Clouds

Cloud Formation Mentioned in the Quran

“Have you not seen how Allah makes the heavy clouds move gently, then joins them together, then makes them into a stack, and then you see the rain come out of it. And He sends down hail from mountains (clouds) in the sky, and He strikes with it whomever He wills, and turns it from whomever He wills…”[i]

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Meteorologists have only recently come to know these details of cloud formation, structure and function by using advanced equipment like planes, satellites, computers, balloons and other equipment, to study wind and its direction, to measure humidity and its variations, and to determine the levels and variations of atmospheric pressure.[ii] But the Quran described this process 1,400 years ago. This is truly one of the miracles of the Quran.

The second part of the verse is impressive as well, since it indicates that the hail falls from those clouds that are as high up as mountains. Meteorologists have found that the cumulonimbus clouds, that shower hail, reach a height of 25,000 ft to 30,000 ft, just like mountains.

Clouds Remain in the Sky

While it is truly impressive that such scientific facts have been mentioned in the Quran, clouds themselves are an amazing creation of Allah (swt). Allah (swt) knew that human beings would need water, so He originated a system of clouds that would regularly provide it to us. The fact that these heavy shapeshifting clouds remain in the sky without crashing in on us is a miracle in itself. We have seen airplanes and we know that very accurate engineering is required for it to go into the sky, stay there and come back down. We all know what happens when one small thing goes wrong!!!

Are Clouds Heavy?[iii]

What do scientists say regarding the issue? Are clouds really as heavy as the Quran states? According to the research made in recent years, quite astonishing figures about the weight of clouds have been found. For example, a cumulonimbus cloud, known as the thunder cloud, can contain up to 300,000 tons of water. Yes, you did not misread it; we are mentioning clouds as heavy as 300,000 tons. The fact that a mass of 300,000 tons is caused to stand in the sky without any support is something that astonishes the mind. It is more interesting that this information is mentioned in the Quran. The weight of the precipitation that covers an area of 50 km square at a height of 1 cm is about half a ton.

“…It is He Who raises up the clouds, heavy with rain…”[iv]

Clouds Provide Shade

Allah (swt) also provides us with shade and beautiful backdrops through the medium of these awesome clouds.

“And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails.”[v]

Clouds Related to The Day of Judgement

It is also worth considering that references to clouds are often made when the Day of Judgement is mentioned.

“The Day the heaven shall be rent asunder with clouds, and angels shall be sent down, descending (in ranks).”[vi]

“And you see the mountains, thinking them rigid, while they will pass as the passing of clouds…”[vii]

Types of Clouds

The Quran uses many different terms for clouds. Each of the terms signify a different meaning which puts extensive meaning in the word itself. Some of these have been mentioned below:

Cloud Name	Quranic Reference	Interpretation [viii]
Sahab	Surah Ar Rum 30:48	Sahab is a cloud that gives blessings to humans.
Hamilat	Surah Adh Dhariyat 51:1,2	Hamilat is a cloud that contains a lot of water or brings rain.
Mushirat	Surah An Naba 78:14	Mushirat refers to a cloud that is squeezed by the wind pressing against it.
Aridh	Surah Al Ahqaf 46:24	Aridh is a cloud that spreads across the sky, often brining disaster.
Ghamam	Surah Al Baqarah 2:57	Ghamam is a white cloud that protects people from the sun’s heat. It does not carry rain

To Conclude

Clouds are a miracle from Allah (swt)… Next time you see a cloud, make sure to remember Allah (swt) and thank Him for his blessings.

Things To Do:

Explain the formation of clouds using the Quranic language, write it in your Science Journal.
Can you figure out which group of people were given the shade of the clouds along with manna and salwa?
Write down the Quranic Cloud Names and its meanings in your Science Journal.

[i] Surah An Nur 24:43

[ii] https://www.islam-guide.com/ch1-1-g.htm

[iii] https://questionsonislam.com/article/weight-clouds

[iv] Surah Ar Radd 13:12

[v] Surah Al Araf 7:160

[vi] Surah Al Furqan 25:25

[vii] Surah An Naml 27:88

[viii] Clouds in the Quran by Arif Imam Zulfahmi