Beat The Heat

As some of us are currently experiencing hot days and even heatwaves during this summer, it is natural for us to find ways to seek some shade and defeat the heat. While all physical precautions need to be taken to stay safe from the heat and drink lots of fluids, we should also treat it as a reminder to turn to Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala; May He be glorified and exalted).

Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty) reminds us in the Glorious Qur’an: “Have you considered the fire you kindle? Is it you who produce its trees, or is it We Who do so? We have made it a reminder and provision for the travellers.” [Surah al-Waqi’ah 56:71-73]

The Prophet (ﷺ; peace be upon him) said: “The Hellfire complained to its Lord by saying, ‘O my Lord! My parts are consuming one another!’ So, He allowed it to take two breaths, one in the winter and the other in the summer. This is the reason for the severe heat and the bitter cold you find in the weather.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim, on the authority of Abu Hurayrah]

If these are the effects of its distant exhalations today – devastating heat waves, causing frantic retreats to shade, worldwide wildfires, and even render parts of the planet to be uninhabited – what then of those who shall inhabit the very core of Hell? What then of those who have no hope in ever escaping from it?

Instead of allowing the summer to weaken one’s commitment to ṣalah, loosen one’s observance of the ḥijab, expose the, or promote the endless wastage of time, one should harness it as a motivational driving force to stay on top of one’s game. In fact, the heat of summer serves as an inescapable wake-up call throughout the whole day.

All seasons are from Allah (Subhanahu wa ta'ala; May He be glorified and exalted), and as Muslims, we should always be grateful for what He has bestowed on us. He mentions: “…If you are grateful, I will surely increase you (in favour)…” [Surah Ibrahim 14:7]. The summer period is a mercy from Allah, and we should treat it as such. Let us remind ourselves of the goodness to be derived from the warmth of these days and ask Allah (‘azza wa jal; The Possessor of Complete Glory and Majesty) to grant us all that is good in this weather – ameen.