By: Seyyed Ali Shahbaz

“…He spread out the earth; and brought forth from it its (sweet) water and pastures; and set firm the mountains; as a [place of] sustenance for you and your livestock.” (Holy Qur’an 79: 30-33)
The Almighty Creator, in the Ayahs preceding the above-mentioned ones, has spoken of bringing into existence the vast and wonderful universe, including this spherical planet of ours which spins on its axis while revolving around the Sun to ensure proper exposure to light and darkness or the day’s heat and the night’s coolness that are vital elements for the flourishing of life.
He then, as is clear by the wordings of the above Ayahs, refers to “earth” or dry piece of land that emerged from under the saline waters covering the planet to receive direct sunlight for the first time, and was gradually spread, as pastures, mountains, and rivers of fresh flowing water began to take shape upon its surface for new forms of life, and finally for accommodating the Best of God’s creation, the intelligent species called the human race in whose terminology the whole planet came to known as “Earth”.
Thus, the important point to note is the emergence of earth or dry piece of land and its spreading, which in Arabic means “Dahw al-Ardh” – a highly significant event that occurred on a day which was not lost in the mist of time before the creation of mankind, because the All-Wise God has ensured its commemoration in order to constantly remind human beings of the orderly existence of the universe, the purpose of life, the inevitably of death, and the certainty of resurrection for the eventual reward and punishment, in accordance with one’s deeds and that too after much mercy and forgiveness.
Adam was fashioned out of clay, followed by his mate and wife, Eve, the Parents of the human race, which God granted the intellect and the power of speech, and through their progeny ensured a long line of Divinely-designated prophets to guide mankind as it spread out around the expanse of the Planet Earth, in order to prevent people from falling prey to the misuse of their brain, the perils of the instinct, and the vain desires that eventually bring about self-destruction.
Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, were the most prominent of the myriad of prophets who preached the message of monotheism in all parts of the planet, culminating in the universal mission of the Last and Greatest of them all, Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
This means that it is Islam (peace and healthy way of life), the set of belief decreed for the entire human race by the All-Loving Creator, which enlightens us with these dynamic facts, including the exact day of the Dahw al-Ardh, that is, the 25th of the sacred month of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, and the precise location of the first spot of dry land to emerge, that is, the place where the holy Ka’ba stands today in Mecca.
It was built by Father Adam, as the first ever structure on Planet Earth, but not as his own abode. He was commanded by the Creator to build as the Symbolic House of the Unseen but Omnipresent Lord, Who neither has shape or form, nor is bound by time and place.
Now we understand why the holy Qur’an refers to the holy Ka’ba as the First House. We also begin to realize why the pilgrims from all over the globe start their journey towards it in this sacred month of Dhu’l-Qa’dah, so as to be present in time in the initial days of Dhu’l-Hijjah for performing the annual Hajj at the place that was rebuilt by Prophet Abraham and institutionalized as the focal point for all humanity by Prophet Muhammad (SAWA).
“Indeed the First House to be set up for mankind is the one at Bakkah (Mecca); blessed and guidance for all nations. In it, are manifest signs [and] Abraham’s Station, and whoever enters it shall be secure. And it is the duty of mankind toward Allah to make pilgrimage to the House —for those who can afford the journey to it...” (Holy Qur’an 3:96-97)
History bears testimony that the straight and unwavering path shown by Divine Messengers continues its enlightening task of guiding believers towards the bliss of paradise and preparing nations for emergence of the Kingdom of God, no matter what crimes power-drunk tyrants commit against humanity in their vain bid to dominate Planet Earth – before their eventual plunge into the eternal inferno.
In view of this undeniable fact, we wish to inform our readers that Abraham the Iconoclast who thwarted the tyrant Nimrod’s bid to become master of the world (tyrants of our times beware), was born on the eve of 25th Dhu’l-Qa’dah.
Another warning to modern day Herods, who like the ancient Jewish tyrant will soon be cast into the dustbin of history, is the birth on the eve of Dahw al-Ardh of Prophet Jesus (AS).
This means the 25th of Dhu’l-Qa’dah has a message for all humanity. This fact confirms the confusion of the pagans of Europe, who on conversion to Paul’s creed called Christianity – over three centuries after the end of the monotheistic mission of the Messiah – made the fatal error of designating 25th of the Roman solar month of December as Jesus’ (AS) birthday, instead of the correct 25th of the Semitic lunar month of Dhu’l-Qa’dah that was in vogue in Palestine.
Another interesting fact is that, it will be this very day on which Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWA) 12th and Last Infallible Heir, Imam Mahdi (AS), will reappear to establish the global government of peace, prosperity and justice.
Here is a passage from the special supplication for this day in the Divine Court:
“O Pardoner of slips, pardon my failings! O Answerer of supplications, grant my supplication! O Hearer of all sounds; hear my cry; have mercy on me; and overlook my misdeeds and faults. O Majestic and Munificent One!”
Thus, the spectacular progress of mankind, the wonders of science and technology, the venture into outer space after having explored the depths of the oceans, are all indeed indebted to this day, when dry land, in harmony with water, made Earth hospitable for life, unlike the barren spherical bodies orbiting around the Sun.
Today, as arrogantly ignorant mortals, boasting of their ephemeral wealth, transient power, and volatile weapons, but oblivious of their impending doom, indulge in every imaginable crime against humanity or nations refusing to accept their hegemony over Planet Earth, let us reflect on what the holy Qur’an says:
“Have they not reflected in their own souls? Allah did not create the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them except with reason and for a specified term. Indeed many of the people disbelieve in the encounter with their Lord.” (Holy Qur’an 30:8)