Muharram and the Direction of Life's Transformation
Every year, various social problems continue to emerge and form recurring patterns. Poverty still oppresses parts of society. Online gambling practices are growing and reaching various levels. Cases of child exploitation and sexual violence cause deep anxiety. Bullying appears in educational spaces that are supposed to foster morals.
At the global level, the humanitarian crisis in Palestine is still ongoing. Civilians face the threat of famine and a loss of security. Meanwhile, the response from the Islamic world has not yet fully provided strong protection. In this atmosphere, 1 Muharram 1448 H arrives as a marker of a new time, yet the condition of the ummah is still far from the ideal image of a community that leads with the values of goodness.
Muharram essentially provides a space for introspection. It invites the ummah to assess not only what is happening, but also why it keeps recurring. In a 2026 article by the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs titled ‘Muharram 1448 H: Strengthening the Spirit of Hijrah to Build Civilisation’, it is emphasised that hijrah should not be understood merely as a symbolic move, but as a comprehensive change in building a just civilisation. The problems of the ummah cannot be solved partially. The community needs a change that touches the roots of thinking and policy direction.
If examined more deeply, various social problems reflect an imbalance in determining the measure of right and wrong. When life orientation shifts towards short-term interests, moral values are often marginalised. As a result, the policies that emerge do not always favour the holistic development of human beings. Subsequently, the family sphere faces increasingly heavy pressures. Furthermore, the educational environment experiences challenges in shaping character. Under these conditions, various deviations grow and spread, as if becoming part of a reality that is difficult to avoid.
On the other hand, the weak role of the ummah at the global level also reveals a broader issue. Differing interests between countries make joint action difficult to realise. Coordination becomes limited. Consequently, the response to humanitarian crises does not proceed in an integrated manner. This situation shows that the ummah does not yet possess the collective strength capable of optimally protecting common interests. This situation serves as a reminder that unity is not merely a discourse, but a fundamental necessity to provide real protection.
Muharram carries a profound message of change. The Qur’an affirms, ‘Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves’ (QS. Ar-Ra’d: 11). This verse emphasises awareness as the beginning of change. It invites the ummah to improve their perspectives, attitudes, and life systems. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also said, ‘Whoever among you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; if he cannot, then with his tongue; if he cannot, then with his heart’ (HR Muslim). This hadith shows that change requires an active role, even if carried out gradually and according to one’s ability.
Islamic history provides a real example of this process of change. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) built society through clear stages. He fostered faith, strengthened brotherhood, and then organised life with just rules. The leaders after him continued this step with full responsibility. Umar bin Khattab upheld justice through policies that protected the people. Umar bin Abdul Aziz brought prosperity through trustworthy leadership. These examples show that change requires a clear direction and strong commitment.
Therefore, hijrah in the present day must be understood as an effort towards a life more aligned with divine values. This process demands the comprehensive involvement of the ummah. The community needs to strengthen religious understanding, build morals, and support the emergence of a just life order. Moreover, the ummah requires a nurturing platform capable of directing change in a structured and sustainable manner. In this way, change does not stop at the individual, but extends to society and the systems that govern life.
Ultimately, Muharram is not just a marker of time, but also a reminder of direction. The ummah needs to use this momentum to conduct an honest evaluation of its paradigm. This reflection is not a form of rejecting reality, but a manifestation of concern to improve the future. With collective awareness and directed steps, the ummah can move towards a life that is more just, dignified, and blessed by Allah SWT.