6^th November 2024 – 12^th November 2024 (4^th Jamdiul Awwal – 10^th Jamdiul Awwal)

November 7th – 5th Jamadiul Awwal

Birth of Lady Zaynab (5 AH / 626 CE)

Lady Zaynab (a), the daughter of Imam Ali (a) and Lady Fatima (a), was born in 626 CE. Revered for her intellect, piety, and unwavering strength, she became instrumental in the events following the Battle of Karbala. After the tragic martyrdom of her brother, Imam Hussain (a), Lady Zaynab safeguarded the message of the Prophet Muhammad (s) by delivering powerful sermons in the court of Yazid, courageously highlighting the moral and spiritual betrayal by his forces. Her legacy of resilience continues to inspire, representing a balanced strength in the face of hardship and an enduring devotion to the truth. It was Sayyidah Zainab SA, the sister of Imam Hussain AS and Imam Ali Zayn al Abidin AS, the son of Imam Hussain AS, who saved the legacy of Prophet Muhammad SAW and kept the sacrifice of Imam Hussain AS alive in our hearts by defying Caliph Yazid in powerful speeches delivered in his courtyard in Sham. She praised The Almighty SWT at the end of her sermon which showed Lady Zainab’s patience even though she had witnessed the atrocities of Ashura and had been paraded from Karbala, Kufa to Sham. She remained grateful and thankful to Allah hence when Yazid said, “How did you find the way Allah treated your brother and your family?” Bibi Zainab SA replied, “I saw nothing but beauty”.  ما رأیتُ الّا جمیلاً was The Manifestation of the Beauty of the Almighty. This manifestation shone in the Holy Lady (sa) so brightly in the pure heart of Lady Zainab al-Kubra (peace be upon her) that it elevated her to a rank of profound “gnosis” and “love” for the Divine.

Battle of Mu’tah (8 AH / 629 CE)

This famous battle was fought against a combined Byzantine/Ghassanid army during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammed (ﷺ) in the year 629 CE at a place near Kerak, in southern Jordan. Of the epistles (letters) that the Prophet (ﷺ) despatched to various kings, inviting them to Islam, one was sent to the King of Bursa through Haris-bin-Umair Azdi. When Haris reached Mu’tah, he was killed by Sharjeel Ghassani, one of the governors of the Qaiser. The murder of the envoy was against all laws of inter-tribal morality. The Prophet (ﷺ) was naturally very much upset when the news reached him. He collected an army, 3,000-strong, to advance against the enemy. This was the first time the Muslims would fight the Byzantines (The Roman Empire during the Middle Ages). The Battle of Mu’ta marked the first encounter between Muslim forces and the Roman Byzantine Empire. Though significantly outnumbered, the Muslim army displayed tremendous valour, especially under the leadership of Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, who sacrificed his life in the battle. Despite the smaller size of the Muslim force, they maintained strategic resilience, returning to Medina with pride and unity intact. This battle holds special significance as it underscored early Islamic principles of courage, sacrifice, and unity against formidable opposition, setting a foundation for later victories.

November 11^th – 9^th Jamdiul Awwal

Martyrdom of al-Shahid al-Awwal (786 AH / 1384 CE)

Shams al-Din Muhammad ibn Makki al-Amili, known as al-Shahid al-Awwal (the First Martyr), was a renowned Shia scholar and jurist from Jabal Amel, in present-day Lebanon. His work Al-Lum’ah al-Dimashqiyya, completed during his imprisonment, is a foundational text in Shia jurisprudence, thoroughly covering aspects of Islamic law. His intellectual contributions and sacrifices have immortalized him as a symbol of steadfastness, revered for his courage to defend Shia Islam and his dedication to justice. Shahid Awwal (the First Martyr) or Shaykh al-Shahid, was one of the prominent Shiite jurists of the 8th century AH. He was a student of Fakhr al-Muhaqqiqin, and notable scholars such as Fadil Miqdad studied under him. Shahid Awwal was well-versed in the jurisprudence of the four Sunni schools and travelled to various Islamic countries, receiving several authorizations. He is the author of the well-known jurisprudential book Al-Lum’ah al-Dimashqiyya. He faced persecution due to his faith and scholarly pursuits, ultimately leading to his martyrdom in Damascus. He was martyred at the hands of opponents of Shiism after a year of captivity in the fortress of Damascus. Shahid Awwal (the First Martyr) was killed by the sword, then hanged, and subsequently burned.

Birth of Mulla Sadra 980 AH 

Mulla Sadra, the Iranian sage of the Safavid era, holds the title of the greatest philosopher of Iran in modern times. Known as Sadr al-Muta’allihin, this esteemed philosopher introduced numerous theories. He elevated the science of philosophy to new heights, offering innovative ideas and opening a new path in the field. Many works have been left behind by him. The most fundamental philosophical principles of Mulla Sadra are his theories of the unity of existence and substantial motion. Join us to learn more about this great philosopher. Despite Mulla Sadra’s esteemed status, there are not many works written about him. Most of the existing literature focuses on his theories and provides commentary on his works, which are primarily discussed in philosophical books and articles. Mulla Sadra believed that the first individuals to introduce the philosophy of Mashāʾ—which had remained from Aristotle—into Islamic culture were Al-Kindi and Al-Farabi, while Ibn Sina learned this wisdom from the Iranians. Mulla Sadra considered Ibn Sina significant for the East for two reasons: his contributions to medicine and his philosophical ideas. He attributed his own success in philosophical theories and ideas to his deep understanding of Ibn Sina’s works. Mulla Sadra had distinguished students, among whom were Mulla Hasan Fayz Kashani and Abd al-Razzaq Lahiji, both of whom were also his sons-in-law. Like many philosophers, Mulla Sadra faced a period of hardship, as the people of his time did not recognize his true value. However, after his death, his fortune rose, and his ideas endured and gained prominence.

November 12th – 10th Jamadiul Awwal

Beginning of the Battle of Jamal (36 AH / 656 CE)

The battle of Jamal was a pivotal event in early Islamic history, highlighting Imam Ali’s role as a leader committed to justice and unity. After his appointment as caliph, opposition emerged, particularly from those with grievances about governance and recent political changes. Despite Imam Ali’s efforts for peaceful negotiation, conflict erupted near Basra. He prioritized the well-being and unity of the Muslim community, even as he was drawn into defending his position. The battle marked the first sedition against Imam Ali (peace be upon him) after he accepted the caliphate. Talha and Zubair, alongside Aisha, the wife of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him and his family), revolted against the Commander of the Faithful under the pretext of avenging Uthman’s blood. This conflict resulted in numerous casualties on both sides but ultimately ended in victory for Imam Ali (peace be upon him). On the morning of the 10th of Jumada al-Awwal, Imam Ali’s (pbuh) army was prepared for battle in Khareeba, which later became a neighbourhood of Basra. Until noon, the Imam (pbuh) stood against the rebellious army, advising them and urging Aisha to return home, saying, “God has commanded you to stay in your home; fear God and return.” He reprimanded Talha and Zubair for involving her in the conflict, while Malik al-Ashtar, Ammar ibn Yasir, and Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah led the troops into battle.