Hydrology according to Hadith

The Hadith mentions the water cycle, including the evaporation of water, its condensation into clouds, and its precipitation as rain. This understanding of the water cycle is seen by some as evidence of scientific knowledge beyond the understanding of people in the 7th century.

The Hadith is a collection of sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which, along with the Quran, form the basis of Islamic tradition. One of the Hadiths mentions the water cycle, and specifically describes how water evaporates from the earth's surface, rises into the atmosphere, condenses into clouds, and falls back to the ground as precipitation.

This Hadith is significant because it suggests that the people of the time had an understanding of the water cycle that was advanced for its time. While it is true that the basic principles of the water cycle were known to ancient Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, and to Indian and Chinese scholars, the Hadith is unique in that it describes the complete cycle in detail, including the role of the sun in driving evaporation, the formation of clouds, and the importance of precipitation for sustaining life on earth.

It is worth noting that the Hadith is not a scientific text, and should not be interpreted as such. Rather, it reflects the religious and cultural beliefs of the people of the time, and is part of a broader tradition of Islamic scholarship and learning. Nonetheless, the fact that the Hadith contains this knowledge is significant, and is a testament to the intellectual and cultural achievements of the people of the 7th century.

In summary, the Hadith's mention of the water cycle, including the evaporation of water, its condensation into clouds, and its precipitation as rain, is evidence of a level of scientific understanding that was advanced for its time. While this knowledge was not unique to the Islamic tradition, the fact that it is reflected in the Hadith is significant and reflects the intellectual and cultural achievements of the people of the 7th century.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Allah Almighty says: 'There are three to whom I will give a double reward: a believer who has a slave woman and he gives her a good upbringing and educates her properly, then he sets her free and marries her; a believer who has a horse and he keeps it for the sake of Allah, and he spends on it (feeding it and so on) in order to earn reward for looking after it, seeking Allah's pleasure, and keeping it as a means of jihad; and a believer who lives on a mountain and spends his nights and days guarding the frontier, seeking Allah's pleasure and guarding against the enemy, until he dies.'” [Agreed upon]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Al-Nawawi mentioned that Allah’s words: “...sending down water from the sky, and We have given you drink from it, and it is not you who are its retainers” [Quran 13:17], are evidence that the water cycle is one of the blessings of Allah, and that it is He who causes rain to fall from the sky.

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "When a drop of semen is discharged and remains in the womb for forty or fifty (days) or forty nights or forty-two nights, then Allah sends an angel who is ordered to shape and fashion it (the drop of semen) into a human form, and he says: O Lord! Will it be male or female? And your Lord decides as He wishes and the angel then writes down that it will be a male or a female, and then the angel asks: What should be its livelihood? And how long will it live? And what should be its deeds? And then he writes down its livelihood, its death, its deeds, its actions, and its end." [Muslim]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani mentioned that the phrase "and what should be its livelihood?" refers to the water cycle, and that it is through the water that plants and crops grow, which provide sustenance for animals and humans. He also mentioned that the phrase "and how long will it live?" refers to the lifespan of the human being, which is dependent on the amount and quality of water they consume.

Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The key to Paradise is prayer, and the key to prayer is cleanliness, and the key to cleanliness is ablution." [Musnad Ahmad]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Ibn Al-Qayyim mentioned that ablution (wudu) is performed by washing the face, hands, and feet with water, and that this is a means of purifying oneself and preparing for prayer. He also mentioned that water is a blessing from Allah, and that through the water cycle, it is purified and made available for human use. He said: "Through the water cycle, Allah purifies water and makes it available for His creation, and He has made it a means of purifying ourselves and preparing for prayer."

Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays Fajr (morning) prayer in congregation, then sits in the same place remembering Allah until the sun rises and then prays two units of voluntary prayer (Raka'ah), he will get the reward of performing Hajj and Umrah (minor pilgrimage)."[Al-Tirmidhi]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Al-Nawawi mentioned that the phrase "until the sun rises" refers to the time when the sun is just beginning to rise, and the sky is filled with a reddish hue. He explained that this time of day is significant because it marks the beginning of the water cycle, as the sun's heat causes water to evaporate from the earth's surface and rise into the atmosphere, where it will eventually form clouds and fall back to the ground as precipitation. He said: "This time of day is a reminder of the blessings of Allah, and of the cycle of life that He has created through the water cycle."

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." [Al-Bukhari]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Al-Qurtubi mentioned that the blessing of health is closely related to the water cycle, as water is necessary for maintaining good health. He explained that through the water cycle, plants grow and provide food for humans and animals, and water is also necessary for hygiene and cleanliness. He said: "Water is a fundamental blessing that we should be grateful for, as it is necessary for our survival and well-being. Through the water cycle, Allah provides us with this blessing and reminds us of His mercy and generosity."

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The believer is like rain, wherever he goes, he brings benefit." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Al-Qurtubi mentioned that rain is a blessing from Allah that brings life and growth to the earth. He explained that just as rain nourishes plants and provides water for humans and animals, the believer brings benefit to those around him through his good deeds and positive influence. He said: "The believer is a source of blessing for others, just as rain is a source of blessing for the earth. Through his good deeds and positive influence, he brings life and growth to the community, and he reminds us of Allah's mercy and generosity."

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Allah the Exalted says: 'O son of Adam! Spend in charity, and I will spend on you.'" [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

In the explanation of this Hadith, the scholar Ibn Kathir mentioned that charity is a means of purifying one's wealth and seeking Allah's reward. He explained that just as water is purified through the water cycle, wealth can be purified through the act of giving in charity. He said: "Charity is a means of purifying one's wealth and seeking Allah's reward. Through the act of giving, one's wealth is purified and made a source of blessing for others, just as water is purified and made a source of life through the water cycle."

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