9th – 15th October (5th – 11th Rabi’ Al Thani)

October 11th – 7th Rabi’ Al Thani

Hafez Commemoration Day

Held annually on October 11^th (Mehr 20^th in the Iranian calendar), this day is an opportunity to become more familiar with the life and works of this great Iranian poet. Khajeh Shams al-Din Muhammad Hafez Shirazi is one of the greatest ghazal poets in Persian literature, whose profound influence extends across Persian poetry and mysticism, both in Iran and worldwide.

Throughout his life, Hafez used his delicate and deep poetry to express love, spirituality, and life philosophies in a beautiful and insightful way. His collected works, known as the “Divan of Hafez,” remain one of the most celebrated literary masterpieces in Persian culture. Additionally, the practice of “Hafez divination” (Fal-e Hafez) is a cherished tradition in Iranian culture, deeply connected with his poetry.

Hafez’s tomb in Shiraz, a serene and poetic site, attracts poetry lovers and thinkers from all around the world each year. Hafez’s tomb, located in the Hafeziyeh district of Shiraz, is surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with fragrant flowers. It is one of Iran’s major tourist attractions, drawing admirers of his poetry and philosophy from around the world.

October 12^th – 8^th Rabi‘ Al Thani

The Eleventh Sun: The Birth of Imam Hasan al-Askari (as)

Imam Hasan al-Askari (as)was born on the 8^th of Rabi’ al-Thani in 232 AH in Medina. At age four, in 235 AH, he moved with his father, Imam al-Hadi (as), to Samarra, where he lived for 19 years. After his father’s martyrdom, he assumed the role of Imam and led for six years. Due to the intense surveillance and persecution by the Abbasid rulers, Imam Hasan al-Askari (as)had to practice taqiyya (precautionary dissimulation) extensively. He only allowed close companions to meet with him, carefully maintaining his leadership and teachings under these harsh conditions. Despite the challenges, he continued to guide the Shi’a community and protect the teachings of Islam during this brief but crucial time.

Ahmad ibn Ubaydullah ibn Khaqan, whose father was a prominent figure in the Abbasid regime, recounts that even though he opposed the Imams, he admired Imam Hasan al-Askari (as). He described him as a model of dignity, chastity, generosity, and nobility, respected by Alawites, military commanders, and ministers alike. The Imam’s extraordinary character earned him universal respect, even from his opponents.

October 14^th – 10^th Rabi‘ Al Thani

The Passing of Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah (as)

Lady Fatimah al-Ma’sumah (as), daughter of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as), is one of the most revered figures in Shi’a Islam. She is buried in the holy city of Qom, where her shrine serves as a place of pilgrimage for the lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt (as).

In 201 AH, when the Abbasid caliph, Ma’mun, appointed her brother, Imam Ali al-Ridha (as), as his heir and took him to Khorasan, Lady Ma’sumah (sa) set out to join her brother. However, she became ill on the way and passed away on the 10^th of Rabi’ al-Thani at the age of 28 in the city of Qom, where she was laid to rest. Some sources suggest that her illness was caused by poisoning, while others believe her death was due to grief over the deaths of her brothers and nephews, killed by Abbasid agents in the town of Saveh.

Numerous traditions from the Ahl al-Bayt (as) emphasize the high spiritual status of Lady Ma’sumah (as). The Imams (as)spoke of her greatness and revered her, even before her birth, indicating her exceptional rank in the eyes of God.

October 15th – 11th Rabi’ Al Thani

The History of White Cane Awareness Day

While it was not uncommon throughout history for blind people to use a stick or cane to navigate, society largely didn’t accept that blind people could travel by ourselves until recently. In the 1960s, the National Federation of the Blind became a leader in fighting for the rights of the blind and in pioneering innovative training programs using the white cane. At our urging, the United States Congress adopted a joint resolution in 1964 designating October 15 of each year as White Cane Safety Day and recognizing that white canes enable blind people to travel safely and independently.

While the white cane does keep blind people safe (because drivers and other pedestrians can easily see it), it is also a tool that blind people use to explore and navigate our environment. For this reason, the emphasis of White Cane Safety Day has shifted over time away from safety, and toward independence and equality.

To emphasize the shift in focus from safety to independence, and to continue to use the white cane as a symbol, we have chosen to refer to this day as White Cane Awareness Day.