Issue No: 228
27th March 2015
6th Jamadi al Thani 1436 A.H.
Salamun alaykum
Transformation is taking place:
The Spring Equinox, which refers to the position of the Sun in relation to the Earth, was witnessed on 21st March. This is one of the two times in the calendar when day and night are equal, the other being in autumn.
All around us one finds transformation. With the advent of spring increased duration of daylight and warmer temperatures is experienced. The sound of birds chirping is in the air, the flowers start blossoming, animals end hibernation and all that which was dead in the cold winter season now comes to life.
Recognition of God:
The period of spring opens for us many avenues to know God. This season of transformation; especially the coming to life gives mankind an opportunity to reflect on these natural phenomenon as addressed in the Noble Qur'an:
"Indeed in the creation of the heavens and earth and the alteration of night and day there are signs for those who possess intellect.."
Sura Aali Imran 3:190
Reflection for Spring:
As you listen to the wonderful chirping sound of birds, witness the beauty of the flowers, view the hibernating animals spring to life and enjoy and take pleasure in the greening of the fields is this not an opportunity to reflect on the marvelous universe together with all its contents?
Revive yourself:
With all the revival taking place around you, is it not an opportunity to bring yourself to life, to revive yourself?
You must be finding this a strange question; for you and I are definitely alive!
Yes I do mean reviving and becoming alive. The state of revival I am alluding to is not the physical living. It is to revive one's spiritual being. This is to commence transformation of your nafs-self- in developing towards the best of states; which is being close to Divine Mercy. Isn't all the transformation taking place around you a stimulus to rededicate yourself towards purification of your nafs and personality?
On the other hand as the khalif- steward- of Allah on earth how are you discharging your duty of care towards the environment?
Equinox in life:
Does not the occurrence of Spring Equinox highlight a valuable lesson for muslims to tread the middle way in both the material and spiritual lives and reject all forms of extremism whether in belief, conduct and even in worship?
Allah says, "Thus We have made you a middle nation that you may be witnesses to the people and that the messenger may be a witness to you?" (Sura Al Baqara 2:143).
It's time to revive yourself.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
With Salaams and Duas
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