Issue No: 275
11th November 2016
10th Safar 1438 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
The eleventh hour:
It was on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918 (11th November, 1918) that an armistice (truce settlement) 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 13th November, 2016.The red poppy has become a familiar emblem for this day.
The traditions of Remembrance Day include holding of special prayer services, observing two minutes silence, thinking about and remembering the people who have died in or been affected by wars, laying of wreaths and other solemn practices. The occasion also provides an opportunity to remember the innocent and oppressed people including children and women who invariably are amongst the casualties of war, conflict and oppression. It is in these assemblies where the victims of suffering whose lives are disfigured by conflicts and war are brought to mind. It is anticipated that the realization of the ugly effects of war enables one to resolve to think long and hard before initiating such acts.
As Remembrance Day approaches it is noteworthy to highlight that when commemorating the lives of the British Armed forces, 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. Muslims too, both from the armed forces and the civilians, around the world have sacrificed their lives and honor and they continue doing so as to establish the values of freedom and justice.
Justice:
This is one word that is the spirit of teachings of Islam. This essence is instilled in all Islamic values. Indeed the sole purpose of the Prophets sent by Almighty God 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”
We are commanded to always be just. The teachings of Noble Quran and Ahlul Bayt stress on Justice. This stresses a key point that living a life in obedience to Allah and attaining taqwa is achieved by upholding justice. The quality of being just is achieved when there is respect for the rights of Allah, rights of other people, and rights of our own persons.
As the national 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 one of our responsibilities during the period of 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
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat