Salaamun Alaykum

On his death bed: he was denied writing material:
A humble man, adored by the whole community, is lying in severe pain. He is surrounded by several people including his close family who are fervently hoping that he will survive. He requests to be given writing material so that he may write a will that would prevent them from going astray after his death.

What was the response?
A group of persons present around him denied the request and disallowed the final wish to be fulfilled. In loud voices they explained that the book of Allah-the Qur’an- is sufficient. Further by opposing one another and shouting, the people present did not allow the request to write the will to be fulfilled.

Who was the man?
This person was none other than the one dispatched as mercy to the universe; our Noble Prophet Muhammad Mustafa SAWW. In these final moments such an exalted person was being denied his last requests. By choosing to disobey the Prophet’s request the people had hurt him. He ordered them to take leave from him.

When did it occur?
This calamity to the Noble Prophet took place on a Thursday preceding his passing away from this mortal abode on 28th Safar 11 A.H. Such a great misfortune it is for the ummah that whenever Abdullah bin Abbas, a prominent companion, recalled this yawmu raziyatul khamis - Calamity of Thursday, he would mourn with his face overflowing with tears.

Obedience to the Messenger of Allah:
The Noble Quran and traditions of our beloved Prophet have always underscored the need for all Muslims to submit in obedience to Divine leadership. Divine leadership of Allah on the Earth is symbolized by His Messenger and the Divinely appointed Imams.

Leadership during Occultation:
As Shias, we are blessed to be part of the Muslim community submitting to the teachings of the Thaqalayn - Quran and Ahlul Bayt. The expectation is that one submits to the Quran and is obedient to the Prophet and Imams.

During the contemporary period of occultation of our twelfth and final Imam, Saahibaz Zamaan - Master of the Age- (May Allah hasten his re-appearance), our point of reference of leadership is towards the Eminent scholars – the Marja Taqleed. Throughout these moments of Aakhir Zaman - the final time - of Ghaybatul Kubra, the major occultation, it is critical that we are conscious of the need to uphold with due reverence and obedience to the institution of the Marja.

By this not only does one succeed in fulfilling the Divine instruction of obedience, but one is safe guarded from any external deviations that will affect one’s faith.

Therefore, be on guard:
Does one cherish the leadership of the Marja Taqleed?
Do you revere the guidance received from the Marja Taqleed and noble scholars?
Are you conscious always of not getting carried away by personal likes or interests thus, avoid ending up reflecting the behaviour typical of the group which denied the last request of the Noble Prophet for writing materials?

Today the day of 28th Safar, when the sad occasion of wafat of the Noble Prophet is being observed we present our salutations in a ziyarat with the following words:
“……we have been struck with great sadness, O the beloved of our hearts. What a great calamity since the termination of the revelation and your departure from us. Indeed, we are from Allah and to Him is our return.”
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah

With salaams and duas

Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat