Summer

“And He has subjugated the Sun and the Moon for you, (them being) constantly in motion…”(Al-Qur’an 14/33)

Human beings are such that we tend to overlook even the most significant things when they stare us in the face. For example, the sun and the moon are among the clearest and most extraordinary pieces of the creation of Allah Ta’ala, yet how often do we ever marvel at them?

In the Ayah above, Allah Ta’ala explains that he has subjugated these bodies for us and how, despite their vastness, they are in constant motion. Have we ever pondered that a “ball” of tremendous heat and fire, thousands of times heavier than the Earth and millions of kilometres away from it, has been placed specifically to serve us?? SubhanAllah!

In these summer months, when the sun’s heat will be at its peak, let us take some moments to reflect. Our Great Allah Ta’ala has created the world and all its marvels to give us a glimpse into His power and ability. He has also given us, weak humans, great status in this world. We owe it to Him to recognize Him, obey Him and follow what He wants from us.

The heat that we experience should also serve as a reminder to us of the fire of Jahannum. May Allah Ta’ala protect us. Therefore, during a “heatwave” where we feel that the heat is “unbearable”, let us think about the truly unbearable heat of the fire, parts of which seek protection in Allah Ta’ala from itself! In Sha Allah, this will spur us on to do good deeds and abstain from those actions that could lead us to such a fate.

Nabi Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam teaches us in a Hadith that when it is a sweltering day, and a servant of Allah Ta’ala says:

لا إلهَ إلّا اللهُ مَا أَشَدَّ حَرَّ هَذَا الْيَوْمِ اللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنْ حَرِّ جَهَنَّمَ

(There is none worthy of worship except Allah. How hot this day is! O Allah, protect me from the heat of Jahannum.)

Then Allah Ta’ala addresses Jahannum thus: “Verily a slave from amongst my slaves has sought my protection from you, and I have given him protection!”

Another beautiful Sunnah Du’a that we could practice in summer when it rains is reciting:

“اللَّهمَّ صيِّبًا نافعًا”

O Allah, (make this) beneficial rain.

In Sha Allah, this will secure the reward of Sunnah and draw the Mercy of Allah Ta’ala by making the rains beneficial and not harmful.

May Allah Ta’ala allow us to use every opportunity to recognize His Qudrah, to gain closeness to him and protection from His anger, Amin!