Issue No: 137
5th October 2012
17th Dhulqada 1433 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
Al Mahdi Centre: towards being green:
Last week, with the recital of Salatul Jum'ah and the celebrations of wiladat of our eight beloved Imam Ali Ar Ridha a.s., the community moved into its new home: Al Mahdi Centre, Fontley Road. The land of Al Mahdi, situated in the Meon Valley, has diverse grassland and is home to a wide variety of animals including lizards, foxes and woodpeckers.
Great thought and planning has been put in by the community to construct a centre that is not only environmentally friendly, but nestles sympathetically in the landscape. Hedgegrows, Parkland trees and Orchards have been planted. The roof is laden with solar panels to generate electricity for lighting. The interior heating is sourced from underground natural heat source through deep laid pipes. Flow of water in the taps for ablutions is controlled by foot pedals thus avoiding water wastage. It is truly a futuristic design, but maintaining classic architecture reflecting a centre for spirituality, reflection, peace, harmony and community.
These joyous moments of the realization of this gift of Al Mahdi is taking place in the month of Dhulq'adah during which Dahwul Ardh occurred.
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 Noble 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. In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah; blessing descended on this very day. This is also the day when Prophet Adam (peace be with him) was sent to Earth.
This day is also the birthday of two great Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), and Prophet Isa bin Maryam ( Jesus) ,peace be upon them.
Is Dahwu'l Ardh applicable in the present era?
In these times when pollution, climate change, green house effect, depletion of ozone layer and conservation of the environment has been and is still a focus for discussion and action at local and international levels, man as Khalifa/ Trustee /Steward on this earth has an obligation to protect / conserve the environment.
The teachings from holy Quran and Ahadith of Ahlul Bayt encourage us (using a modern term) to 'be green'.
The great consideration given to reducing the carbon footprint and having an environmentally friendly Al Mahdi Centre is a classic example of discharge of the role of khalifa – stewardship- of the earth by man.
As we dwell in our new home, Al Mahdi, the occasion of Dahwul Ardh provides us with an opportunity to understand our responsibility and ponder over this God given blessing the Earth: our home. What is the earth? Why was the earth created? Do we benefit from the earth for the purpose it was created? Are we making the earth a shelter of peace, or an arena of disunity, war, and pollution? What is the remedy for these crisis?
Let Al Mahdi Centre be the foundation on which we appreciate our 'home' -the earth. Let us practice conservation of our environments; both spiritual (by practicing taqwa) and physical conservation (water, energy, environment etc). Being responsible stewards is an act of ibadah.
Let Dahwul ardh a celebration of true faith and concern, and a celebration of thanking Ar Rahman, Al Khaaliq -the All-Merciful Creator- who created the world- our home for our own good
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat