Issue No: 81
3rd June 2011
30th Jamadi al Thaani 1432 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
Invitation to Training Camp:
The ultimate aim of man on this earth is to seek the lofty status of attaining closeness to Allah in His servitude. This is in fulfillment of the Glorious words from Holy Quran “..and I have not created the Jinn and Men save that they may serve Me..” (Sura al Dhariyat 51:60 )
For success in any task one needs to undergo training. From the activities of professional occupations to sporting event and games the participants undertake training in form of theory and practical sessions with an ultimate aim of being successful in their pursuit.
In leading our lives on this earth in pursuit of achieving the ultimate aim of our Creation as outlined above, we are being provided with an opportunity to attend an annual three months spiritual training camp. The three months of Rajab, Shaban, and Holy Ramadhan are unmatched in their significance and importance. In this training camp, under the direction of our Manager and Coach : the Thaqalayn : (the two weighty things; Quran and Ahlul Bayt), we will be required to undertake various physical and spiritual ‘exercises’ that will sharpen our skills to control ourselves (nafs) and prepare us in readiness to combat with the team of shaytan.
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 holy Ramadhan. Thereafter we enter in the playing field of this material world competing against the desires of our self and the deviations by Shaytan. Our success in the ‘tournament’ of our daily lives is linked to our performance in the ‘spiritual training camp’. By devotedly participating in the exercises of this camp, especially for the holy month of Ramadhan, we will Inshallah turn out to be victorious.
An important month for spiritual development:
“Rajab is a great month of Allah, unmatched by any other month in the respect and significance (accorded to it); war with the infidels during this month is prohibited; Verily, Rajab is linked to Almighty Allah, Sha’aban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah. Whosoever fasts a day in the month of Rajab will be granted the great reward of Ridwan (an angel in heaven); the wrath of Allah shall be distanced from him and a door of the Hell shall be closed.” Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W)
Points for spiritual development :
Let us take advantage of being blessed with life to once again be present in this auspicious month of Rajab. Herebelow are some recommended acts of the training camp in Rajab:
- Performing 2 Rakat prayer for the first day of the month ( AQAIN )
- Observing Fast
- Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfaar)
- Reciting Tasbih / Tahlil ( Glorification )
- Beseeching the recommended supplications and pondering over its contents
- Giving Sadaqa
- Laylatu Raghaib : (the night of beautiful gifts or invaluables ) A’mal to be done on First Thursday of Rajab. Details to follow in separate email.
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
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat