Salamun alaykum,
Our ambition:
The ultimate aim of man on this earth is to overcome the deviations of Shaytan and seek the lofty status of attaining closeness to Allah SWT through ibadah; His servitude. This is in fulfillment of the Glorious words from Noble Quran “..and I have not created the Jinn and Men save that they may serve Me..” (Sura al Dhariyat 51:60 )
Invitation to the Spiritual Training Camp:
To succeed in any task, one does need to undergo training for accomplishing the mission. From the activities of academic or professional occupations to sporting events and games the pursuant needs to devotedly undergo training with the ultimate aim of being successful in their pursuit. Likewise, to achieve success in our ambition of becoming the choicest in servitude to Allah SWT here too, certainly, there is a need for training.
In pursuing spiritual excellence whilst leading our lives on this earth, we are being provided with an opportunity to attend an annual three months training camp. This unique spiritual training camp is for developing one’s Nafs -self- in preparation to combat the evil desires/attractions by Shaytan. These three months of the ‘spiritual training camp’ are Rajab, Sha’baan, and Shahru Ramadhan.
This ‘spiritual training camp’ is an intensive training session under the direction of our Manager and Coach: the Thaqalayn-the two weighty things- Quran and Ahlul Bayt). Participants in this camp will be required to undertake various physical and spiritual ‘exercises’ that will sharpen their skills to control the nafs- self- and prepare us in readiness to combat with the team of Shaytans.
Spiritual training season:
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 we enter the playing field of this material world competing against the desires of ourselves and the deviations by Shaytan. Our success in the ‘tournament’ of our daily lives against Shaytan is linked to our performance in the ‘3 months spiritual 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.
Dua:
On sighting the crescent of Rajab, Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) supplicated "O Allah! Bless us in Rajab and Sha'baan and make us reach the month of Ramadhan. Help us (in these months) with fasting, standing (for prayers), guarding the tongue, casting down the gaze (with modesty), and do not make our only share in it (the experiencing of) hunger and thirst."
Let us take advantage of being blessed with life to once again be present in this auspicious month of Rajab.
If you aim to harvest the fruits on Eid ul Fitr, then plant the seeds in Rajab. Water the saplings in Sha’baan. Tend to them in Shahru Ramadhan.
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