Issue No: 181
6th December 2013
2nd Safar 1435 A.H.
Salamun alaykum,
Darkness after sunset:
In parts of the world that either suffer from shortages of energy or do not have the infrastructure for lighting supply, after sunset, the nights become thick dark with little or no visibility. In these moments of darkness there is great relief amongst the people when a source of light becomes available. Commonly a valuable item in these settings is a lantern. For those unable to afford a lantern, a wick dipped in kerosene set in scrap tins is set on light. This is the emergency lights set up after the sunset. Likewise similar situation is experienced when there is electric power outage. Here other forms of emergency lighting which include candles, torches and even flash lights in mobile phones are used. All have one purpose; to provide light for people in the darkness to be able to see.
The invaluable commodity:
An essential item for all these varieties of emergency lighting is the need for a source of fuel to provide the energy for lighting up thus radiating the luminance in the darkness. One possessing a lantern without fuel derives no benefit. By ensuring that the fuel such as kerosene or electric charge in batteries is at the required level, the source of emergency lighting will then be able to function effectively. Where this fuel is at a lower level or has run out obviously the lighting equipment will not succeed in its function. Therefore it is pertinent that proper steps will always be taken to ensure that that the fuel in form of kerosene, paraffin or electric charging of battery is at top level.
A lantern presented by the noble Prophet:
In one of his narrations to describe Sayyidu Shuhada Aba ‘Abdillah Imam Husayn a.s. the Noble Prophet uses an example of the lantern when he states that,” Verily Husayn is the lantern for guidance…”
As the purpose for the emergency lighting is to provide light for people in the darkness to be able to see likewise is the Noble Prophet conveying a message on the critical role of Imam Husayn: To provide luminance of guidance in the world of darkness due to immoral values, corruption and oppression.
Are you taking care of the lantern?
As in the case of the lantern, for one to benefit the light, the lantern needs to be looked after. It needs to be charged or the fuel needs to be topped.
During these solemn days of azadari one has total devotion to Imam Husayn. In other words the lantern of guidance is in one’s hand. In these moments the questions to reflect upon are:
- How do you take good care of this ‘lantern’?
- What quality ‘fuel’ is being expected by the lantern of guidance; Imam Husayn?
- Are you providing this fuel at top level to keep this lantern charged?
- Are you benefitting directly from this ‘lantern’?
- Is there any obstruction that is shading the luminance provided from this lantern?
- What needs to be done to remove these obstructions and benefit from the luminance of the lantern?
Ones’ commitment today in upholding the values for which Imam Husayn and his noble companions achieved martyrdom on Ashura is a sign of deriving light from this lantern of guidance, InshAllah.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat