The Voice That Shook Madinah

The Prophet (pbuh) had departed from this world.

Madinah — once full of light — now felt heavy with silence. In the home of Fāṭimah (sa), the air was thick with grief. Yet amidst that sorrow, another trial began to unfold: the rights of her husband, Imām ʿAlī (as), were being taken from him, and the Ummah that once surrounded her father now turned away.

The daughter of the Prophet could have remained silent. She could have hidden her pain and accepted what was done. But silence, for her, was never an option when truth was at stake.

She rose — pale, weak, yet radiant with conviction. Wrapped in her cloak, she walked to the Mosque of the Prophet (pbuh), her steps firm, her heart steady, her faith unshakable. The companions gathered; all eyes turned toward her.

As she stood before them, her voice — though gentle — carried the fire of divine justice.

“Praise belongs to Allah for what He granted, and thanks belong to Him for what He inspired.

He created without need and fashioned without example.

O people! Know that I am Fāṭimah, and my father is Muhammad (pbuh). What has happened to you? Has the Book of Allah lost its meaning in your hearts? Did you not hear the Prophet say:

‘A man is known through his child; Fāṭimah is a part of me; whoever harms her, harms me.’”

The mosque trembled with her words. Even her enemies could not deny the truth that flowed from her lips. She spoke not for herself — but for the preservation of the message her father brought.

When she returned home, her body was weak, but her spirit had become immortal.

Though her life in this world was short, her words became eternal — a sermon that still echoes through the centuries, reminding the believers that truth must be spoken, even when it costs you everything.

Moral Reflection

Lady Fāṭimah (sa) shows us that faith is not passive — it demands courage.

She stood alone, yet she stood with Allah. Her pain was immense, but her loyalty to truth was greater. She teaches us that silence in the face of injustice is betrayal, and that every believer must speak — not with anger, but with conviction, clarity, and trust in Allah.

Remembering the death of a scholar

انا لله و انا الیه راجعون

(Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.)

With deep sorrow and heartfelt grief, we have learned of the passing of Hujjat al-Islām wal-Muslimīn Shaykh Ali Borhan, a virtuous scholar and sincere servant of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), who answered the call of his Lord on the evening of Thursday, October 23, 2025, corresponding to 30th Rabi‘ al-Thani, 1447 AH, and departed to the mercy of the Almighty.

The Office of the International Friday Bulletin extends its sincere condolences to his honourable family, his students, friends, and all believers, and prays to the Almighty God to grant the late scholar elevated ranks in the Hereafter and to bestow patience and reward upon his bereaved ones.

Hujjat al-Islām wal-Muslimīn Ḥājj Shaykh Ali Borhan was born in Tehran in 1944 (1323 AH Solar) into a family known for its piety, learning, and devotion to Islamic scholarship.
His esteemed father, Hujjat al-Islām wal-Muslimīn Ḥājj Shaykh Ali-Akbar Borhan, was one of the prominent and compassionate scholars of Tehran, who rendered invaluable services in promoting the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and spreading Shi‘a culture. Among the enduring legacies of that revered scholar are the establishment of elementary and middle schools, as well as the founding of the Lorzadeh Seminary and Mosque in Tehran — which for decades has served as a Centre of learning and faith.

Following his father’s counsel, the late Shaykh Ali Borhan donned the clerical attire from a young age and pursued his early and intermediate studies along this blessed path. His youth coincided with the sudden passing of his noble father in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; however, this tragic event did not deter him from continuing his religious education. He proceeded to the seminary of Qom, where he studied under the great masters of his time.

Alongside his studies in jurisprudence (fiqh) and principles of jurisprudence (usul ul fiqh), he developed a keen interest in the art of preaching and public speaking (khiṭābah), which he earnestly pursued. From his early years, the discrimination of the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and the promotion of Islamic ethics became the core of his mission. He firmly believed that “the path to the love of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) passes through noble character,” and he constantly urged people, in his sermons and personal conduct, toward sincerity, kindness, and the moral virtues exemplified by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

Over thirty years ago, Shaykh Ali Borhan travelled to the United Kingdom to fulfil his religious and educational duties and to serve the Muslim community there. Throughout these decades, he never ceased his preaching, guidance, and efforts to spread the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and to keep alive the remembrance of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him).
He delivered sermons for many years at Islamic Centres in London, particularly addressing the youth, and made the lessons of ethics an integral part of his gatherings. His long-standing membership on the executive board of one of London’s Islamic Centres, combined with his wisdom, humility, and exemplary manners, made his counsel widely respected among its members.

His noble character and sincerity as a servant of Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) earned him the deep affection and trust of people from diverse nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

In the final years of his life, despite old age and chronic illness, he continued to attend gatherings devoted to the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) as much as his health allowed. Even when confined to his home, he remained committed to study and to answering religious and ethical inquiries.
Friends and close companions attest that even during his most difficult days, he would kindly answer calls from admirers and guide them with warmth and compassion.

Hujjat al-Islām wal-Muslimīn Shaykh Ali Borhan (may his soul be sanctified) devoted his life to serving Islam, promoting ethics, and spreading the love of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them).
He found a place in the hearts of many, and his memory shall remain alive and cherished among those who knew and loved him.