200TH EDITION OF VOICE OF THE MIMBARR 19-05-1448 AH/29-10-2026 CE— QUR'AN GEOGRAPHY AND EL-NINO: AN INDICATION FOR INCOMPREHENSIBLE NATURE OF ALLAH_ BY DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN

Bismillah Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim

Islam is a religion of intellectualism and intellect is core to the curriculum of life. It survives on knowledge and its proceeds like technological exactitude. As the biggest tangible and most benefitting favour of Allah, it is the highest string on which human existence depends just as it distinguishes man from other creatures. Meanwhile, fervent reverence is given to Allah (SubhanaHu Wa Ta'ala (SWT)) on innumerable wherewithal and abundant blessing be upon the personality of the noble Messenger Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (SAW)) and the entire.members of his community of faithful till the Last Day. 

The Ontology and Cosmology of life may not be accidental afterall. For non-believers to conceive otherwise is tantamount to cheer mockery of the Supreme power behind the system engineering of the universe. The sunlight produces heat, heat evaporates water, waterlog constitutes cloud, cloud is dislodged to produce rain water as the source of bearable life; and rain is capable of either being of blessing or doom depending largely on the dictates of Allah. 'Do not the Unbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were joined together (as one unit of creation), before We clove them asunder? We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe? (21:30)'. The last segment of the above Ayah bears mainly on the importance of water and steam as a proceed of breeze, wind and storm. This is referred to as the 'Big-bang theory'. An interchange in phases often occasions mosaic climatic change that features from regular but normal and irregular and tensing situations in the nature. Human and non-human habitats among others are always in the position of choice to belt up for upcoming situation whenever they are at advantage to be aware. This shows information is key to human survival.

Ar-Rih (singular) and ar-Riyah (plural) might be inter-changeable in human parlance but have different reverent implications in the geographical order of nature. Ar-Rih in Qur'anic term is purported for punishing, annihilating and destructing obstinate people. It sometimes ends in Whilst wind. This is the case in the situation related in Al-Baqarah (2:266); furious wind sent on them, Al-Haqqah (69:6); violent wind, Al-Mursalat (77:2); among others. Contrarily, Ar-Riyah as pleasant, comfortable and suiting breeze that often results in fresh life for not only man but also animals and plants is portrayed as a sign of blessing. In this category, the plural form is often used to symbolise innumerable blessing contained in the process of evaporating, condensing, clouding and eventual rainfall. This is mentioned in uncountable places in the Qur'an part of which include: 'change in the wind and cloud' Al-Baqarah (2:164); 'sending the wind to raise cloud' Ar-Rum (30:48); 'sending down sustenance from the sky to revive the earth' Al-Jathiyyah (45:5); and many more. 

Mention must be made that the sole Engineer behind this system remains no other that Allah (SWT). Determining the atmospheric condition appears beyond human comprehension. Howbeit, parts of the intellectualism endowed on man is deployed to work around the circle of nature with deliberate existential analysis, describing, predicting and projecting some coverable entity. This, in most cases, sometimes meets the target and at another time proves fruitless. For, predicting nature from analytical standpoint appears gamble. The same is the case with rain, cold, heat, harmattan and winter. Granted they are integral part of our weather, the changes that occur to them at one time or the other appears beyond the realm of human perception. 

A good instance is the perennial and fabulous rain often predicted in August which had since deferred the arrangement. The annual orange harvest had considerably followed the period of Ramadan fast as it falls in any month of the year. Experiences show that there is hardly any Ramadan occasion during which orange and other juicy fruits are not available. This should sink into our subconsciousness that using the Solar calendar to gauge the seasons than the Lunar calendar appears inappropriate. To a large extent, the current global weather phenomena change popularly called El-nino appears yet another geographical component of incomprehensible nature of Allah.

What is El-nino in the first place? It is what Scientists call 'a natural climate phenomenon with the potential to impact on global weather. In particular, it affects aspects of agriculture, water supply, public health, changes in rainfall pattern, higher temperatures in some places, and paradoxical drought in others, and increased risk of extreme weather. Arising from the Tropical Pacific Ocean, Scientists predicts it is capable of altering weather pattern across the world. It is the warm phase of the El-nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climate pattern which changes sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric circulation over the Tropical Pacific Ocean. It generally occurs every 4-7 years and it often lasts between 9-12 months.

These predictive narrations notwithstanding, human beings across the climes are left with only the coping mechanisms in diverse ways.World Meteorological Organization advised belting up with measures to whither the challenging period. An integral part of the counsel has to do with better understanding of the nature around, preparing ahead of eventuality, taking precautionary measures and continual monitoring the development around. Against the background of global warming, it occasions extreme heat, weather-related hazards and it is predicted to last between September 2026 to March 2027. Possible flood-causing rainfall in some places and drought in another, and it remains unpredictable.

Part of the coping mechanisms for Nigerians in the face of the extreme weather condition include higher temperatures and heat-related illnesses, prolonged exposure to heat causing de-hydration desires reliable electricity, adequate ventilation, access to safe drinking water, and reduction in outdoor activities during hot day hours. Change in rainfall affects flood, property damage, and disrupt of commercial activities. People living in flood-prone areas should intensify safer routes, protect important documents, and avoid walking or driving through flooded water with uncertain depth.

Threats to agriculture and food production as advised by NiMet report of 26-10-2026 that Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ekiti, Edo and Delta states should buckle up for unexpected challenges. Livestock farmers have to prepare ahead of water and pastures shortage and follow NiMet's weather forecast. Dam dryness harbingers shortage in electricity supplies, low irrigation and downsize in industrial activities. Health Agencies to monitor health of people than ordinary forecast, and anyone experiencing severe symptoms should seek medical attention. Staying hydrated is advised along with having reservoir of water at all time, and paying attention to warning for your particular location.

Government also should stem up measures to give early warning. Maintaining drainage, improving waste management, flood-risk mapping and emergency response planning are important. At the household level, essential medical items necessary for taking health serious is important like torch, charged phones, emergency contacts and making evacuation arrangements and meeting point in case of flood. Hands must be on deck by water authorities, and helping farmers to adapt to planting and irrigation is of necessity. All these depend largely on the regional weather patterns and country's capacity to prepare. Above all, there should be monitoring of the vulnerable people like elderly and younger ones during this period. Blood pressure, sugar and hearts patients need close monitoring. El-nino is transient, we must live to survive beyond its period. Till we meet again in the next edition, stay safe and remain blessed.

©DR RAZAQ BOLAWAYE UTHMAN

IMAM & MISSIONER ANSAR-UD-DEEN SOCIETY OF NIGERIA IPAJA BRANCH LAGOS STATE NIGERIA. 

2026