26th Rajab 1441 A.H. / 22nd March 2020
B’ithat: The first revelation:
On the 27th Rajab, 610 C.E., when the Noble Prophet was now 40 years of age, the trusted archangel Jibrail descended with the following verses:
“Read in the name of your Lord. He created man from a clot. Read (Proclaim) and your Lord is most honourable. He who taught the use of the pen. Who taught man what he knew not.” Suratul Alaq 96:1-5
The flow of the Divine revelation continued for twenty-three years till the end of the life of the prophet.
What is B’ithat:
This was the formal commencement of the revelation of Noble Quran. Henceforth it is the day of B’ithat- Day of commissioning of responsibility of Apostleship to noble prophet Muhammad al Mustafa SAWW.
What is the fadhila - excellence - of day of B’ithat ?
“In Rajab there is a night which is better for people than all the things on which the sun shines. It is the night of 27th Rajab: when Rasulallah was commissioned on its day…whoever from our Shias performs the devotions of this night gets the reward for (performing deeds) 60 years.” 9th Imam Muhammad at Taqi a.s.
“Do not abandon fasting of the 27th Rajab. For it is the day when Apostleship was commissioned upon Muhammad (SAWW). Its reward for you is equivalent to fasting sixty months.” 6th Imam J’afar As Sadiq a.s.
Do not miss fast of 27th day of Rajab; tomorrow Monday 22nd March 2020.
How is this day of B’ithat relevant to us today?
1) Celebration and thanksgiving:
Acknowledge and appreciate this valuable gift of eiman. Be grateful to be from the ummah of Noble Prophet. Take time to reflect on this precious gift.
Perform recommended amals:
27th night http://www.duas.org/miraj.htm#27_Rajab_DAY
27th day http://www.duas.org/miraj.htm#27_Rajab_DAY
2) Appreciation of Quran:
Apostleship of Noble Prophet was inaugurated with commencement of revelation of Qur’an. How attached are you to the Quran to ignite you towards commitment of eiman?
Strive to be closer to the Quran. Make a point to recite daily some verse of Noble Quran. Endeavor to live life according to Quran.
“By Allah! I adjure you in the matter of the Quran. Others should not precede you in excelling to act upon it” Imam Ali bin Abi Talib a.s.
3) Commitment to living Islam:
Despite all the challenges faced by the Noble Prophet including persecution, boycott, wars etc, he determinedly forged ahead with proclamation of message of Islam such that today out of a world population of more than 6 billion, the Muslim population is 20%.
Likewise, in our era today, Islam and we Muslims are facing great challenges. They are on levels such as political, doctrinal, social lifestyle, dedication etc. Like the prophet don’t we need to be committed to Islam, learn more about it, support it with our deeds and words: Live Islam.
4) Family:
A significant component in the stages taken by the Noble Prophet after B’ithat was towards the family s per the verse: “..and warn your near relatives…” The way one toils hard to provide good food, education, housing, comfort, holidays to the wife and children, let us in like manner and effort to role model Islam, urge self and family devotion to living Islam.
For what is the use of providing good food, education, housing, comfort, holidays to the family and then when they are resurrected for accounting on the day of Qiyamat, they will have little or nothing to save them from the chastisement of hell?
5) Commitment to Imam al Mahdi A.F. :
40 years after his birth on B’ithat, it was at the right moment that the Noble Prophet was Divinely instructed to commence the mission. Knowing that the birth of Imam Sahibaz Zaman – master of our age- Imam Al Mahdi A.F. has taken place, then indeed it is at the right moment of the choice of Allah SWT that the day of dhuhur -reappearance- of the Imam will take place. That is when his role will be activated to provide faraj-delivery- from all the corruption, injustice, oppression and chaos prevailing in these days of aakhar zaman. Strengthen your belief and commitment to the Imam A.F.
Muminin, as we celebrate the joyful occasion of B’ithat of Noble Prophet let us re-commission ourselves and families to overcome the numerous challenges towards living Islam, Inshallah. Muminin, whilst I know that we are going through a challenging situation, let us reassure ourselves that we are not left alone. In these times of crisis and social disruption, we turn to Allah SWT for spiritual guidance and assurance.
We believe Allah SWT is certainly with us. Our faith in Almighty Allah SWT together with devotion to Ahlul Bayt a.s. will, InshAllah strengthen us to sail through these moments.
Please keep making dua for yourself, your loved ones, the medical services, key workers and all humanity.
Please keep making dua for yourself, your loved ones, the medical services, key workers and all humanity.
Pray especially for those unable to protect themselves in any way: all in Refugee Camps, conflict zones and homeless /inadequate housing wherever they may be.
May you and your loved ones be granted safety from all calamities. I request you to kindly remember me and my family in your duas.
28th Rajab 60 A.H.: Day of departure of Imam Husayn a.s. together with his family and close companions from the sanctity of Madina after refusing to pledge allegiance to Yazid. Thus, azadaarane Husayn the journey towards Karbala commences.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat