Salamun alaykum,
The eleventh hour:
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918 (11th November, 1918) an armistice between the Allies and Germany was signed. This day known as Armistice Day marked the end of fighting in the First World War. Later, the day was known as Remembrance Day. This day was dedicated to remember the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and civilians in times of war.
In many countries of the Commonwealth including the UK, the commemoration of this day was moved to the Sunday nearest to November 11th. This year the event will be observed on Sunday 14th November, 2010.The red poppy has become a familiar emblem for this day.
As Remembrance Day approaches thoughts turn to commemorate the lives of the British Armed forces. As per the traditions special prayer services will be held, two minutes silence observed and wreaths will be laid.
A point to ponder is how many of us are aware of the role played by Muslims, both from the armed forces and the civilians, around the world who have sacrificed their lives and honor to establish the values of freedom and justice. Just to mention historical records document that there were tens of thousands of Muslims who were part of the armies of the British Empire and committed to serve their country.
Justice:
This is one word that is the spirit of teachings of Islam. It is instilled in all Islamic values. The sole purpose of the prophets was to establish Justice in the world and end injustice.
“Certainly We sent Our messengers with clear arguments, and sent down with them the Book and the balance that men may stand forth with justice…” Sura Al-Hadeed 57:25.
“Be just, for it is next to (achieving) Taqwa”
The teachings of Holy Quran and Ahlul Bayt stress on Justice.
We are commanded to be just. Living a life in obedience to Allah (taqwa) is achieved by upholding justice. This quality is achieved when there is respect for the rights of Allah, of other people, and of our own persons.
As the commemorations of the Remembrance Day take place let us as Muslims commit and dedicate ourselves to strive to uphold justice and honour innocent lives.
This commitment is our responsibility during the ghaybat (occultation) of our 12th Imam. The pinnacle of justice will be established with the re-appearance of the twelfth Imam al Mahdi (as).May Allah SWT hasten his re-appearance.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat
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Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat. Al Mahdi, Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire . PO17 5BU. Reg. Charity Number: 1010076. Tel: 01329 832537. Fax: 02392-529766
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: Jamaat Web Site: www.almahdi.org.uk:
Project Web Site: www.almahdi.org.uk/almahdiproject
Member of the Council of European Jamaats
Member of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat. Al Mahdi, Wickham Road, Fareham, Hampshire . PO17 5BU. Reg. Charity Number: 1010076. Tel: 01329 832537. Fax: 02392-529766
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.: Jamaat Web Site: www.almahdi.org.uk: Project Web Site: www.almahdi.org.uk/almahdiproject
Member of the Council of European Jamaats
Member of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board
