Rain, rain, go away...

"It is Allah Who hath created the heavens and the earth and sendeth down rain from the skies, and with it bringeth out fruits wherewith to feed you; it is He Who hath made the ships subject to you, that they may sail through the sea by His command; and the rivers (also) hath He made subject to you".

Surah Ibrahim: ayah 32

The northeast monsoon is here again. It brings a lot of rains day and night, especially to the east coast states such as Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang. The usual expectation is to see severe floods that emerge overnight that would force thousands of families to evacuate their homes and end up stranded either at relief centres or the community halls for days, even weeks. In the past 50 years a lot have been sacrificed by the flood victims: personal belongings, homes, livestock, and to some extent their own lives. Children could not go to school. Clean drinking water become scarce. Diseases easily spread. Theft. Sorrow. Depression. Uncertainty.

A flood victim fleeing with his cat and goose.  Picture courtesy of theage.com.au

The flood relief centre.  Picture courtesy of malaysiabreakingnews.blogspot.com

Flood scene in Kelantan.  Picture courtesy of all-about-malaysia.blogspot.com

Where I live at present, heavy downpour is no exception. But we here in the west coast are more fortunate.  I have never experienced severe flood yet in my life [of which I am so thankful]. There were of course several incidents of flash floods due to clogged drain somewhere in the city but often there were no needs of home evacuation.  Still, life could suddenly become so complicated when it rains. One drop of water falling from the sky would result in massive traffic jam everywhere in Klang Valley.

It is so bad that sometimes to reach a place so near would take a good hour when you'll only spend under 10 minutes if you walk. Recently in the middle of this madness I passed by a car static on the road with its engine still running and the driver fast asleep, obviously he did not hear the noises of other motorists honking him. Perhaps he is too tired being stuck in the jam. Poor guy!

Rain could be problematic to some people, but it is actually a rahmah (blessing) from Allah to all His subjects.

Only if we knew it...

"The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His praise; And yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbear, Most Forgiving!"  

Surah Al-Isra: ayah 44 

I just wish everyone is safe.