If Suhail spills, do not trust the flood

Kuwaitis and, historically, Gulf communities have long been connected to the stars, using them to identify seasons and weather changes. Among the most famous is Suhail, whose appearance was associated with the gradual easing of intense summer heat and the transition of seasons. This connection gave rise to the popular proverb: “When Suhail sheds its water, do not fear the flood.”

Suhail begins to appear in the Arabian Peninsula in late August. Our ancestors welcomed its arrival after a scorching summer, closely observing the accompanying changes in weather, winds, and seasons.

Our forefathers did not have access to satellites, weather apps, or meteorological maps. Instead, they possessed accumulated expertise: they read the sky, monitored the winds, understood the stars, and linked seasonal changes to their lives on land and sea, as well as during travel.

Of course, the appearance of Suhail does not cause rain or weather changes; rather, its emergence coincides with a phase of seasonal transition.

However, the proverb “When Suhail sheds its water, do not fear the flood” carries a meaning beyond meteorology. It embodies wisdom: do not be deceived by the calm of the moment, and be prepared for change.

This wisdom is what we need today in our lives, institutions, and nations. Just as our ancestors read nature’s signs before they changed, successful modern management reads indicators before crises, anticipates risks before they occur, and formulates plans before changes impose themselves.

The tools have changed, but the value of preparedness and foresight remains unchanged.

Our ancestors looked to the sky to understand what was coming. Today, we possess data, artificial intelligence, research centers, and early warning systems; therefore, our responsibility to prepare has grown even greater.

In a rapidly changing world, we may need to revive the wisdom of that old proverb—not as a weather prediction, but as a culture for engaging with the future: monitor indicators, prepare for changes, and do not wait for the flood to begin.

How beautiful is our heritage when we do not merely preserve it, but transform it into wisdom that helps us shape the future.