Issue No: 126
29th June 2012
8th Sh'abaan 1433 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
City of Makka surrenders:
In the year 8 A.H. following the violation of Peace pact of Hudaybiya by the Quraysh, the holy prophet proceeded to the city of Makka leading the grand army of Islam. The city of Makka, which was the centre of idol worship in Arabia, surrendered to the holy prophet without any resistance or bloodshed. The holy Prophet began performing tawaf and during the rounds of tawaf he knocked down the three big idols installed above the gate of Ka'aba. After performing tawaf the holy prophet ordered for the door of the Ka'aba to be opened and he entered the Ka'aba. The inner walls of Ka'aba were full of pictures and figures. As ordered by the holy prophet, the walls of Ka'aba were washed with the water of well of zamzam and the pictures were rubbed off. The purity and sacredness Ka'aba, the Baytullah (the 'house' of Allah) was restored.
Washing the Ka'aba: A Sunnah of holy Prophet:
The ghusl i.e. washing of the interior of the Ka'aba has become a tradition which takes place twice a year on the 15th of Sh'abaan and in mid-Muharram after completion of the ceremonies of Haj. On the 9th of Dhul Hijjah, when pilgrims proceed to Arafat, the Ka'aba is robed with a new Kiswa (covering).
How is this relevant to me?
Like the Ka'aba, which is revered as Baytullah, the status of a mumin too is revered. This is indicated in a hadith by the holy prophet that, "The heart of a mumin is the 'throne' of Allah." (Qalbul mumin arshullah)
Let us all as muminin ponder over this symbolic ritual of washing the Ka'aba which being enacted during this month of Sha'aban. In following the practice of washing the Ka'aba by the holy prophet does not the 'heart' of a mumin need to be given a washing, a 'spiritual purification' or ghusl' to cleanse it from the idols residing in it? Does a mumin not need to get rid of the idols, images and other pollutants residing in one's heart and defiling the 'throne of Allah'?
Identify the idols:
These idols have caused pollution to our level of taqwa. They act as barriers to our Self for attaining closeness to Allah SWT. These filthy idols and images are manifested in various form such as love of the world, ignorance, personal ego, greed, selfishness, najis / haram food, gossip, backbiting, jealousy, unlawful desires, disobediece to parents, disconnecting with ones kindred, addiction to soap operas, music, unlawful gaze, disregarding hijab, prohibited interaction of sexes, non performance of the obligations and many other acts of sins.
Laylatul Baraa-ah: An opportunity wash the heart:
Next week on the night of fifteenth Sh'abaan, also known as Laylatul Baraa-ah (Night of immunity) provides a great opportunity to undertake the washing of our hearts. This is the most excellent night after Laylatul Qadr. During this night Allah SWT bestows His bounty on His servants and forgives them out of His grace and Mercy.
Let us all take advantage of Laylatul Baraa-ah, the washing night.
The washing cycle of this 'spiritual washing machine' for the heart of mumin includes performance of ghusl, spending the whole night in prayers, reciting recommended supplications and seeking istighfar.
Support the holy prophet:
Will you respond to the announcement of the holy prophet on commencement of Sh'abaan and support the holy prophet by cleansing the 'throne of Allah'?
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat