and so on to the end of the supplication.

His statement, “and so on to the end of it,” means the remainder of the supplication. It is mentioned in al-Rawḍ al-Murbiʿ as follows: “Wholesome and pleasant, abundant and widespread, general and gently pouring, extensive and lasting. O Allah, grant us relieving rain and do not make us among those who despair.”

“Wholesome” is that which entails no hardship, and which brings people joy and comfort.

“Pleasant” is that which has a good outcome.

“Abundant” means plentiful. Allah the Exalted says:

“If they had remained steadfast on the way, We would have given them abundant water to drink.” [al-Jinn 72:16]

“Gently pouring” means rain unaccompanied by violent winds, for violent winds together with rain cause harm and pain; they may damage walls and bring down houses.

“General” means all-encompassing.

“Extensive” means widespread.

“Lasting” means continuous, although such continuity is conditional upon its causing no harm.

“Widespread” means covering the earth. From the same root comes the covering placed over a camel’s back.

“O Allah, grant us relieving rain,” meaning rain that brings relief.

“And do not make us among those who despair”: the one who despairs is he who considers Allah’s mercy too remote. This is a condition that may overtake a person: he considers Allah’s mercy unlikely because he sees his sins as numerous and corruption as widespread, and so says, “It is far-fetched that Allah will have mercy on us.” This is mistaken.