Issue no: 95
14th October 2011
15th Dhulqada 1432 AH
Earth Week Saturday 15th October – Monday 24th October, 2011
Salamun alaykum,
Earth Day :
In 1969 at a UNESCO Conference on Environment the idea to observe Earth Day was brought up by peace activist John McConnell. This was an attempt to sensitize the citizens of the world on widespread Environmental Degradation and generate a response to address this devastation.
On February 26, 1971 the United Nations officially proclaimed the March Equinox (which is often March 20th) as Earth Day.
More than 1400 years:
Islam too has an occasion –Dahwul Ardh- on its calendar. This day has been celebrated by muslims for more than 1400 years now.
Dahwul-Ardh :
The phrase "Dahwul Ardh" literally means "The spread of the earth".
The Holy Qur’an alluding to the spread of the earth says:“…and after that He spread out the earth.” (Sura An-Nazi-at 79:30)
According to a hadith of the Holy Prophet s.a.w.w.; Dahwul Ardh took place on the 25th of Dhulqa'da. On this day Allah spread out all the land on the earth from under the Ka’aba for the advantage of human beings.
Why was man sent to Earth?
Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to place a vicegerent on earth." (Sura al-Baqara 2:30)
Thus purpose for creation of man is to be a Steward of Almighty Allah on this earth.
As stewards of this planet earth, man is to discharge an important role to tend well this earth on which we live as our home.
Hence the Dahwul Ardh event is an opportunity for men to reflect on their role on the earth.
Other occurrences on 25th Dhulq’ada:
In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah; Blessing descended on this very day.
This is also the day when Prophet Adam was sent to Earth.
This day is also the birthday of two great Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who is known as the Father of Monotheism as it is from him that the great Prophets came that make up the Jews, Christians and Muslims of today. In addition Prophet Isa bin Maryam ( Jesus) ,was born on this blessed day.
Observing Dahwul Ardh in an innovative way:
This year the day for Dahwul Ardh i.e. 25th of Dhulqa'da will be on Monday 24th October, 2011.For the last two years we have been observing this Khushali of Dahwul Ardh in an innovative form at Wessex Jamaat.
This year, the following is being arranged:
- The week from Saturday 15th October – Monday 24th October, 2011, be dedicated as Earth week.
- Saturday 15th October, 2011: Children to participate in the Big Draw event at the Ancient Church of St. Nicholas between 11.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. This year the theme for the Big Draw event is 'Stewardship of the Planet'. This fits in very well with our festival of Dahwul Ardh.
- Saturday 22nd October, 2011: Dahwul Ardh Assembly at the Madrasah.
- Sunday 23rd October,2011: The climax of the celebrations is Earth day Earth Day : Planting at the New Al Mahdi Centre from 10:30 a.m.
- Monday 24th October, 2011: Day of Dahwul Ardh: Perform the Four recommended a’mal to be done on this day.
The spirit during this week is to take home a message that let us appreciate our ‘home’ -the earth.Let us practice conservation of our environment ; both spiritual ( taqwa) and physical conservation (water, energy, environment etc ) .Let us perform ibadah by being responsible stewards.
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat