By Imam Shamsi Ali
The Prophet saw came to Madinah and saw the Jews fasting on the day of Ashura. He asked, “What is this?” They replied, “It is a good day. It is the day Allah saved the Bani Israil from their enemy, so Musa fasted on that day.” The Prophet saw said, “I have more right to Moses than you!” Then he fasted and ordered the people to fast on that day.
Islam is one, even though its legal rulings and practices may differ. Islam can’t be viewed using a limited and temporal perspective. Instead, we must see it as call from the moment He the Almighty breathed spirit into Adam until the angel Israfil blows the trumpet. Every prophet who came is a link in the long chain of one faith. Every battle between haw (truth) and batil (falsehood) that appears is your fight, even if you are not directly involved. The struggle between tawhid and shirk, between Iman (faith) and kufr (disbelief), between Hidayah (guidance) and dolaalah (misguidance), is the same in every era. Only the soldiers change.
Live with Adam as when Satan whispered to him that caused to be expelled from paradise. Know your enemy well, because the war between you and evil continues. Live with Nuh like when he was in the ark and feel Allah’s companionship. Reflect on His help to His believing servants, and that the Lord who flooded the earth for His servant who cried, “I have been defeated, help me!” is always present, always watching, never abandoning His servants. But remember the condition: be a faithful servant of Allah as He wishes, and He will surely help you as you wish!
Live with Musa as when he reached the sea with his people (Bani Israil), and Pharaoh’s army drew near. The Israelites thought they would be overtaken, but the Musa responded: “Never will they overtake us! My Lord is with me; He will guide me!” Trust in Allah, who split the sea for His servant and his people. He can split the hardest path for you, so side with Him and He will side with you!
Live with Yusuf as when the wife of Al-Aziz (the king) tried to seduce him, and he fled, holding fast to his religion at the door. He left his desires and chose prison over sin, and soon after Allah granted the honor to sit on the royal throne. Remember, whoever leaves something for Allah, Allah will replace it with something better. So be sincere in leaving what displeases Allah and you will enjoy His reward.
Imagine moments you may never have witnessed, yet you are part of them. Imagine the time when Isa (AS) as descending at the White Tower in Damascus with a spear to kill the Dajjal, so you know that Allah, who helped His religion in the past and will help it in the future, and surely helps it now. So do not despair!
Always remember we are not responsible for the outcome, but for the path we take. Stay on the path of struggle, for walking the road of truth is itself an achievement, even if you do not reach its end until the end of the time (qiyamah).
Have a wonderful blessed day!
Lubbock TX, December 28, 2025
Director of Jamaica Muslim Center & President of Nusantara Foundation