Uncovering the Reasons Behind Extreme Heat

These days, the heat has become absolutely unbearable. It is not just difficult to walk under the sun — even sitting in the shade feels suffocating. For the poor, life has turned into a daily struggle for survival. While the rich enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned homes, drive air-conditioned cars, and work in air-conditioned offices or shops, the poor have no such luxuries. Many live in small, overcrowded homes where even a single fan is a blessing. And even if they have a fan, electricity is either unavailable or unstable.

So, the question arises: Is this unbearable heat only due to climate change? Or is there something deeper, something beyond what science can measure? Yes, rising temperatures, ozone layer depletion, and pollution all play a role. But there is another reality we cannot ignore — the moral and spiritual decline of humanity.

When Nature Responds to Our Sins

We often come across heartbreaking videos on social media: newborn babies dumped in garbage bags, left in wheat fields, or abandoned near drains. These are not just isolated crimes — they reflect a deep spiritual crisis. A society that kills its own innocence cannot expect peace from the skies. When injustice, shamelessness, and disobedience to God become common, even nature turns hostile.

Islam teaches us that when sins become widespread and people forget their duties to Allah and to each other, then hardships such as droughts, excessive heat, storms, and disease become more frequent. The Qur'an reminds us that oppression (zulm), corruption (fasad), and disobedience lead to destruction — not just in the Hereafter, but in this world too.

Social Injustice Fuels the Heat

Besides the spiritual dimension, we must talk about social injustice. Climate change affects everyone, but not equally. The rich have the means to protect themselves — cool homes, cold drinks, private water supplies, and medical care. But what about the poor? They must work under the scorching sun — construction workers, fruit sellers, street cleaners, farmers — because missing even a single day's work means no food for their families.

While some people post online about how “hot it is” from the comfort of their living rooms, others are fainting or dying on the streets due to heatstroke. This isn’t just a weather issue — this is a human rights crisis. The suffering of the poor should shake our hearts. The question isn’t just “Why is it so hot?” but “Why are we so cold-hearted?”

What Must We Do?

We must start by seeking forgiveness from Allah and turning back to His guidance. Individual and collective repentance (taubah) is necessary. Only when we align our lives with truth, justice, and compassion can we expect blessings to return. We also need to become more aware of the inequalities around us and work to support the poor and oppressed. Taking care of abandoned children, supporting daily-wage workers, and standing against cruelty is not charity — it is a duty.

The earth is not only reacting to pollution and carbon — it is reacting to our actions. This heat is a wake-up call. Technology alone cannot save us from the fire we’ve lit through our own sins and ignorance.

Conclusion

Yes, it’s extremely hot — and it’s getting hotter. But the solution isn’t just in more air conditioners or international climate summits. The real solution begins in our hearts, with humility, repentance, and reform. Until we cleanse our hearts and our societies, no technology will cool down the fire of injustice, disobedience, and spiritual emptiness.

May Allah forgive us, guide us, and cool both our hearts and our earth.

Ameen. Suma ameen