The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) – Volume III — Page 85
II - Brief Note on Islāmic Equality 85 behind all things, reveal itself, subduing all the aspects of apparent suffering. ’ From another narration of Bukhārī, we find that at one time when the Holy Prophet sa was standing at the pulpit for the Friday Sermon, referring to the severe weather, a companion said, “O Messenger of Allāh! The animals are dying and travel is becoming arduous. Please pray to Allāh for rain. ” The Holy Prophet sa raised both his hands and loudly prayed for rain. Anas bin Malik ra, who was the narrator of this account and also a special servant to the Holy Prophet sa , mentioned that at the time the skies were clear. However, they were still in the mosque and the Friday proceedings had not yet ended, when a small cloud appeared from one side of the sky and spread throughout the entire sky. It began to rain and continuously rained for a week. During that time, they did not see the sun even once (even though this was very rare in that country). Then, when the next Friday arrived, a man said to the Holy Prophet sa , “O Messenger of Allāh! The rain has flooded our roads, and due to flooding in the pasture grounds, our animals are starving to death. Please pray that Allāh may withhold this rain now. ” The Holy Prophet sa smiled 1 and then raised his hands and prayed: اَللّٰھُم َّ حَوَالَیْنَا وَلَا عَلَیْنَا “O Allāh, please withhold this rain from us now, and let it rain in a place where it is more needed. ” Anas ra says, “After this, when we had offered our Friday prayer, and left the mosque, the Sun had come out. ” 2 1 In smiling, perhaps the indication was that man is rarely satisfied. Moreover, that the mercy of Allāh is not confined to a specific thing, rather, everything can become a mercy and everything can take on a form of punishment. Therefore, one should always fear Allāh and should always implore God for His mercy. 2 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Istisqā’i, Bābul-Istisqā’i Fil-Masjidil-Jāmi‘, Ḥadīth No. 1013