LIC Article – Muharram 1447 – The Islamic New Year
Author: Taofik Akande
As we enter the Islamic year 1447AH, the global Muslim nation – 2 billion strong – continues to face significant challenges and anguish, more so in recent years. These challenges span across political, social, economic, and humanitarian dimensions, affecting people from Gaza and Sudan to Xinjiang and Kashmir, and there has been no let up in the conveyor belt of tribulation after tribulation. Moreover, the betrayal of the ‘live and let live’ principle – supposedly fundamental to and underpinning the values of so – called liberal societies – has, over the past 30 years, coincided with the rise of Islamophobia to unprecedented levels in Europe, fuelled by political, media, social, and cultural propaganda targeting Islam and its teachings, which prioritise societal wellbeing and collective benefit over individualism promoted by liberalism.
While the Islamophobic rhetoric has been immense and unrelenting in scapegoating Muslims for societal anxieties, political insincerities, and policy failures, what is perhaps even more remarkable is the mental and psychological resilience of the global Muslim nation – a resilience that appears to have been protected and preserved, and continues to be, seemingly by divine inspiration rooted in the testification of faith: lā ilāha illā Allāh (There is no god but Allah). The truth of Islam is not an alternative fact; and without a shadow of a doubt, no other demographic could endure such sustained and targeted hostility without crumbling into decay or fading into historical insignificance. Allahu Akbar!
The past two years have been especially agonizing for the global Muslim community, marked by the unrelenting wickedness of men wielding worldly power, and by raw human suffering — in Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, and now Iran. Iran’s retaliation against an unprovoked Israeli military strike once again saw Western powers rush to defend the aggressor — the Zionist entity — while condemning the victim. International voices dutifully parroted the tired slogan of “Israel’s right to defend herself.” But where are these voices when Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank assert their right to resist occupation, to defend their homes, their lives, and their dignity?
What brings a tinge of contentment to the hearts of those who stand for justice – despite the unspeakable horrors unfolding in Gaza – is the overwhelming public awakening that pierces the propaganda portraying Zionism as a force for good. It echoes the epiphanic moment when the spellbinding illusions of Pharaoh’s magicians were shattered by Musa, and the truth was unveiled before the people [Qur’an 7: 117-126]. Very shortly, that truth will be marked by Muslims across the world with a fast on the day of Ashura, commemorating the deliverance of the Children of Israel from the tyranny of Pharaoh. And now, in 2025, the global masses have declared with growing clarity: they do not support Zionism – they reject it, and demand its fall.
The events of the past year have exposed the hypocrisy of so-called international norms, which operate de facto along racial and religious lines, ultimately failing to protect the most vulnerable. However, the situation is not irredeemable. Foremost in reversing this downward spiral of humanity into the depths of complete moral depravity lies in the fulsome recognition that there is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor of a Black person over a White person, except through piety and good conduct, as emphasized by the Qur’an and immaculately taught and practised by Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing upon him).
With the start of the new Islamic Year of 1447, it is a time for returning to the tried and tested, timeless, guiding principles laid down in Islam by Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves [Qur’an 13:11], nor can we adopt unprincipled stances and actions alien to Islam in pursuit of Islamic ends, not for a people who claim fellowship with the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him). As far as Islam is concerned, the end most certainly does not justify the means.
“You who have believed, be steadfast in your devotion to Allah, witnesses in justice, and do not let the hatred of others to you prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is well aware of all that you do.”
[Qur’an 5:8]
Changing the state of global affairs, rife with oppression, injustice, and inequity, may seem as daunting as Atlas bearing the weight of the world. Yet, there is nothing mythical about Allah’s promise: “O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and plant firmly your feet.” [Qur’an 47:7]. However, that divine support is not unconditional. It comes only with sincere gratitude, true repentance, selfless intention, and a deep acknowledgment of our utter dependence upon Allah. It requires patience and perseverance, and above all, giving Allah His due: to be obeyed and worshipped as He has commanded and as He alone deserves. This includes implementing His Shari’ah in our lives, homes, livelihoods, and interactions with others, and truly living up to the title by which He has named us:
“It is your father, Ibrahim, who named you Muslims before and in this (revelation]…”
[Qur’an 22:78]
To be Muslim is to submit wholeheartedly to the will of Allah – with conviction, consistency, and complete trust in His wisdom and justice, no matter what the shifting tides of life may bring. It is not a matter of saying “Happy New Year”; rather, we say, Happy New Start – inshallah.