September 22

Felix IV was elected pope in 526 following the death of John I. He continued to navigate the relationship between the Roman church and the Ostrogothic king Theodoric the Great. He dedicated several churches in Rome, including remodeling Santa Maria in Trastevere, and supported the celebration of the Epiphany. Felix also took measures against Monophysite theology and approved synods to address doctrinal disputes. His papacy is remembered for its architectural endeavors and attempts to maintain church unity in a politically complex period.

Born into the noble Hohenstaufen dynasty, Otto became Bishop of Freising in 1138. He authored the Chronica sive Historia de duabus civitatibus, reflecting on the spiritual and temporal realms, and the Gesta Friderici Imperatoris, detailing the deeds of his nephew Frederick Barbarossa. His works combined theological reflection with historical narrative, providing valuable insight into 12th-century Europe. Otto’s scholarly approach blended classical learning with contemporary events, earning him recognition as one of the earliest historiographers of the Holy Roman Empire. He died in 1158, leaving a lasting legacy in the fields of church history and medieval studies.

Born Kigen Dōgen in 1200, he traveled to China to study Chán Buddhism before returning to Japan in 1227. Dōgen established the Kōshōhōrin-ji monastery and later founded Eihei-ji, the head temple of the Sōtō school. His magnum opus, the Shōbōgenzō, is a profound collection of essays on Zen practice, metaphysics, and ethics. Emphasizing zazen (seated meditation), Dōgen taught that practice and enlightenment are inseparable. His philosophical insights reshaped Japanese Buddhism, and his works continue to be studied by practitioners worldwide.

Guru Nanak (1469–1539) established Sikhism as a faith emphasizing devotion to one God and social equality. Born in present-day Punjab, he embarked on extensive travels to spread his message of compassion, justice, and communal service. Nanak composed hymns that later formed the core of the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. He introduced the langar, a free communal kitchen that broke social barriers of caste and creed. His teachings challenged religious dogma and advocated a direct relationship with the divine. Guru Nanak's legacy endures in the global Sikh community he inspired.

Born in 1615, John Biddle was an influential Puritan minister who challenged Trinitarian doctrine. Often called the father of English Unitarianism, he published works advocating religious tolerance and rational faith. His 1647 treatise "Twelve Arguments Drawn Out of Scripture" led to charges of heresy. Imprisoned multiple times, Biddle continued to teach and write, defending his beliefs against established orthodoxy. He died in 1662, leaving a legacy of debate on religious freedom and interpretation.

Born Giovanni Vincenzo Antonio Ganganelli in 1705, he became the 247th Pope as Clement XIV in 1769. Facing pressure from European monarchies, he issued the brief "Dominus ac Redemptor" in 1773 suppressing the Society of Jesus. This decision reflected the complex politics between the Church and Bourbon powers. Clement XIV sought to maintain Church unity and navigated diplomatic challenges with Austria, France, and Spain. His pontificate was marked by Enlightenment influences and efforts to reform Church administration. He died in 1774, leaving a controversial legacy over his stance on the Jesuits and church-state relations.

Born in Aurangabad in 1903, Abul A'la Maududi was a leading thinker of modern political Islam. He founded the Jamaat-e-Islami in 1941, aiming to establish an Islamic state governed by Sharia. Maududi authored the influential commentary 'Tafhim al-Qur'an', shaping Qur'anic interpretation for millions. He wrote extensively on Islamic political theory, advocating governance based on divine sovereignty. Despite facing political persecution and imprisonment, he remained a prolific writer and speaker. Maududi's ideas have had a lasting impact on Islamist movements across South Asia and beyond before his death in 1979.

ʻAlí-Muhammad Varqá was born in 1911 in Iran into a family deeply rooted in the Baháʼí Faith. In 1955, he was appointed by Shoghi Effendi as the youngest Hand of the Cause of God, a select group responsible for protecting and propagating the faith. Varqá traveled extensively to strengthen Baháʼí communities and oversee the establishment of administrative institutions worldwide. His efforts included teaching tours, civic engagement, and fostering interfaith dialogue. After the passing of his fellow Hands, he became the last living member, carrying forward their responsibilities single-handedly. His leadership provided continuity during a time of transition for the global Baháʼí community. Varqá died in 2007, leaving a legacy of service and unity.