The Clouds
Clouds, a dynamic and changing aspect of our environment, have been key to human perception of time, weather, and space. This page explores how clouds have been represented through various cultural and linguistic lenses, each linked to different temporal and spatial meanings.
1. Bakhar
Definition: Bakhar refers to steam, specifically
evaporated
water coming off hot surfaces. It is colloquially used to describe clouds that appear above
the
sea, known as "Banat Bakhr" (daughters of Bakhar), which are delicate and float above the
sea,
not seen above land. The term “Banat Bakhr” refers to these clouds, which are white and vary
in
size. They appear before the summer.
The word "Makhr" (also used to describe when a ship slices through the water, creating foam
and
movement) evokes the imagery of the motion, sound, and feeling of the ship's slicing through
water, with the resulting foam. This concept could metaphorically tie these clouds to the
idea
of being born from the foam, floating above the sea as if they were a result of this
movement.
However, they may not be directly related; for poetic satisfaction, let’s say they are.
Temporal connotation: Appears before summer, signaling the transition to warmer
weather.
Spatial connotation: Associated with the sea (Banat Bakhr) and not seen above
land.
Notes: *Bakhar* clouds evoke the imagery of a ship's motion through water, the foam, and the gentle power of nature. They symbolize the growth of summer, the dynamic presence of nature’s forces, and the quiet strength before the heat of the season.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulus (Cu): These clouds are billowy, large, and puffed, similar to
*Bakhar*.
Cumulus clouds symbolize growth, transition, and an increasing presence in the sky.
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These towering clouds can mirror the strength of
*Makhr*,
representing an imposing presence that signals the transformation of atmospheric conditions,
much like the movement and intensity suggested by the "slicing" motion of the ship.
2. Tara’
Definition: Tara’ means to become full. It is used for bowls
or basins, to become full to the brim with liquid. The term is also used for valleys, lakes,
rivers, etc., meaning they are full and about to spill — in the sense that if the valley is
full, there is a flood coming.
Therefore, Tara’ refers to a cloud that is full to the brim with
water, symbolizing a cloud that is either raining or about to rain. It evokes the image of an
impending storm or downpour, with the cloud holding an abundant amount of moisture ready to
release.
Temporal connotation: Used to represent clouds full of rain or rain about to
fall, symbolizing a shift in time (seasons or passing time).
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation mentioned.
Notes: Tara’ clouds symbolize the potential for release and transformation. They embody the building pressure that leads to a storm or downpour, reflecting the dynamic nature of weather and the cyclical process of water in nature.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Nimbostratus (Ns): These clouds are characterized by their dense, heavy nature,
often bringing rain or snow. They are a direct representation of a cloud that is full and about
to release precipitation, much like Tara’.
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These clouds are towering and massive, often associated with
intense storms. They symbolize the overflowing, dramatic nature of
Tara’, as they are capable of releasing heavy rain and storms, much
like a cloud reaching the point of overflow.
3. Jaham
Definition: Jaham refers to an ignorant or unpleasant person,
often associated with a bad attitude or an unappealing facial expression. It is used to describe
the harsh, unattractive, or unpleasant aspects of behavior or appearance.
The term also describes the very edge of darkness, referring to the time of night just before
dawn, when it is still fully dark, but the first hints of light have not yet appeared. It
signifies the last moments of complete darkness before the break of day, or the first quarter of
the night when the night feels most oppressive.
In the context of clouds, Jaham refers to light, weak clouds that hold
no water and seem to float aimlessly with the wind. These clouds are seen as lacking substance
or purpose, providing no rain or shade. They are metaphorically void of blessings and symbolize
the emptiness of a cloud that brings no relief, especially in a harsh desert environment.
Temporal connotation: Refers to the time before dawn, the last stage of
darkness.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation mentioned.
Notes: Jaham clouds evoke a sense of futility, a cloud that lacks substance, purpose, or potential. They embody the feeling of the end of the night before dawn when the world feels stagnant, with no promise of relief or change. The clouds are seen as weak and useless, contributing nothing to the environment.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrostratus (Cs): These clouds are thin, wispy, and often do not hold any
moisture. They are similar to Jaham in that they are light and do not
bring any rain or shade, offering no relief in harsh conditions.
Stratus (St): These clouds are flat and featureless, covering the sky in a
dull, monotonous layer. Like Jaham, they are associated with a lack of
movement, change, or substance, symbolizing a weak presence in the sky that does not bring the
expected rain or shade.
5. Habaa/Hubi
Definition: Habaa/Hubi refers to anything that is close to the
ground. Colloquially, the term is used to mean crawling, like something crawling on the ground,
such as a baby or animal. Historically it was used to describe a camel’s movement when it lowers
itself close to the earth.
The term is poetically used to describe the trace left behind on the ground, similar to how an
arrow leaves a long mark on the ground if it misses the target. I have personally heard
(although I couldn't find this in the books) that Hubi specifically means after
a battle when arrow marks are on the ground, and in the case it rains the next day, the
battlefield is filled with these long puddles that reflect the sky. That imagery is what the
clouds are meant to look like. And they appear low to the ground and stretch across the sky in
thin, streak-like sheets. These clouds evoke the imagery of marks or traces left behind on the
earth, just as an arrow might leave a trail in the dirt.
