Art thou not aware that it is God who causes the clouds to move onward, then joins them together, then piles them up in masses, until thou can see rain come forth from their midst? And He it is who sends down from the skies, by degrees, mountainous masses [of clouds] charged with hail, striking therewith whomever He wills and averting it from whomever He wills, [the while] the flash of His lightning well-nigh deprives [men of their] sight!

[and thereupon was told:] “Strike [the ground] with thy foot: here is cool water to wash with and to drink!"*

[shadows] neither cooling nor soothing.

[But] We said: O fire! Be thou cool, and [a source of] inner peace for Abraham!"*

Neither coolness shall they taste therein nor any [thirst-quenching] drink –