Picture of the Day 13.02.14 - Rainbows and Daffodils

It has been very wet and grey here for some time.  I am grateful for a number of reasons - the weather is much milder than usual for this time of year, last year we had snow until April.  The kids have kept well apart from the usual runny noses alhamdulillah.  The abundance of rain has meant I've been spotting rainbows on the way home from work every couple of days.  This one from a few days ago was exceptionally intense and had another behind it that was very faint.  It's rare to be able to see the whole bow as we could with this one.  The beauty of what Allah (SWT) creates put an enormous smile on my face after a difficult day at work.

I also caught my fist glimpse of a great swathe of daffodils planted along the road side every year, signalling hopes of spring (I couldn't take a picture because we sped past too quickly).

image source

I would say I love the rain too, but I keep thinking of all of the people around Britain at the moment faced with their homes being flooded.  On a very windy, wet and cold day like today, there is nothing lovelier than snuggling down at home with blankets and warm food and a good book.  That thought keeps turning my mind to all of the people who have lost everything and can't get back to their homes.

It's heartening to see United Muslim Association UK (UMA UK) have stepped and are offering help:

“It is important that organisations work together on coordinated relief effort. With the number of charities joining UMA UK, I am sure we will make a big difference when we activate all of the volunteers.

“It looks like we will be getting involved in the clean-up operation. We will also need to go out to our local hardware suppliers to see what we can get them to donate to help with the clean-up.”

You can find out more from their Facebook page here.  I really liked their note to keep an eye out for elderly neighbours.

Dua when it is raining:

 اللَّهُمَّ صَيِّبًا نَافِعًا

allaahumma ṣayyiban naafi‛a

Allah, may it be a beneficial rain.

Narrated by Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "The best friend in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his companions; and the best neighbour in the sight of Allah is the one who is good to his neighbours."   [Tarmizi]