السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Wednesday 18th May 2022 / 17 Shawwal 1443H.
A memorable weekend in Blackburn (UK)
Having been born and bred in Blackburn, I have witnessed many memorable occasions, .مَا شَآءَ الله For the last couple of months, there was a very special buzz in the atmosphere as everyone was looking forward to the ‘3 day Ijtima (gathering) for those who had spent 4 months in the path of Almighty Allāh’.
All the arrangements were in place with a massive marquee erected outside our Markaz, where the guests would have their meals. Hundreds of volunteers were on standby as guests started to arrive into Blackburn from all over the UK and beyond.
It was wonderful, .مَا شَآءَ الله Muslims of all nationalities from far and wide coming together for one cause only. ‘How can they please their Creator and how can they connect the whole creation with their Creator’. No other worldly purpose.
The guest of honour was Mawlānā Ibrāhīm Devla Ṣāḥib, مدظله العالی, from Gujarāt (India). A very selfless 92 year old individual, who has sacrificed his whole life to bring the creation close to the Creator. Having travelled to many countries of the world and visited the UK on numerous occasions, Mawlānā’s presence was like a magnet that pulled thousands to listen to his words of wisdom.
He was accompanied by a Jamā’ah from India which included Mawlānā ‘Abdur Raḥmān and Ḥāji Ishāq bhai Mansūri of Aḥmedabād. There were guests from Raiwind (Pakistan) as well. The icing on the cake was the final Bayān and Du’ā performed by Mawlānā Ibrāhīm Ṣāḥib.
The theme was ‘Dua’. Mawlānā mentioned that after making all the efforts we can as humans, we then turn to The Almighty and ask Him for acceptance and success. A very short and sweet but very powerful message.
The ijtima concluded with a final Du’ā for all of humanity. It was sad to see the end of this very blessed and auspicious gathering in our little but beautiful town of Blackburn. It is such gatherings and the presence of such pious scholars that brings numerous blessings and tranquility to our town and our residents. The Blessings of The Almighty descend constantly on such gatherings.
May The Almighty accept this wonderful and blessed work of Tabligh and this ijtima, Āmeen.
May He, through His Infinite Grace and Mercy, make it a means of guidance for the whole of humanity, Āmeen.
May He safeguard all our pious scholars and bless us all with the ability to follow in their footsteps, Āmeen.
Finally, a word for the organisers and the volunteers. You made us all proud with your brilliant services from start till finish. To handle such a large crowd for 3 days is no easy task. Well done to each and every one of you.
May The Almighty reward you all with Jannat ul-Firdaus in return for your wonderful efforts, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for Du’ās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala