The First Rain After a Long Dry Spell

It hadn't rained for weeks. The plants in the yard were starting to wilt. The ground was dry, dusty underfoot.

That afternoon, the sky suddenly darkened. Then — drip, drip, drip — water began to fall.

"Rain! Rain!" Baby Mo and Baby Ais ran to the porch, shouting with joy.

Umi threw the door wide open. "Alhamdulillah, the rain is finally back."

The rain grew heavier. The smell of wet earth rose from the yard. The wilted leaves looked fresh again.

"Umi, why do we say alhamdulillah? It's just rain," asked Baby Ais.

"Because this rain is a blessing, sweetheart. Plants need a drink, just like we do."

Baby Mo and Baby Ais held their hands up to catch the drops falling from the roof, then whispered together, "Allahumma shayyiban naafi'an" — O Allah, make this rain beneficial.

They both laughed, letting the drops fall onto their palms.

O Allah, make this a beneficial rain.

Now, next time it rains after a long dry spell, take your little one to the porch, feel the drops together, and say this dua. 🌧️