Earth Week 5th – 13th November, 2010
Salamun alaykum,
Earth Day :
On February 26, 1971 the United Nations officially proclaimed the March Equinox (which is often March 20th) as Earth Day in response to widespread environmental degradation. The idea was first brought up by peace activist John McConnell at a UNESCO Conference on the Environment in 1969 and later asserted by San Francisco Mayor Joseph Alioto on March 21, 1970.
Islam too has an occasion –Dahwul Ardh- on its calendar. This day has been celebrated by muslims for more than 1400 years now for men to reflect on their role on the earth.
Dahwul-Ardh :
The phrase "Dahwul Ardh" literally means "The spread of the earth".
The Holy Qur’an alluding to the spread of the earth says:“…and after that He spread out the earth.” (Sura An-Nazi-at 79:30)
According to a tradition of the Holy Prophet s.a.w.w. this took place on the 25th of Dhulqa'da. On this day Allah spread out all the land on the earth from under the Ka’aba for the advantage of human beings. In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah; Blessing descended on this very day. This is also the day when Prophet Adam was sent to Earth.
This day is also the birthday of two great Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), who is known as the Father of Monotheism as it is from him that the great Prophets came that make up the Jews, Christians and Muslims of today. In addition Prophet Isa bin Maryam ( Jesus) ,was born on this blessed day.
Observing Dahwul Ardh in an innovative way:
This year the lunar date for Dahwul Ardh i.e. 25th of Dhulqa'da fell on 3rd November. Four a’mal were recommended to be done.
In addition the week of 5th November to 13th November is being declared as Earth week. The spirit during this week is to take home a message that let us appreciate our ‘home’ -the earth- and practice conservation of our environment ; both spiritual ( taqwa) and physical conservation (water, energy, environment etc ) and that conservation is ibadah : an act of worship.
A special function will Inshallah be held at the Madrasah on Saturday 13th November from 12:30pm.Events by the students include outdoor activity, earth play and qasida.
Is Dahwu'l Ardh applicable in the present era ?
Internationally pollution, climate change, green house effect, depletion of ozone layer and conservation of the environment has been and is still a focus for discussion and action. Man as Khalifa/ Trustee /Steward on this earth has an obligation to protect / conserve the environment.
The teachings from holy Quran and Ahadith of Ahlul Bayt encourage us (using a modern term) to ‘be green’.
The occasion of Dahwul Ardh provides us with an opportunity to expand our vision, and understand our responsibility. Ponder over this God given blessing the Earth : our home .What is the earth? Why was the earth created? Do we benefit from the earth for the purpose it was created? Are we making the earth a shelter of peace, or an arena of disunity, war, and pollution? What is the remedy for these crisis?
Let Dahwul Ardh be an unforgettable occasion. Let it be a celebration of true faith and concern, and a celebration of thanking the All-Merciful Creator who created the world- our home for our own good
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
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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