The common belief is that initially, the entire surface of the earth was covered by waters from the first torrential rains. These waters gradually settled into the depressions of the earth, dry land emerged from beneath the water, and over time expanded. The first point that emerged from under the water was the site of the Holy Kaaba.
The meaning of Dahv al-Ard
Dahv linguistically means to spread or roll out, but most commentators have interpreted it as “expansion”.
On the occasion of the approaching day of Dahv al-Ard, we present a precious statement from Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) in this regard:
In the Grand Mosque of Basra
Amir al-Muminin Ali (peace be upon him) delivered a sermon in the Grand Mosque of Basra and said:
“O community of believers and Muslims! Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, has said in His praise: ‘He is the First’ – meaning He existed before everything – ‘and the Last’ – meaning He will remain after the death of all – ‘and the Manifest’ – meaning He overcomes all things – ‘and the Hidden’ – meaning His knowledge encompasses every secret. Ask me before you seek me and do not find me.”
By the end of the sermon, the people of Basra wept and sent blessings upon him.
Then Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) said:
“I am the ‘Side of Allah’ (Janb Allah), the ‘Word of Allah’ (Kalimat Allah), the ‘Heart of Allah’ (Qalb Allah), and the Gate through which alone one can reach the Presence of the Almighty.”
Bihar al-Anwar, Volume 39, Page 348
