Islam is a complete and comprehensive way of life that guides every aspect of human existence. From the grandest life decisions to seemingly insignificant daily occurrences, the teachings of Islam encompass all. This extensive guidance ensures that believers have the tools to navigate every situation with faith and understanding.
One profound way this is demonstrated is through the various duas prescribed for different events and conditions, such as when it rains, dua for wind blowing, and when it thunders. Each supplication is a means for the believer to seek Allah’s SWT protection, express gratitude, and reaffirm their reliance on Him.
In this blog post, we delve into the specific duas and Sunnah actions to be observed when the wind blows, highlighting the significance of these practices in a Muslim’s daily life.
The Signs of Allah SWT
Allah SWT, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has created countless signs for those who believe, guiding them towards faith and understanding. These signs are embedded in the natural world and the universe around us, from the intricate design of the heavens and the earth to the alternation of day and night.
The Qur’an mentions the natural phenomenon of wind as a sign from Allah SWT, reflecting His power and wisdom. Allah SWT says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
إِنَّ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالأَرْضِ وَاخْتِلاَفِ اللَّيْلِ وَالنَّهَارِ وَالْفُلْكِ الَّتِي تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِمَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ وَمَا أَنزَلَ اللّهُ مِنَ السَّمَاء مِن مَّاء فَأَحْيَا بِهِ الأرْضَ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهَا وَبَثَّ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ دَآبَّةٍ وَتَصْرِيفِ الرِّيَاحِ وَالسَّحَابِ الْمُسَخِّرِ بَيْنَ السَّمَاء وَالأَرْضِ لآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَعْقِلُونَ
“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, and the ships which sail through the sea with that which is of use to mankind, and the water (rain) which Allah sends down from the sky and makes the earth alive therewith after its death, and the moving (living) creatures of all kinds that He has scattered therein, and in the veering of winds and clouds which are held between the sky and the earth, are indeed Ayat (proofs, evidence, signs, etc.) for people of understanding.” [Al-Baqarah: 164]
Dua For Wind Blowing
The companion Anas (RA) narrated: “The Prophet SWT whenever a strong wind blew, anxiety appeared on the face of the Prophet SWT (fearing the wind might be a sign of Allah’s wrath).”
[Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2 Book of al-Istisqa, Hadith 1034]
When experiencing strong winds, Muslims are encouraged to recite specific duas to seek Allah’s protection and blessings:
1. اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهاَ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا
Translation: “O Allah, I ask You for the good of it and seek refuge in You against its evil.”
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī as’aluka khayrahā. wa a`ūdhu bika min sharrihā.
[Abu Dawud 5097, Ibn Majah 3727]
2.
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ خَيْرَهَا وَخَيْرَ مَا فِيهَا، وَخَيْرَ مَا اُرْسِلَتْ بِهِ، وَأَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّهَا، وَشَرِّ مَا فِيهَا، وَشَرِّ مَا اُرْسِلَتْ بِهِ
Translation: “O Allah indeed we ask of You for the good from this wind and the good which is in it and the good with which You have sent it. We seek refuge with You from the evil from this wind and the evil which is in it and the evil with which You have sent it.”
Transliteration: Allāhumma innī as’aluka khayrahā. wa khayra mā fīhā. wa khayra mā ursilat bih. wa a`ūdhu bika min sharrihā. wa sharri mā fīhā. wa sharri mā ursilat bih.
[Muslim 2/616 (899), Al-Bukhari 4/76, Abu Dawud 2160, Ibn Majah 2252]
3.
اللَّهُمَّ لَقَحًا لَا عَقِيمً
Translation: “O Allah make this wind bring clouds with rain and not a drought.”
Transliteration: Allahumma lakahann la akeemann
[Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad, Tabarani, Ibn as-Sunni, al-Hakim and Albaani declared it Hasan in Saheehah no. 2058]
4. The Prophet SAW recited the last two surahs of the Qur’an, Al-Falaq and An-Naas, for protection when faced with a severe windstorm and darkness. [Abu Dawood, Saheeh Targheeb no. 1485]
The Wind is Not to Be Cursed
Islamic teachings emphasize that the wind, as a creation of Allah SWT, should not be cursed. This principle is reflected in several ahadith:
1. Abu Hurairah’s Hadith
The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: “The wind is from the mercy of Allah for His worshippers, sometimes it comes with mercy and sometimes it comes with punishment. So if you see it, do not curse it, ask Allaah for the good of it and seek refuge with Allaah from its evil.” [Silsilah Saheehah, Kalimah Tayyibah]
2. Ubay bin Ka’ab’s Hadith
The Messenger of Allah SWT said:
“Do not curse the wind, if you see something that you dislike of the wind then say: ‘O Allaah indeed we ask of You for the good from this wind and the good which is in it and the good with which You have commanded it. We seek refuge with You from the evil from this wind and the evil which is in it and the evil with which You have commanded it.” [Tirmidhi]
3. Ibn Abbas’s Hadith
A man cursed the wind in front of the Prophet SWT, who responded:
“Do not curse the wind since indeed it is commanded and indeed if anyone curses something which does not deserve to be cursed then that curse comes back on himself.” [Tirmidhi]
Scholarly Perspectives on Cursing the Wind
Prominent Islamic scholars have explained why cursing the wind is inappropriate:
Imam ash-Shafi’ee stated that it is not suitable to curse the wind as it is an obedient creation of Allah SWT and a soldier from His soldiers. Allah SWT uses it as a mercy or a punishment at His will. [Majmoo Sharh al-Muhdab 5/92]
Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen highlighted that cursing the wind indirectly curses Allah SWT, who controls it. Rainfall and other weather phenomena are not attributed to the wind or atmospheric conditions but to Allah SWT alone. [Majmoo Fatawa wa Rasail Ibn Uthaymeen 10/276]
Conclusion
Wind is a significant natural phenomenon that serves multiple purposes as per the will of Allah SWT. It can be a source of mercy or a means of punishment. Our faith teaches us to refrain from cursing the wind and to turn to Allah SWT during times of strong winds. By following these Sunnahs and reciting the many prescribed dua for wind, we acknowledge Allah’s SWT ultimate control over nature and seek His protection and blessings.