The Prophet’s Manners and Sunnah When a Storm Occurs
A storm is one of the natural phenomena that can have a major impact on human life. Islam as a perfect religion has taught the manners and sunnah taught by the Prophet ﷺ in dealing with storms and extreme weather. By following the guidance of the Prophet, we can go through every event with patience and devotion to Allah ﷻ.
1. Pray and Ask for Protection from Allah ﷻ
When strong winds or storms come, the Prophet ﷺ taught his people to pray to Allah. The following is a recommended prayer when the wind is blowing hard:
“Allahumma inni as-aluka khairaha, wa a’udzu bika min sharriha” (O Allah, I ask You for the good of this wind, and I seek refuge in You from its evil).
(HR. Muslim No. 899)
Apart from that, there are also longer prayers:
“Allahumma la taqtulna bi ghadabika, wa la tuhlikna bi ‘adzabika, wa ‘afina qabla dzalik.” (O Allah, do not destroy us with Your anger, do not destroy us with Your punishment, and save us before that). (HR. Abu Dawud No. 1273)
2. Stay calm and don’t panic
In Islam, a Muslim is advised to remain calm and not panic easily when a disaster occurs, including storms. Panicking will only make things worse and reduce your peace of mind. The Prophet ﷺ taught his people to always have a good opinion of Allah and put their trust in Him in all conditions.
3. Don’t Blame Wind or Bad Weather
The Prophet ﷺ forbade criticizing the wind or unpleasant weather conditions, because everything is God’s creation and has its own wisdom. In a hadith it is stated:
“Do not curse the wind, because the wind is part of Allah’s creation. If you see something unpleasant, seek protection from Allah from its evil and ask for its goodness.” (HR. Tirmidhi No. 2252)
By understanding that storms and strong winds are part of Allah’s decree, we are taught to face the situation with prayer and patience.
4. Take Shelter in a Safe Place
Islam also teaches the importance of maintaining personal safety. If a storm comes, it is advisable to seek shelter in a sturdy and safe place. In several narrations it is stated that the Prophet ﷺ and his companions when there was a strong wind would immediately seek a safer place.
5. Increase Istighfar and Repentance
Natural phenomena such as storms can be a reminder for us to get closer to Allah and increase istighfar. In the Qur’an, Allah ﷻ says:
“And Allah will never punish them, while you (Muhammad) are among them. And Allah will not (nor) punish them, while they ask for forgiveness.” (QS. Al-Anfal: 33)
By increasing istighfar, a Muslim can obtain protection and peace of mind in facing various calamities.
6. Avoid Dangerous Activities
If there is a bad weather warning, we should avoid risky activities such as traveling long distances or leaving the house without urgent need. Safety is a priority, and Islam places great emphasis on the importance of protecting life and health.
7. Help others who need it
After the storm passes, it is important for us to help others who are affected. Islam teaches social concern and mutual cooperation in facing disasters. Rasulullah ﷺ said:
“Whoever lightens his brother’s burden in the world, Allah will lighten his burden in the afterlife.” (HR. Muslim No. 2699)
By helping those in difficulty, we not only get rewards but also strengthen the Islamic brotherhood.
Conclusion
The manners and sunnah taught by the Prophet ﷺ in facing storms teach us to always be patient, pray and put our trust in Allah. Not criticizing the weather, looking for a safe place, making lots of istighfar, and helping others are part of Islamic teachings which are full of wisdom. By practicing this sunnah, we can face natural phenomena with full faith and calm.
May we all always be under the protection of Allah ﷻ and given safety from all forms of disaster. Amen.
