult.

22 Rajab: Passing of Shaykh Ja‘far Kāshif al-Ghiṭā’ (1228 AH)

Shaykh Ja‘far Kāshif al-Ghiṭā’ was a leading Shi‘i jurist whose works strengthened Islamic jurisprudence and clarified the social responsibilities of scholars during turbulent times.

His legacy highlights the role of scholars as protectors of justice and guides for society. Islam places great responsibility on those endowed with knowledge:

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:

Religious knowledge must serve society with wisdom, courage, and accountability.

22 Rajab: Passing of Sayyid Muhammad Husayn Fadlallah (1431 AH)

Sayyid Fadlallah was a contemporary scholar known for intellectual depth, social engagement, and emphasis on ethics, unity, and reasoned faith. His approach reminds Muslims that religion must address real human concerns while remaining rooted in revelation.

Message for today:

Effective religious leadership combines sound knowledge, moral integrity, and engagement with contemporary realities.

Closing Reflection

These occasions collectively remind us that Islamic leadership today demands sincerity in action, scholarship grounded in responsibility, and courage to uphold truth in challenging circumstances.