Issue No: 97
4th November 2011
7th Dhulhijja 1432 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Wearing a red poppy:
Throughout the world the poppy is associated with the remembrance of those who died in war. November is the time of the year when people in the Commonwealth countries especially in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and other nations wear a red poppy in memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the wars.
England team will wear the poppy:
The emotional attachment to wearing a poppy is so great that this week England Football Association had appealed against the decision of FIFA, the World Football Governing Body, not allowing its players to wear poppy for the Saturday friendly match against Spain at Wembley.
Following this appeal FIFA has now allowed the football team to display the poppy.
People from all walks of life led by TV presenters, guests on TV and politicians wear remembrance poppies displaying them with a sense of pride and honour for the fallen ones. Perhaps this is to convey a strong message that the sacrifice of the dead during the wars is not in vain.
Judging by presentation:
Whilst symbolism or display of any outward appearance by a citizen is not an indicator to judge on ones patriotism or commitment to ones nation, the zeal with which one displays the symbol conveys a message that the purpose for which the sacrifice has been given will be upheld and the memory of the fallen ones will not be forgotten.
Likewise commitment towards eiman of a believer is not to be solely judged on the basis of ones display or presentation of attires or symbols related to Islam. Examples which come to mind are such as the hijab, beard, kofia /cap, dish-dash, kanzu, sherwani and other items.
This is meant to signal as a pledge that the efforts and sacrifices by the Holy Prophet and Ahlul Bayt in propagating the message of Islam is being honoured and will not be allowed to go in vain.
When a muslim male wears a beard or a muslim female observes the hijab, especially in countries where they are in minority, it serves to re-iterate this pledge.
This is to always uphold and honor the sacrifice of Ashura led by Aba Abdillah Imam Husayn and Bibi Zaynab against the deviant ways of Yazid.
By not observing the required etiquettes for which the Ahlul Bayt had submitted to martyrdom, is not one dishonouring the principles for which they laid down their lives?
A point worth to ponder.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat