As Muslims from all over the world welcomed in the Islamic New Year 1439 last Thursday, it was also a time for us to reflect on some sad events of past and present.
 
With the dawn of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, comes the day of Ashura, which is the tenth day of the month. On this day, many Muslims fast to commemorate how the Children of Israel, led by the great Prophet Moses, were saved from Pharoah and his legions by the parting of the sea. The fast conveys gratitude to God, with many Muslims also fasting the day preceding it or after too. On Ashura, Muslims are also reminded of the tragic event at Karbala, in Iraq in 61 A.H.  This was the day when the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him,  Husain ibn Ali gave his life confronting the power-hungry elites of the day. His martyrdom and that of many family members is an inspiring legacy of speaking truth to power.
 
On this sad note, we remember the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya facing a contemporary tyrannical regime in Burma. Images of their plight are seared in our consciences. Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain said, “With much turmoil and displacement in parts of the world, it is an opportune moment to reflect on significant events in history, and use those lessons as a stepping stone to make real changes, and commit ourselves to contribute to truly working for the common good, in unity and in strength”.