Issue No: 172
27th September 2013
20th Dhulqadah 1434 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
25th Dhulqa'dah : Dahwul Ardh:
The phrase "Dahwul Ardh" literally means "The spread of the earth".
Alluding to the spread of the earth, the Noble Qur'an states,"...and after that He spread out the earth." (Sura An-Naazi-at. 79:30)
Dahwul Ardh took place on the 25th of Dhulqa'dah. This year the date falls onWednesday 2nd October, 2013.On this day Allah spread out all the land on the earth from the point under the Ka'aba for the advantage of human beings. In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah; Blessing descended on his 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. Five things to do on this day: Look out for emai lbroadcast next week on 1st October, 2013.
Divine Mission for Man:
Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to place a vicegerent on earth." (Sura al-Baqara 2:30) The verse underscores the purpose for creation of man is to be a steward of God on this earth; our home.
Is Dahwul Ardh applicable in the present era?
Internationally 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. In response to widespread environmental degradation the United Nations, on February 26, 1971, officially proclaimed the March Equinox (which is often March 20th) as Earth Day.
The occasion Dahwul-Ardh has beencelebrated by muslims for more than 1400 years now for men to reflect on their role on the earth.Man as Khalifa/ Trustee /Steward on this earth has an obligation to protect / conserve the environment.
As stewards of the earth Dahwul Ardh presents an opportunity to appreciate our 'home' -the earth. It highlights the essential role for a steward to practice conservation of our environment. This environment is for both thephysical dimension (conservation water, energy, environment etc) and spiritual dimension by conserving taqwa).By fulfilling this role of conservation one does ibadah;an act of worship. The teachings from the Quran and Ahadith of Ahlul Bayt a.s. encourage us (using a modern term)to 'be green'.
Ponder over this God given blessing of 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 crises? If one tries to respond to the foregoing fundamental questions and do the needful, one would have celebrated the occasion as anticipated.
As we dwell in our new home, Al Mahdi Centre, the occasion of Dahwul Ardh provides us with an opportunity to expand our vision, and understand our responsibility of being stewards of the earth.
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.
Let Al Mahdi Centre be the foundation on which we appreciateour 'home' -the earth. Let us practiceconservation of our environments:- on the spiritual and physical dimensions. Is not being a responsible steward an act of ibadah?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat