Salaamun Alaykum,
‘Knowledge Check’: a refresher activity based on previous session:
- What statement does one recite at least three times daily that invites one to hasten towards success?
Hayya ‘alal falah. Note falah basically understood as success, prosperity. In epistemology it is to unfold something in order to reveal its intrinsic properties such as to till the earth with a plough. This conveys a striking meaning as by ploughing the earth is broken open and made productive for growth.
- Recount 2 excellences of reciting Sura al Asr. Are you reaping them?
Continuation of QSC on Surah al-Asr (103)
Verse 1: Wal ‘Asr: By the ‘Asr
Group Discussion (I):
An oath is an invocation of the name of God or of some person or object held sacred or in esteem in order to emphasise witnessing the truth or a solemn affirmation.
Mention other instances in Qur’an where similar oath by a period of time is taken: Wal Fajr/Wa layalin Ashr / Wal Layli / Wan nahaari / Wadhuha..
Two aspects of an oath: The significance of the message and esteem or sacredness of the person or object on which the oath is taken.
Why take an oath?
By linguistic definition ‘asr literally means to press, squeeze. Thus aseer burtuqal: Orange juice.
Group Discussion (II):
Discuss the suitability of the explanation of ‘asr as the object of oath with reference to the following:
- Time of the day: evening when literally after a whole day of occupation the affairs of the day are rolled up and squeezed into the evening.
- Age or period of time throughout the history of mankind.
- Specific period of the life of the noble prophet who is the seal of prophets and bringing law into completion.
- Original meaning of the term: to squeeze. The various kinds of stresses and difficulties that happen during the one’s life which awakens one from the sleep of neglect.
- An indication towards Insan al Kamil- the complete human being- the most outstanding. The Ahlulbayt have been referred to as dahr; time
- Actual prayer of asr for the day: Emphasis on salatul wusta- the middle prayer. Refer: 2:238.
Imam J’afar As Sadiq a.s. explains that wal ‘asr is referring to the ‘asr of the rise of the Qaaim.
Are the above explanations contradicting each other?
An essential message conveyed is that all these are intertwined with each other and for one to refrain from loss needs to fulfil the obligations to each one of them. The oath is to convey a meaning with an impact on ones faith.
The next QSC will discuss further the verses of the Surah, InshAllah.
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat