Issue No: 276
25th November 2016
24th Safar 1438 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
The number Forty:
From the traditions of Ahlul Bayt a.s. it can be seen that the number forty has significance to the spiritual development of the nafs / self of a person. "Whoever dedicates himself to God for forty days, will find springs of wisdom sprout out of his heart and flow on his tongue."
Noble Prophet Muhammad SAWW.
Likewise there are recommended practices such as reciting a dua for forty days, or reciting it forty times or forty people gather to recite in congregation. A reason for this may be that the effectiveness of the deed of supplication is highly increased for Divine response.
Interestingly psychological studies have established that performing an act for a continuous period of forty days /occasions is known to help one to form a habit and one is be able to carry on the practice for the rest of his life.
40 days of Azadari:
During the period of mourning in the months of Muharram and Safar, a believer performs various deeds of Azadari. This includes great sacrifices of time, efforts and resources to devotedly mourn over the martyrs of Karbala. All this is done for the sake of attaining nearness to Allah SWT.
Reflection:
Has one's azadari for these 40 days been fruitful in leading one to commit to upholding the values for which Imam Husayn and his noble companions achieved martyrdom?
Has one developed a habit to uphold and practise the values of Islam that were revived by the martyrdom of Ashura?
Indeed Allah SWT is the Best Knower of our intentions.
20th Safar : Arba'in :
This week, Bihamdillah, we commemorated the Arba'in-forty days- since the martyrdom of the Chief of martyrs Imam Husayn a.s. on the day of Ashura. With the observance of Arba'in the formal period of azadari is gradually drawing to a close.
Is Arba'in the end of all?
Does the Vision of Imam Husayn when exiting Madina leading to the occurrence of the tragedy of Karbala end by observing Arba'in ceremonies?
Do not the values and message of Imam Husayn need to be upheld by us at all times?
Have you developed a habit to uphold and practise the values of Islam that were revived by the martyrdom of Ashura?
We are often reminded that, "Every day is Ashura, every land is Karbala."
For Imam Husayn stated:".... and for you, I shall be an examplar."
May Allah SWT enable us to mould our living with Imam Husayn as our role Model.
A'dhamallahu ujurana wa ujurakum bi musaabina bil-Husayn alayhis salam (May Allah make great our reward and your reward, for our grief on Husayn a.s.)
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With salaams and duas
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat