Salamun alaykum,
This week, on Wednesday 11th Dhulqa’dah (29th April, 2026), we celebrated the auspicious occasion of wiladat of our 8th Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s.
This marks fourteen years since solemnization of the formal handing over of Al Mahdi Centre project on this blessed day of wiladat.
How was it solemnised?
It was on Friday 10th Dhulqa’dah 1433 A.H. (28th September, 2012) that the flame of life of our blessed Al Mahdi Centre was ignited by the performance of Salatul Jum’ah. On that day the adhaan was proclaimed by Marhum Murabbi Raza Uncle Nensi. Thereafter the formal handing over of Al Mahdi Centre project was celebrated next day on 11th Dhulqa’dah; wiladat of our 8th Imam Ali ar Ridha a.s.
These dates are occasions of great significance in the timeline of our community; the Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat.
A dream come true:
Alhamdulillah, the dream for having a Centre for the children of Al Mahdi became a reality by setting foot into the new Al Mahdi Centre at Fontley Road. For eighteen years Al Mahdi Community was housed in the ‘Pink Bungalow’ on the Hoads Hill / Wickham Road. Prior to that the community used to meet for some eighteen years in a flat on Elm Grove in Portsmouth.
It has been fourteen 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, the inauguration 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.
Do you remember our slogan?
To motivate the community towards the project of Al Mahdi Centre, the rallying call “Building in this life for the next” was echoed at all times.
Bihamdillah, through the unlimited devotion, dedication, perseverance and philanthropy of all Mumineen, the fruition of the vision “Building in this life for the next” continues being realised.
Going ahead: The slogan “Building in this life for the next” continues to motivate Mumineen. This vision blossomed to bestow added facilities for children in Al Mahdi Madrasah. On Saturday 11th June, 2022 /11th Dhulq’adah 1443 A.H. we witnessed the official opening ceremony of Dar al Zahra. This unit of a bungalow and barn, dedicated for the love of Noble lady Sayyida Fatima al Zahra a.s., provides additional facilities to Al Mahdi Madrasah plus social, gardening and sporting facilities.
What’s the driver?
MashAllah, all this development has come about due to the fervent love in Mumineen to selflessly serve in the way of Ahlul Bayt a.s.. It is this noble devotion that has nourished our community to attain this great achievement.
At all times, it is nothing save the spirit of volunteering which has catalysed the production of this beautiful Al Mahdi centre; one which is indeed a landmark in various aspects of design, construction and ecofriendly initiative on the local scene. What a priceless gem is this spirit of service to Ahlul Bayt a.s. and volunteering for the cause of Ahlul Bayt a.s. by one and all in the community? MashAllah.
Fervent dua: It is our passionate prayers to Allah SWT to abundantly reward all who have selflessly contributed and continue doing so in various forms towards the Al Mahdi Centre. (Aamin, Ya Rabb.)
Reflect: Is the building for our life completed?
Now fourteen years later, as we sit back to celebrate this wonderful achievement of Al Mahdi Centre, let us ponder over the slogan “Building in this life for the next.”
The Masjid an Nabi provided impetus to the early Muslim community in establishment of the ummah and the sharing of noble message of Islam with humanity.
Do you invite others towards Islam?
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?
Let this slogan “Building in this life for the next.” motivate us in preparation for the dhuhur-reappearance- of our beloved Imam Al Mahdi A.F.
May Allah SWT for the sake of Ahlul Bayt a.s. accept our token efforts of service and provide us with tawfiq to always lead our lives as per teachings of Thaqalayn. (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