Hadith #428

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is a supplication for seeking rain. Let us delve into the words of this supplication and explore its deeper meanings in light of the Quran.

The supplication begins with the invocation, "O My God." This is a humble and sincere call to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), acknowledging His ultimate authority and power. It is a recognition that only Allah can provide the rain that is being sought.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then asks Allah to

send us rain by submissive clouds.

The word used for "submissive" in Arabic is "dhill." This word carries the connotation of humility, obedience, and submission. It implies clouds that are willing to fulfill their purpose and bring forth rain, without causing harm or destruction.

On the other hand, the Imam asks Allah not to send rain by "unruly clouds." The word used for "unruly" in Arabic is "si'ab." This word refers to clouds that are rebellious, disobedient, and out of control. These clouds may bring excessive rain, storms, or even destructive weather conditions.

To understand the significance of this supplication, we can turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-A'raf (7:57), Allah says,

And it is He who sends the winds as good tidings before His mercy until, when they have carried heavy rainclouds, We drive them to a dead land and We send down rain therein and bring forth thereby [some] of all the fruits. Thus will We bring forth the dead; perhaps you may be reminded.

This verse highlights the mercy of Allah in sending rain through the winds and clouds. It emphasizes the importance of rain for the sustenance of life and the revival of barren lands. However, it also implies that rain can bring destruction if not sent in the right measure and manner.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) supplication reflects his deep understanding of the balance and wisdom in Allah's creation. He recognizes the need for rain, but also the need for it to be sent in a controlled and beneficial manner. By asking for rain through submissive clouds, he seeks a gentle and moderate rainfall that will nourish the earth without causing harm.

This supplication also teaches us the importance of humility and obedience in our own lives. Just as the clouds are asked to be submissive, we too should strive to be humble and obedient servants of Allah. We should fulfill our responsibilities and duties without causing harm or chaos.

Furthermore, this supplication serves as a reminder of the power and authority of Allah. It reminds us that all aspects of nature are under His control and that we are dependent on Him for our sustenance. It encourages us to turn to Allah in times of need, seeking His mercy and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) regarding the supplication for seeking rain provides us with profound insights. It emphasizes the importance of humility, obedience, and balance in our lives. It reminds us of our dependence on Allah and the need to seek His mercy and blessings. May Allah grant us the understanding and ability to apply these teachings in our lives.