Salamun alaykum
National Library Week:
Nations around the world dedicate a week to celebrate National Library week. In U.K. and Australia the week is observed in February whereas the Republic of South Africa observes it in March and in April by the USA. In the U.K. the National Libraries Day was observed on 7th February,2015 rounding off a week of special celebrations around the country. In addition to saying a national thank you for the unique contribution made by libraries and information professionals the week event is also a campaign drive to increase the culture of reading and create awareness of library services.
Iqra – Read:
The centrality of reading in Islam is emphasized by the fact that the first revelation of the Noble Quran to the beloved prophet Muhammad s.a.w.w. commenced with the verb:Iqra – command to read.
"Read, in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read, for your Lord is most Honourable, who teaches (to write) by means of the pen, teaches man what they know not," (Sura Al-'Alaq: 96:1-5)
Thereafter over a span of 23 years the revelations continued and upon instructions of the prophet these were recorded in writing forming the compilation we revere as Al Qur’anul Karim-the Noble Quran. The Noble Quran served as the prototype of the written word and bears significantly on the importance of role of reading and books.
For muslims this underscores the significance attached to reading, learning and gaining education.Numerous traditions reported from the Noble Prophet and Ahlul Bayt a.s. emphasise on reading. The fundamental message is to migrate from darkness of ignorance to illumination of knowledge. Reading is a key method for acquiring knowledge.
When the time comes to approach education of any type, including teachings of Islam, reading comes naturally to humans. Reading is at the heart of all learning. Reading is also a catalyst for growth and development. The benefits of reading come like no other.
Do you take time to read?
Obviously the response here would be a resounding YES!. The questions that follow thenare: What do you read? How much readingof quality material is done as compared to reading postings on social mediums?
As nations in the world observe National Library Week, reflect as to how do you put into practice ‘Iqra’ – Read - the first word of revelation to the Noble Prophet.
“Do you take time to read part of the Noble Qur’an every day?”
“Do you read the Noble Qur’an infront of your children and encourage them too, to read it every day?
This action of reading the Noble Quran is unbearable by Shaytan.
“Nothing is harder for shaytan to bear than a person who recites the Quran by looking at the pages (of Quran).” Noble Prophet s.a.w.w.
Every time an adult picks up the Noble Quran and reads it infront of a child they are showing children that reading is an important way of revering the holy Quran.
Will you now take time to read Noble Qur’an?
Wa ma tawfiqiillabillah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat