Dear Muminin,
Salamun alaykum,
Heartiest felicitations Khushali Mubarak on auspicious occasions of celebrating wiladat of grandson of Noble Prophet our 3rd imam Aba Abdillah Husayn a.s., Qamar Bani Hashim Abul Fadhl a.s. and our 4th Imam Ali Zaynul Abidin a.s.
I pray that you and your loved ones are in good health. It is indeed distressing to miss out the festivity of community celebrations of these blessed events at our al Mahdi centre. However, as per instructions of our Maraji and the public Health officials it is vital and necessary that we follow the various precautions as part of our now everyday lives. During these most unique of times and situations we take strength in our Nourisher Allah SWT, the most Compassionate, the most Merciful. At the same time, we seek tawassul in the blessings of Ahlul Bayt a.s. for delivery from these difficult times.
By addressing the month of Sha’baan as shahri –my month- our Noble Prophet is signalling towards the excellence of this month exceeding over the other months. Further, the Prophet informs that one who extends support to him in this month is rewarded by prophetic prayers for Divine Mercy to be bestowed on the person. Therefore, how will we attract the valuable duas of the Prophet especially under the current difficult circumstances? What will you do in these moments of social isolation?
Sha’baan the 8th Month: Action plan:
Herebelow are the remaining 4 steps in the 8-point action plan for Sha’baan, the 8th month, selected from the teachings of AhlulBayt a.s., towards developing our self towards closeness to Allah SWT.
Action plan (5): Tahleel:
During the whole of the month complete reciting 1000 times:
لاَ إِلٰهَ إِلاَّ ٱللَّهُ وَلاَ نَعْبُدُ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ ٱلدِّينَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ ٱلْمُشْرِكُون
LAA ILAAHA ILLAL LAAHU WA LAA NAA’-BUDU ILLAA IYYAAHU MUKHLIS’EENA LAHUD DEEN WA LAW KARIHAL MUSHRIKOON
There is no god save Allah. We do not worship save “He” alone, making religion pure for Him (only), however much the disbelievers be averse.
This recitation carries great rewards, including the reward for worship of a thousand years.
How about reciting 25 times daily in the remaining days of this month?
Action plan (6): Munajat:
Amiral Muminin Imam Ali a.s. used to do munajat- whispered prayer. It is one of the excellent supplications dwelling on lofty themes.The prayer is a profound meaningful tool towards developing consciousness of Allah SWT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74unPo6KUcg
http://www.duas.org/invocation.htm
Action plan (7): Recitation of Dua Nabi Khidr:
This is the supplication taught by Amiral Muminin Imam Ali a.s. to his devoted companion Kumayl bin Ziyad to be recited on Laylatul Jumah - eve of Friday and eve of middle of Sha’baan.
Action plan (8): Laylatul Baraa-ah: 15th Sha’baan- Night for seeking immunity from fire of hell:
Perform the various recommended amals for this night.
“One who stays awake on this night his heart will not die on the day other hearts die.”
“Fast in Sh’abaan and perform ghusl on 15th night. That is a favour and mercy from your Lord. For it lessens the load of your sins and the mercy of Allah is assured.” Imam J’afar As Sadiq a.s.
Imam Ali Ar Ridha a.s. reports that Amiral Muminin Imam Ali would not sleep on three nights: 23rd Ramadhan, Eid al Fitr and 15th Sha’baan when the provisions, instances of death and what is to occur in the year are distributed.
Reach out to your kindred: On this night Allah SWT responds to the prayers and forgives the sins of all believers except for FOUR kinds of persons. One of them is the one who has disregarded/severed relations with the near relatives (Qat’i Rahm).
Humble Request: As we observe the various devotions of Sha’baan please make special dua to Allah SWT, with the wasīla of the Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt, invoking the name of our Imam al Asr Sahibaz Zaman (a.f.), for yourself, your loved ones, the community, the medical services, key workers and all humanity.
Please keep making duas to Allah SWT to give comfort to those who are struggling due to the epidemic and for the cure of all who are unwell.
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.
Please look after yourselves and your loved ones, check on your neighbours and follow the latest government advice. May you and your loved ones be granted safety from all calamities.
Request for recital of Sura al fatiha for shifa -cure- of the ill.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat