Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Imam Ali Ar-Ridha (A.S.)

Special celebrations: Wessex Jamaat Timeline:

Today in addition to celebrating the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of our beloved 8th Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s., this day also marks the completion of a decade since this new home of the community - Al Mahdi Centre- was inaugurated with Salatul Jum’ah on 28th September, 2012/10th Dhulq’adah 1433 A.H. and celebrations of 8th Imam wiladat on the next day. This is a fulfilment of our vision to have a home for the children and family of Wessex.
In addition to crossing this milestone of ten years, today there is greater joy for the opening ceremony of the Dar al Zahra project; providing extended facilities for al Mahdi Madrasah.
No doubt the exemplary efforts of all mumineen deserve nothing less than the abundant barakah-blessings- and ridha- pleasure of Allah SWT.

Reflecting on name of 8th Imam:

All the imams have an individual title that would point out to an outstanding aspect of their life. Just as titles like Amiral Mumineen, Al Mujtaba, Sayyidu Shuhada, As Sajjad, al Baqir, Al Sadiq, Al Kadhim of the previous imams, the 8th Imam is referred to as Ar-Ridha (The pleased one /The one who attained pleasure).

How do these names inspire us?

Consider each of the names of the masumin to be roses in bouquet of flowers from which emanates the beautiful fragrance of wilayah/ imamah leading us towards developing Taqwa. One who strives to emulate each of the names of the masumin (roses) in one’s behavior will complete the eiman (bouquet) and radiate fragrance (taqwa) to occupy position of honour gaining ridha; Divine pleasure.

Did the ruler Mamun Rashid name 8th Imam as Ar Ridha?

Ahmed al Bizanti informed the 9th Imam At Taqi that there are people who conjecture that Mamun named his father, the 8th Imam, as Ar Ridha only because he approved of his heir apparency.
In response Imam at Taqi clarified,“ They have lied. By Allah! And they have sinned. Rather it is Allah Blessed and Mighty who named him as Ar Ridha, because Allah was pleased with him in the higher world, so is His messenger and the Imams after him in the earth.”

How can one earn the Ridha-pleasure- of Allah?

In an address the 8th Imam informed,”… After belief in God, confessing to the right of the beloved of Allah from the Ahlul Bayt, God likes it more that you help /support your believing brothers in their worldly affairs that is a passage to reach their Paradise. One who does so is among the chosen ones of Allah, the Blessed and Elevated.”

Therefore, being a chosen one certainly attains the Ridha-pleasure- of Allah.

Reflect:

• Is help /support by just mere words?
• The establishment of brotherhood between Muhajir and Ansar was one of the first deeds undertaken by the Prophet on establishing the community in Madina. This secured the dignity of the believers resulting to commitment to faith.
• Is it support in all worldly affairs irrespective to where it leads to?
• What are the various ways you can reach out to your believing brethren in their worldly affairs and earn the Ridha of Allah SWT?
• How will you support the parents, family, neighbours, mosque, Madrasah, Jamaat and the community and attain Ridha of Allah?

Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah

With salaams and duas

Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat