Salamun alaykum,
Dahwul Ardh:
Today, the 25th Dhulqa'dah,1446 A.H. we are celebrating event of Dahwul Ardh; the blessed occasion of spread of the earth.
What occurred?
Alluding to the spread of the earth, the Noble Qur’an states,“…and after that He (Allah) spread out the earth.” (Sura An-Naazi-at. 79:30).
On this day Allah SWT spread out all the land on the earth from the point under the Ka’aba for the advantage of human beings.
In another tradition it is reported that the first Rahmah- Divine Blessing-descended on this very day. It is also the day when Prophet Adam was sent to Earth. This day is also the birthday of two great Prophets, Prophet Ibrahim, and Prophet Isa bin Maryam, peace be upon them.
Is Dahwul Ardh applicable in the present era?
The response to this question becomes clear only when one can establish why is one on Earth? Why has Allah SWT created man?
Why are you on Earth?”
When this question is posed to a group of people drawn from different backgrounds, obviously different responses are received. The anticipated responses would be greatly varied in all aspects. Some of the expected responses would range from: ‘to have fun, enjoy life, still searching for an answer, a re-incarnation, ask my parents, to even ‘I don’t know!’.... and so on, goes the list of responses!
The Quran responds:
The Noble Qur’an provides us with the response that a purpose for creation of man on Earth is to be a khalifa –steward- of Allah SWT on this earth.
“Behold, your Lord said to the angels: "I am going to place a vicegerent on earth." (Sura Al-Baqara 2:30). This verse underscores the purpose for creation of man; to be a steward of God on this earth.
Stewardship: Is it part-time?
As stewards of this planet earth, man has been charged with an important assignment. This is to tend well this earth on which we live as our home.
Our responsibility, as stewards, is to work the greatest good we can for all the species; individuals and generations of all God’s creatures.
Highlighting our responsibility towards the Earth the Noble Prophet SAWW stated, “Safeguard the Earth because it is your mother…..”
Just as one is always obliged to respect one’s mother and protect her from any harm, so too is the duty of safeguarding the Earth. Caring for the Earth, like caring for the mother is one that is full time. It is such that it is not limited to a certain age or time. Therefore, this important assignment to tend well this earth on which we live as our home is a lifetime responsibility.
Challenges to our home, the earth:
Internationally the issues of 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. In response to widespread environmental degradation the United Nations, on February 26, 1971, officially proclaimed Earth Day coinciding with the March Equinox (which is often March 20th).
Huge resources have been poured by the United Nations, Governments and numerous organisations worldwide into research, advocacy and technological solutions. Despite these efforts the danger of destruction of the Earth looms larger every day.
In Man’s quest for solutions the climate crisis is often reduced to a set of scientific metrics such as carbon level and temperature increase. Whilst this view is correct, it is incomplete.
What then is our response?
There is need to need to view the solution from an additional perspective. One that captures the sacred connection between humankind, the creations and the Creator. In our modern, materialistic world this holistic understanding has been eclipsed.
Allah SWT has created the universe in all its diversity, richness and vitality: the stars, the sun and moon, the earth and all its communities of living beings. The Noble Quran refers to these creations as ‘Ayaat’ – signs- of Allah SWT. All these Ayaat reflects and manifests the wisdom, power, boundless glory and mercy of their Creator. All created beings by nature serve and glorify their Maker, all bowing to their Lord’s will.
Be a Green Mumin:
As stewards of the earth Dahwul Ardh presents an opportunity to appreciate our ‘home’ -the earth. It highlights the essential role for a steward to practice conservation of our environment. This environment is
holistic. It’s for both the physical dimension (conservation water, energy, environment etc) and spiritual dimension by conserving taqwa. By fulfilling this role of conservation, one does ibadah, an act of worship. Continuously engage in ibadah- servitude to Almighty God- by being a responsible steward. The teachings from the Quran and Ahadith of Ahlul Bayt a.s. encourage us (using a modern term) to be ‘ green believers’.
Opportunity for reflection:
Ponder over this God given blessing of the Earth; our home.
Just as in the way one takes good care of the home for which one looks forward to returning to after a hard day of work, how well does one take good care of the bigger home – our planet earth- in which our small dwelling that we call as home is situated?
How are you involved in safeguarding your mother -the Earth- as referred by the Noble Prophet?
Will you continuously engage in ibadah- servitude to Almighty God- by being a responsible steward?
As you perform the recommended a’mals of Dahwul Ardh, will you make a firm decision and resolve in utilizing this earth as a means for a good and eternally secure Hereafter?
What changes will you bring to your living to act on this resolution for Dahwul Ardh?
As a deed of a’mals of Dahwul Ardh make a firm decision and resolution in utilizing this earth as a means for a good and eternally secure Hereafter.
Let Dahwul ardh be a celebration of true faith and concern, and a celebration of thanking Ar Rahman, Al Khaaliq -the All-Merciful Creator- who created the world- our home for our own good. (Aamin, Ya Rabb.)
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat