Salamun alaykum,
Do you remember?
Next week we will InshAllah be celebrating wiladat -birthdate- of our beloved 8th Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s. In addition to, InshAllah, resumption of physical programmes at Al Mahdi centre the wiladat occasion has added significance for our Wessex Jamaat.
Inauguration of Al Mahdi Centre, Fontley Road:'
It was on Friday 10th Dhulq’adah 1433 A.H. (28th September 2012) that the flame of life of our Al Mahdi Centre, Fontley Road, was ignited by the performance of Salatul Jum’ah on that day. The next day on 11th Dhulq’adah, during the celebrations of wiladat of 8th Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s., the formal handing over of Al Mahdi centre project was solemnized. These are important dates in the history of our community; the Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat.
A dream come true:
After being housed in the ‘Pink Bungalow’ on the Hoads Hill / Wickham Road for eighteen years, the dream for having a Centre for the children of Al Mahdi became a reality by setting foot into our new Al Mahdi Centre, Bihamdillah. Prior to the ‘Pink Bungalow’ the community used to meet for some eighteen years in a flat on Elm Grove, Portsmouth.
It has been nine years:
The initiation of our new home, on the blessed day of Yawmul Jum’ah is a significant blessing. In addition to enjoying the abundant blessings of the auspicious day of Jum’ah, it links us to the establishment of the first Salatul Jum’ah by the Noble Prophet. This was held in Masjid Al Quba, the first mosque, that the Noble Prophet led the Muslims to build during the hijra – migration- from Makka to Yathrib; later renamed Madina. On arriving in Madina with the construction of Masjid An Nabi, the commitment of the early Muslims led to the establishment of the Ummah.
Slogan: Building in this life for the next:
To motivate the community towards the project of Al Mahdi Centre, the rallying call “Building in this life for the next” was always echoed.
It is indeed through the fervent prayers, devotion, dedication, perseverance, and philanthropy of the community, both locally and around the world, that our vision for Al Mahdi centre comes to fruition into the real world of existence.
Bihamdillah, through the devotion, dedication, perseverance, and philanthropy of the mumineen, the fruition of the vision “Building in this life for the next” continues to occur. We have now embarked on construction of Dar al Zahra for expanding facilities for our children in the Madrasah.
MashAllah, all this continues to be realised due to the love of service by mumineen in the way of Ahlul Bayt a.s. It is this noble devotion that nourishes our community to attain this great achievement. At all times, it is nothing save the spirit of volunteering which catalysed the production of this beautiful centre; one which is indeed a landmark in various aspects of design and construction on the local scene. The spirit of service to Ahlul Bayt a.s. and volunteering for their cause by one and all in the community is certainly a priceless gem.
Is the building for our life completed?
Now nine years later as we sit back to celebrate this wonderful achievement of the completion of building Al Mahdi Centre, let us ponder over the slogan “Building in this life for the next.”
Let one inquire within oneself that by completion of building Al Mahdi Centre, has one completed building the next life of hereafter?
Like the impetus provided by the Masjid An Nabi to the early Muslim community in establishment of the ummah and the sharing of noble message of Islam with humanity, what momentum is one providing towards this direction?
What more does one need to do towards nurturing their families to becoming virtuous?
What is your engagement as a volunteer at Al Mahdi Centre?
Under the blessed shelter of Al Mahdi Centre, what else needs to be done to complete building for our life in the hereafter?
It is our fervent prayers to Allah SWT to abundantly reward all who have selflessly contributed in various forms towards the Al Mahdi Centre. May Allah SWT accept our token efforts of service and provide us with tawfiq to always lead our lives as per teachings of Thaqalayn. AAMIN.
Lose not sight of the slogan: “Building in this life for the next.”
Heartiest Felicitations on the Happy and Auspicious Occasion of the Birth Anniversary of 8th Ali ar Ridha (a.s.)
Khushali Mubarak.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat