Salamun alaykum,
Dinner sacrificed for three days:
They fasted for three successive days. Each day, at the time of Iftar -
breaking the fast- a different person-Poor man, Orphan and Captive came at
the door of their house asking for food. The members of the house gave
away to the visitor all the little food that was there to eat. Thereafter they all
did iftar with water and went to sleep without food.
Who were they?
These noble personalities were Imam Ali, Sayyida Fatima, Imam Hasan and
Imam Husayn (a.s.). They all are from the Ahlul Bayt. Sayyida Fidhdha, their
maid, joined them in fasting.
Why did they fast for three days?
During the illness of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn, the Noble Prophet
advised Imam Ali a.s. and Sayyida Fatima a.s. to make Nadhr (a promise)
to Allah that they would observe fasts for three consecutive days if their
sons got well. Soon they returned to normal health. So, they fasted to fulfill
this Nadhr. What took place at the time of iftar on each of the three days
has been described earlier. After completion of three fasts, Sayyida Fatima
a.s. offered prayers of shukr to Allah.
Revelation is received:
The Noble Prophet informs Sayyida Fatima a.s. that in praise of their epic
deed, the Archangel Jibrail had brought the verses of Sura Ad Dahr / Al
Insan commonly known as ‘Sura Hal ata..’
“They fulfill vows and fear a day the evil of which shall be spreading far and
wide. And they give food ( despite their desire for it) out of love for Him to
the poor and the orphan and the captive: (Saying): We only feed you for the
sake of Allah; we desire from you neither reward nor thanks.” (Sura Ad Dahr
76: 7-9)
Outstanding lesson:
Three points that stand out on the greatness for this event, which occurred
on 25 th Dhulhijjah, leading to the revelation of the aya are:
20 th June, 2025
Issue No: 470 23 rd Dhulhijjah, 1446 A.H.
Niyyah-intention- for achieving the pleasure of Allah
Offering all the dinner as charity after fasting when food is most
needed for Iftar
Having no expectation of reward from the recipient
Have you been caught in such a situation?
Many a times in life one comes across similar situations where, like the
valuable iftar dearly needed after a day’s long fast, one is called upon to
offer their most precious possession for charity.
What’s easy to offer?
Often, it’s common to offer in charity what either one does not hold dear to
them or have no need for it. Hasn’t it become second nature to offer what
one doesn’t require?
To offer what’s dear and precious to oneself is indeed a difficult test. To
excel the test and achieve the coveted status of closeness to Allah SWT as
demonstrated by Ahlul Bayt, our role models in life, one is called upon to
offer to charity that which is most valued by them.
Only then is one able to attain the lofty status as testified in the Noble
Quran:
“You will never attain righteousness until you spend out of what you hold
dear……” Sura Aali Imran 3:92
Reflect:
What is it which you hold dear and is in huge demand for charity? Is it one’s
wealth, time, possessions or volunteering?
What will you offer to your community, the followers of Ahlul Bayt, who are
striving to raise a generation of devoted Shia Ithna Asheri Muslims in this
part of the world?
Let's all do as many of these things as possible to earn the pleasure and
forgiveness of Allah.
Therefore, this 25 th Dhulhijjah (Sunday 22 nd June,2025) can you make it a
different day.
Ya Allah, please accept our good deeds and forgive all our shortcomings.
Ameen.
Request to remember me and my family in your duas. Iltimase dua.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah.
With salaams and duas,
Sheikh Fazle Abbas Datoo
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat