Severe Heat: A Test and a Reminder from Allah
Mufti Maruf Ahmed
As the summer heat beats down ferociously, people rush to shade, fans, and cold drinks, seeking relief from a discomfort they can’t control.
But for the believer, this isn’t just weather. It’s a sign. It is a reminder and a test from Allah.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
The Hellfire complained to its Lord saying, ‘My Lord, parts of me have consumed other parts.’ So He allowed it two breaths: one in the winter and one in the summer. That is why you experience extreme heat and extreme cold.
This unbearable heat is only a breath from Jahannam. How then can we imagine the real Hellfire?
The Heat of Tabuk
When the Prophet ﷺ called the Muslims to march for battle towards Tabuk, it was during one of the most intense summers in Arabia. The harvest season was at its peak, the journey was long, and the enemy was strong. Some hesitated, using the heat as an excuse.
Allah Ta’ala revealed:
Those who stayed behind rejoiced in their staying behind after the departure of the Messenger of Allah, and they disliked to strive with their wealth and their lives in the cause of Allah. And they said, ‘Do not go forth in the heat.’ Say, ‘The Fire of Hell is more intense in heat’, if only they understood. (Surah al-Tawbah, 9:81)
This verse resonates with us all during these days of intense heat.
We avoid fulfilling the commands of Allah because of worldly discomfort, forgetting the greater torment that awaits if we turn away from Allah’s commands. The heat of Tabuk tested sincerity. Today’s heat still does. Whether it’s covering our awrah or lowering our gazes, the heat is truly a test from Allah.
A Glimpse of the Day of Judgement
The Prophet ﷺ described the heat of the Day of Judgment:
The sun will be brought close to mankind on the Day of Judgement, until it is only a mile away. People will be submerged in their sweat according to their deeds: some up to their ankles, some to their knees, some to their waists, and some will be bridled by it.
And on that day, there will be no shade except the shade that Allah provides. Not even the mightiest building, fan, or drink can help. Only righteousness will.
Seven will be shaded by Allah in His shade on the Day when there is no shade except His…
A Call to Reflect
This heat should humble us. Each drop of sweat should remind us of our smallness. Each moment of discomfort should drive us to seek Allah’s protection:
Our Lord! Avert from us the punishment of Hell. Indeed, its punishment is ever adhering. (Surah al-Furqan, 25:65)
Don’t let the heat make you complain. Let it make you repent. Let it remind you of the Fire. Let it drive you to prepare for the day when the sun is no longer 93 million miles away, but right above your head.
Let it make you long for the shade of the Throne.
O Allah, protect us from Your punishment, cool our hearts with Your mercy, and shade us on a Day when there will be no shade but Yours.
Ameen.
