Issue No: 214
24th October 2014
28th Dhul Hijjah 1435 A.H.
Salamun alaykum
Autumn is setting in:
The mercury is falling as the temperature drops. The light summer clothing styles are being replaced with warm clothing. Chilly gusty winds are roaring at more than 10mph speeds. The green leaves have changed colour into forms of golden, red and brown. The crispy brown leaves whirl around in circles on the ground. Leaves are crunched underfoot as one walks; these are the signs of autumn setting in.
This is that time of the year we are now living in. The rich green foliage that we enjoyed during summer is now no longer there. Just as once the trees that were once richly dressed in leaves they are now left with bare branches.
Leaves of deeds:
As one goes about with the daily life, instances of slipping in disobedience of Allah SWT may occur. These acts of sins are recorded by the angels in the book of deeds. Over a period of time these sins accumulate just like the leaves richly cover the bushes and trees. These ‘leaves of sins’ turn to dense overgrowth on our self; nafs. The choking effect on the nafs is disastrous. There is need to clip away these ‘leaves’ and to have them blown away like the dead brown leaves we now see lying all around us in this autumn season.
How will you shed these leaves of sin?
An excellent solution is prescribed by the Noble Prophet Muhammad SAWW. It is related that once he went out when the leaves were falling from the trees. He took hold of a branch and said: “Verily, when a servant of God prays seeking only His pleasure, his sins fall away just as the leaves have fallen from this tree.”
In another narration the Noble Prophet stated, “The best act of worship is istighfar.”
One who had been arrogant in defying Allah SWT now has this wonderful opportunity of praying in sincerity, performing istighfar and tawba-seeking forgiveness from Allah SWT and turning repentant towards Him.
End of the year:
The Islamic year 1435 A.H. is drawing to a close. Muharram, the first month, is round the corner. All preparations for observing the azadari ceremonies are in full speed.
An essential lesson of Ashura is the seeking of pleasure of Allah SWT.
How have you prepared your nafs-self- to gain from this lesson of Ashura?
Will you sacrifice your resources such as time, wealth, knowledge, energy to serve our Imam Az Zamaan (A.F.) and earn Divine Pleasure?
Have you identified the ‘leaves’ of sins that need to be clipped and blown away from you like the dead leaves in autumn?
As the brown leaves fall from the trees will you give up your own bad habits and strive to become a better muslim submitting to the thaqalayn?
Reflect:
Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful." Sura Az Zumar 39:53
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat