After a month of rigorous spiritual training and self-purification, Muslims across the globe celebrate the auspicious festival of Eid al-Fitr. However, unlike the conventional festivals of many nations, this sacred day is not merely an occasion for amusement or luxury. It is a profound manifestation of sacrifice, compassion, gratitude, and collective awakening.
While the Muslim Ummah has endured severe trials and internal divisions for decades, and colonial interests have long sought to marginalise Islamic civilisation, the gravity of the current moment is unprecedented. Today, the world witnesses a harrowing contrast: while an unholy alliance pursues aggressive posturing in the Middle East—threatening the stability of sovereign states like Iran—the innocent children of Gaza endure starvation and a brutal genocide. The pursuit of the sinister “Greater Israel” project is targeting Muslim nations in a pattern that echoes the horrifying destruction of Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia.
In these critical times, when the Ummah should stand as a “fortified wall” against global fascism, it is tragic that sectarian and regional fissures are being exploited to further weaken us. This Eid-ul-Fitr, therefore, must be more than a celebration; it must be a catalyst for collective self-reflection, a resolve to resist conspiracies, and a mission to offer hope to a suffering humanity.
Reclaiming the Prophetic Code of Conduct
Amidst this darkness, the timeless principles demonstrated during the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Conquest of Mecca serve as a beacon of light. Through these events, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—the Benefactor of Humanity—established a code of conduct that upheld human dignity even in the heat of battle. Today, we must not only reclaim these lessons but also hold a mirror to the hypocrisy of those who claim the mantle of “civilisation” while presiding over modern-day brutality.
It is a faith-inspiring coincidence that these three pivotal events—the Battle of Badr (17th Ramadan), the Conquest of Mecca (late Ramadan), and the Battle of Uhud (5th Shawwal)—are historically clustered around the season of Eid. Each offers a universal message for the contemporary world:
The Battle of Badr teaches us to uphold human values even in the wake of absolute victory. Rather than succumbing to the intoxication of triumph, the early Muslims established an unparalleled standard for the humane treatment of prisoners of war, prioritising justice over vengeance. This historical context serves as a reminder: the joy of Eid should not breed complacency. Instead, it should invigorate our vigilance and strengthen our resolve against those who seek our undoing. True peace will not be found in the stockpiling of weapons, but in the Islamic system of mercy and justice that once transformed the world.
The Conquest of Mecca: An Ocean of Mercy
The Conquest of Mecca stands as a unique miracle in human history. It was a moment that offered every justification for retribution after two decades of relentless persecution, systemic conspiracies, and the staggering loss of Muslim lives and property. Yet, instead of vengeance, an ocean of mercy and compassion overflowed—an example unparalleled in the annals of time. By declaring a general amnesty, the Prophet ﷺ proved that Islam does not conquer through the sword, but through the profound strength of morality and human dignity.
In contrast, today’s world prides itself on being “developed,” operating under the delusion that human civilisation and moral values have reached their zenith. While modern technology and scientific innovation have indeed transformed the structure of human existence, the tragedy lies in their application: these advancements are increasingly weaponised for the destruction of humanity rather than its welfare. We have engineered devastating arsenals capable of erasing flourishing cities in the blink of an eye.
Furthermore, the rule of law has effectively collapsed on the global stage. The very “superpower” that publishes annual sermons on international human rights employs a defence minister who, embodying a fascist mindset, openly declares that “he only wants to win the war.” In this framework, human life, ethical values, and the established laws of war are deemed irrelevant. Even more tragic is the deafening silence of the global conscience. No one possesses the courage to ask: What has become of your lofty moral claims?
Confronting the Hypocrisy of Modern Civilisation
These same powers justified their aggression against Iran by citing the suppression of dissent and the curtailment of women’s freedoms. Yet, the world must ask: what justification exists for the slaughter of 40,000 innocent children in Gaza? Under what tenet of international law was a girls’ school in Iran bombed, claiming the lives of over 150 young students? Those who once championed the slogans of female education and liberation—why is their rhetoric silenced by the blood of these innocent students? Why is there no global reckoning for the systemic depravity revealed by the Jeffrey Epstein case and the elite networks connected to it? This hypocrisy proves that modern “civilisation” is merely a glittering facade, concealing an ancient system of predatory brutality.
The fundamental tragedy of Western civilisation is its self-portrayal as the “saviour of humanity,” while the pages of history show its hands stained with the blood of the innocent. The West claims the mantle of freedom, yet its legacy is defined by the occupation of entire continents and systematic genocide. The slaughter of 100 million Native Americans and 4.5 million Aboriginal people in Australia remains an indelible stain on the conscience of the so-called “civilised world.”
While they baselessly accuse Islam of being “militant,” the reality is that over the last 600 years, the West has instigated more than 2,600 wars. The two World Wars alone claimed over 120 million lives. These statistics testify that the West’s claim to “peacefulness” is a political fiction.
Democracy and the Crisis of International Hegemony
Moreover, for the West, democracy is a conditional value—acceptable only when the results align with its strategic interests. Whether it was the Islamic Salvation Front in Algeria, the government of Necmettin Erbakan in Turkey, the electoral victory of Hamas in Palestine, or the constitutional presidency of Mohamed Morsi in Egypt, the West has consistently undermined democracy wherever Islamic movements gained a public mandate. The current attempts to delegitimise and attack the Islamic Republic of Iran are but another link in this chain. It has become clear: for the West, secular dictatorship is preferred over Islamic democracy.
Finally, the global order established under the United Nations has devolved into a tool of hegemony for five major powers, where the veto power is routinely used to trample the collective will of the international community. The relentless bombing of hospitals and schools in Gaza, and the recent strikes on educational institutions in Iran, provide definitive evidence that Western “humanitarianism” is a selective privilege, reserved only for those it deems worthy.
This blind struggle for power has finally begun to jolt the conscience of the West, sparking unprecedented dissent within Western nations regarding their own military involvements. Spain, in a bold departure from the status quo, has openly refused to comply with these atrocities, bluntly stating that it “cannot applaud the killing of children.” European nations that once followed Washington’s lead into the flames of war without hesitation are now—just fifteen days into the aggression against Iran—mired in doubt and delay. Exhausted by the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, they are increasingly expressing visceral disgust at this escalating brutality. Historically, American military bases were viewed as absolute guarantees of security; today, however, the United States has inadvertently proven that it can no longer ensure protection for anyone. This shifting tide in global politics serves as a flickering candle of hope amidst a dark and suffocating atmosphere.
The Moral Purpose of Struggle and Protection of Rights
On this blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, it is imperative to remind the world that war, in its essence, is not a self-contained evil; the entire moral distinction lies in its purpose. If a struggle is undertaken for the establishment of justice, the honouring of human dignity, and the supremacy of law, it becomes a remedy for the wounds of humanity, as exemplified by the Conquest of Mecca. However, when war is waged out of an arrogance of dominance or for the sake of economic colonialism, it becomes the most heinous tool for human destruction.
Whether in the Battle of Badr or the Battle of Uhud, these were not acts of aggression but defensive encounters aimed at the protection of fundamental rights. This is why the loss of life was kept to a minimum, and for the first time in history, the world was introduced to a true charter of human rights: the principle that even in the gravest theatre of war, no hand can be raised against innocent children, women, the elderly, or those fleeing the battlefield.
During the Battle of Badr, while leading a mere 313 men against a formidable army, the Prophet ﷺ did not focus solely on military tactics; he taught lessons of truth, patience, and absolute reliance on Allah. He established a standard of equality so profound that he took his turn riding the camel alongside his companions, remarking: “Neither are you more powerful than me, nor am I less in need of the reward than you.” The treatment of the prisoners of Badr was such that, despite a severe grain shortage in Madinah, the Muslims gave their bread to the captives and fed themselves only on dates. Furthermore, when two companions (Hazrat Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman رضي الله عنه and his father) were bound by a prior promise to the enemy not to fight, the Prophet ﷺ forbade them from joining the battle, proving that a Muslim’s word is an inviolable bond, even in the direst of circumstances.
Lessons of Patience and Divine Guidance from Uhud
In the aftermath of the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet ﷺ was deeply grieved by the heavy losses and the horrific mutilation (muthla) of his beloved uncle and the Leader of Martyrs, Hazrat Hamza رضي الله عنه. When a desire for retribution was momentarily expressed, divine revelation immediately descended to set a higher moral bar:
“And if you punish [an enemy], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient, it is better for those who are patient. And be patient, and your patience is not but through Allah…” (Quran, 16:126-127)
Following this divine guidance, the Mercy to the Worlds ﷺ abandoned any thought of revenge, choosing the path of patience and establishing strict moral limits even for a brutal enemy. Finally, on the day of the Conquest of Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ stood before the very enemies who had once wounded him, persecuted his followers, and forced him into exile. As a supreme conqueror, he held every justification for retribution. Instead, he uttered the immortal words: “la tathreeba alaykum al-yawm” (“No reproach shall be upon you today; you are all free”). In doing so, he presented a charter of humanity that even the modern Geneva Convention cannot hope to match. This was not a conquest of territory; it was a conquest of the human heart, designed to bring about an enduring inner revolution.
Guided by this divine instruction, the Mercy to the Worlds ﷺ abandoned any thought of retribution, choosing the path of patience and establishing strict moral boundaries even for a defeated enemy. On the day of the Conquest of Mecca, the Prophet ﷺ stood before the very enemies who had once persecuted him and forced him into exile. As a supreme conqueror with every means of revenge at his disposal, he instead declared: “la tathreeba alaykum al-yawm” (“No reproach shall be upon you today; you are all free”). In doing so, he presented a charter of human rights that the Geneva Convention could never match. This was not a conquest of territory; it was a conquest of the human heart, designed to spark an inner revolution.
The Contrast of Modern Superpowers and the Cry of Gaza
In stark contrast to this radiant history stands the role of today’s so-called “superpowers.” In their quest for global economic hegemony, they have descended to the extremes of devaluing human life. Israel has transformed Gaza into a slaughterhouse for innocent women and children. While the Conquest of Mecca saw the prohibition of even cutting down trees, today’s “civilised” powers carry out devastating bombings on hospitals, schools, and refugee camps. Through unjust sanctions and systemic aggression, the United States and its allies have made life unbearable for an entire nation. From Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Gaza—the history of the West is a weary chronicle of bloodshed and hypocrisy. Those who pose as champions of human rights have had their masks torn away by the cries of children buried beneath the rubble in Gaza.
The great events of Islamic history are not mere tales of the past; they are the magnificent intellectual and spiritual capital of humanity, offering guidance for every era. Islam is, in fact, a universal movement that seeks to align human existence with the principles of the Creator. While the detailed records of ancient Prophets have been lost to the dust of time, the Seerah (biography) of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remains the most authentic, clear, and complete example for understanding this divine movement’s struggle and evolution.
In the life of the Prophet ﷺ, we find a blueprint for every stage of existence—from the initial call of Da’wah to the complexities of statecraft and governance. The Prophetic Seerah is our singular guiding light, whether in joy or sorrow, peace or war, prosperity or adversity. Yet, we must confront a tragic truth: today, Muslims themselves have turned away from this guiding light. Having cast the Seerah behind our backs, what right do we have to lecture the world on humanity? The global humiliation and disgrace we currently face are but the bitter harvest of our own failures. The Quranic warning is unmistakable: “Whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have earned, though He pardons much.” (Ash-Shura 42:30).
A Call for Collective Reflection and Moral Sovereignty
Today, predatory forces are poised to consume us as we remain fractured by ethnic, regional, and sectarian prejudices. From India to the Middle East, the Muslim world faces a grave existential crisis. In these perilous times, the three great battles that occurred around the season of Eid—Badr, Uhud, and the Conquest of Mecca—serve as a vital reminder of the forgotten lessons essential for our survival.
Through the prism of these historical battles, we possess the moral authority to teach the world the true meaning of human values. Simultaneously, there is an urgent need to convey a vital message to the nations of the Middle East: surrendering sovereign land for foreign military bases to preserve individual regimes is not wisdom—it is a strategic and moral fallacy. Today, while global powers have indeed ignited regional conflicts, their lack of moral justification has ensured that defeat and despair are now their only destiny. Had these nations fortified their defensive and ethical systems in the light of the Prophetic Seerah ﷺ, rather than relying on foreign weaponry and external patrons, they would not be facing this current state of helplessness. As the philosopher-poet Iqbal poignantly observed:
“The disbeliever relies on the sword, The believer fights as a soldier even without a blade.”
When we examine the current global landscape, it is as clear as daylight that the West’s civilizational and political edifice has proven more perilous than even the most overt evil. It masterfully sells oppression and tyranny under the deceptive labels of “peace, progress, and human rights.” Muslims must break free from this sophisticated deception and return to their radiant heritage—a history that, even at the pinnacle of power, prioritises mercy and compassion.
On this occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, we must amplify the message that Islam is not merely a collection of rituals; it is a comprehensive “system of justice and mercy.” We must remind the world that the true purpose of power is not to crush the weak, but to deliver justice to the oppressed—a principle immortalised on the day of the Conquest of Mecca. To extinguish the fires of modern hatred, we must reclaim the spirit of forgiveness and forbearance from the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Our Eid celebrations can never be truly joyous while we remain silent about the suffering in Gaza and the plight of the oppressed worldwide. If global powers truly desire stability, they must stop stockpiling nuclear arsenals and instead adopt the “alchemy of the Conquest of Mecca.” Today, Muslims should pledge to be the ambassadors of this sacred mission—a mission where revolution is achieved not through the brute force of arms, but through the invincible strength of morality and humanity. The message of Eid is, in essence, the continuation of that “Mercy to the Worlds” which provides the courage to embrace even one’s enemies.
