Salamun alaykum,
Invitation to Training Camp:
For success in any task one needs to undergo training. From the activities of professional occupations to sporting events and competitive games the participants definitely need to undergo training in order to be successful in their pursuits or attain victory. Likewise, to achieve success in our ambition of becoming the choicest in servitude to Allah SWT isn’t there need for us to undertake training?
In leading our lives on this earth, we are being provided with an opportunity to attend an annual three months training camp for developing our Nafs (self) in preparation to combat the evil desires / attractions by Shaytan. These three months are Rajab, Shaban and Shahru Ramadhan.
This camp is an intensive training session under the direction of our Manager and Coach: the Thaqalayn- the two weighty things; Quran and Ahlul Bayt). In this camp the participants will be required to undertake various physical and spiritual ‘exercises’ that will sharpen their skills to control the self-nafs- and prepare them to be in state of readiness to combat with the team of Shaytan.
The month of Rajab marks the commencement of the spiritual training season ending with the Eid ul Fitr on completion of the fasting month of shahru Ramadhan. Thereafter in Shawwaal we enter the playing field of this material world where we are required to compete against the desires of our self and the deviations by Shaytan. Our success in the ‘tournament’ of our daily lives is linked to our performance in the ‘3 months training camp’.
By devotedly participating in the exercises of this camp, especially for the month of Ramadhan, we will Inshallah turn out to be victorious.
Rajab – the 7th month:
Based on confirmation of sighting of the crescent in the UK the month is expected to commence either on Thursday evening or tomorrow Friday evening, InshAllah.
Excellence of Rajab:
Rajab is given title of ‘al Asabbu’ (the effusion or pouring) because the Mercy of Allah pours in abundance on my ummah. (Noble Prophet SAWW)
Istighfar:
Rajab is a month of seeking forgiveness (istighfar) for my ummah, so increase in seeking forgiveness. Verily He is All Forgiving, All Merciful.”
“..and Rajab is known as ‘Al Asab-ba’ (pouring like the rain), for Divine Mercy pours on my Ummah in this month. Therefore, increase in reciting: Astaghfirullaaha wa as aluhut tawba” (Noble Prophet SAWW)
Let us take advantage of being blessed with life to once again be present in this auspicious month of Rajab.
All Praise be to Almighty Allah and abundant thanks to Him for granting us yet another opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and oversights.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat