Seeking Honour through God, Not Power: Islamic Reflections on the Tobacco Movement

Introduction

On 1 Jumādā al-Ūlā, Muslims remember the Tobacco Protest, when Grand Ayatollah Mirzā Ḥasan Shīrāzī forbade the use of tobacco to resist foreign control over Iran’s trade. His stand defended the dignity and independence of the Muslim community. In that same spirit, this week’s reflection draws on Imam al-Sajjād’s words, reminding us that true honour and strength come not from worldly powers, but from complete trust in God.

امام سجاد (ع): فَكَمْ قَدْ رَأَيْتُ – يَا إِلَهِي – مِنْ أُنَاسٍ طَلَبُوا اَلْعِزَّ بِغَيْرِكَ فَذَلُّوا، وَ رَامُوا اَلثَّرْوَةَ مِنْ سِوَاكَ فَافْتَقَرُوا، وَ حَاوَلُوا الاِرْتِفَاعَ فَاتَّضَعُوا

Imam Sajjad: “How many, O my God, have I seen – people who sought honour through others than You, and were abased; who sought wealth apart from You, and became poor; who tried to rise high, yet were brought low” (Ṣaḥīfah al-Sajjādiyyah, vol. 1, p. 134).

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Teens and Youth

1. Act Only for the Sake of God

True dignity comes from serving God sincerely, not from pleasing people or gaining approval. When your intention is pure, your actions gain lasting value.

Practical Challenge: Before starting any task or project this week, pause and ask yourself: “Am I doing this for Allah’s pleasure or for others’ praise?”

2. Recognise God as the Ultimate Source

People are only means through which blessings reach you; the real giver is always Allah. Understanding this truth brings peace and prevents disappointment.

Practical Challenge: Whenever you thank someone, also whisper a short prayer of gratitude to Allah, saying: “Al-ḥamdu lillāh, who made them a means of good.”

3. Measure Every Action by God’s Approval

A believer weighs every word and deed against divine satisfaction. This awareness helps prevent sin and strengthens moral confidence.

Practical Challenge: Each night, reflect on your day and ask: “Which actions today brought me closer to Allah; and which took me away?”

4. Let Intention Transform Your Ordinary Life

Every simple act can become worship if done for God’s sake.

Practical Challenge: Choose one daily activity (like studying or helping at home) and renew your intention before doing it: “I do this for Allah.”

5. True Power Comes from Faith

Relying on God gives inner strength no worldly approval can provide.

Practical Challenge: When facing peer pressure, remind yourself that your worth depends on God, not people’s opinions.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Parents

1. Live with Intention and Let Children See It

Parents teach more through actions than words. When your family sees you doing things purely for God’s sake, they learn sincerity and purpose.

Practical Challenge: Speak your intention aloud once a day (e.g., “I do this seeking Allah’s pleasure”) so your children witness faith in action.

2. Model Calm Dependence on God During Hardships

When challenges arise, your reliance and patience become your children’s greatest life lesson.

Practical Challenge: During a family difficulty, pray aloud or recite a short du‘ā and explain that seeking Allah’s help brings peace.

Educational Messages of the Hadith for Imams and Religious Leaders

1. Link This Hadith to Qur’anic Teachings on Intention

The Qur’an affirms that sincerity determines the worth of every deed. Use verses such as: قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ  “Say: Indeed, my prayer, my sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, Lord of all worlds.” (Qur’an 6:162)

Practical Challenge: Dedicate part of your next sermon to explaining how niyyah (intention) gives meaning to all actions.

2. Use Stories that Illustrate the Power of Intention

Real-life or historical stories make the abstract concept of sincerity tangible for audiences.

Practical Challenge: Include one story each week – of a person whose sincere intention elevated their deed, or whose insincere motive nullified it.

3. Encourage Communities to Reassess Their Motives

Remind believers that even religious acts can lose value without sincerity.

Practical Challenge: Organise a brief reflection session after Friday prayer inviting attendees to silently renew their niyyah before God.