Temporal connotation: Often seen before or during minor weather changes,
symbolizing the fleeting nature of time.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation mentioned, though evokes
the idea of a mark left behind in space.
Notes: These clouds carry a sense of impermanence and fragility. Their streak-like formations evoke the feeling of something that is briefly visible but not permanent, akin to the mark an arrow leaves on the ground as it misses its target.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrostratus (Cs): Cirrostratus clouds can resemble the streak-like, thin
sheets that stretch across the sky, symbolizing a fleeting and delicate presence.
Cirrocumulus (Cc): Cirrocumulus clouds are also billowy and can form in
streak-like patterns, aligning with the visual quality of the Habaa/Hubi
clouds, though they are often seen as more distinct and separate.
6. Haras
Definition: Haras refers to fierce dedication and commitment
to something, often used to describe a commitment to protect someone. It can also mean a tear in
something, like a tear in fabric or a wound in skin.
In the context of clouds, Haras refers to a cloud that is low to the ground,
with heavy rain that seems to fall so forcefully it tears into the face of the Earth. These
clouds evoke the imagery of a tearing force, with their rain appearing as though it is cutting
into the land below.
Temporal connotation: Represents a time of intense weather change, often linked
to the arrival of heavy rain.
Spatial connotation: Can symbolize direction (East/West) based on the movement
of storms.
Notes: The concept of Haras carries both a protective and destructive connotation, symbolizing the balance between the need to defend and the raw force that can tear through the environment. Their presence suggests an intense moment, akin to a forceful commitment or action.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Stratus (St): Stratus clouds are low-lying and can bring steady, heavy rainfall
that blankets the earth, much like the tearing effect described by Haras
clouds.
Nimbostratus (Ns): Nimbostratus clouds are often associated with heavy rain,
their thick, low forms covering the sky, reflecting the intense, powerful rain that "tears" into
the land.
7. Hazal
Definition: Hazal means to become elevated or to rise together. It is used to describe when things come together and then elevate as a whole. For example, a group of camels rising at once is called hazal. In some contexts, hazal refers to something rising above a certain atmospheric point, like a mountain peak that rises above the clouds. For clouds, hazal refers to clouds that seem to rise to the center, or the "belly," of the sky.
Temporal connotation: Represents the transition to a new phase, signaling a
rise or elevation in time, like the start of a season or significant change.
Spatial connotation: Relates to clouds rising to the center of the sky,
indicating upward movement and positioning in the middle or highest part of the sky.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulus (Cu): These clouds rise up in the sky in distinct, puffy forms, much
like Hazal clouds that appear to rise to the center of the sky. They are
typically a sign of good weather but can indicate the beginning of a change in atmospheric
conditions.
Altocumulus (Ac): These clouds often rise to the middle of the sky in patches,
similar to Hazal clouds. They are often seen before changes in weather, marking
a shift or transition in the atmosphere.
8. Hamal
Definition: Hamal refers to something that is carried. It is
used to describe cargo carried by animals, like camels or horses. It can also refer to the act
of carrying something on one's back, or the state of pregnancy in women, where a pregnant woman
is called haamel.
When referred to clouds, Hamal signifies a cloud that carries rain and is
pushed by the wind. These clouds are typically heavy and fast-moving, representing the dynamic
movement and weight of what they carry.
In another context, Al-Hamal (when preceded with "the") refers to the
constellation Aries, marking specific time periods related to the rising and setting points of
the Aries stars.
Temporal connotation: Refers to the time period during the
Aries zodiac, approximately from March 21 to April 19, marking
the arrival of spring in the northern hemisphere. The rising and setting points of the Aries
stars during this time are used as markers of time.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These clouds are often heavy, fast-moving, and carry rain,
similar to the way Hamal clouds carry rain across the sky.
Nimbostratus (Ns): These clouds, which are associated with prolonged rainfall,
share the characteristic of carrying rain and moving through the atmosphere.
9. Hamaa
Definition: Hamaa refers to the peak of heat, often used to
describe the sun at its hottest point. It is also used to describe a horse at the peak of its
energy and bodily heat. In another sense, it can mean to darken or become black with a slight
red tinge, which is why it is sometimes used as a name for the night.
When referred to clouds, Hamaa refers to clouds that are dark and slightly red,
typically seen at sunset. These clouds appear heavy, often silhouetted or shadowed by the fading
sunlight, marking the end of the day.
Temporal connotation: Refers to the time of sunset, when the
sun is at its peak heat and the sky darkens with a reddish tinge as the day transitions into
night.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These clouds can appear dark and slightly red at sunset,
especially when they have an imposing, towering presence.
Stratus (St): Stratus clouds at sunset can also appear shadowed or silhouetted,
taking on darker hues and signaling the approach of night.
10. Hantam
Definition: Hantam refers to a type of green-glazed jar made
from red clay, where the green color leans toward black, resulting in a deep, almost black
green. It describes the color of a jar used for storing water, which develops a black patina
over time.
When used for clouds, Hantam refers to clouds that are filled with water,
appearing dark—almost black—similar to the jar. The term "hanatem" (plural) refers to scattered
clouds, while "hantam" (singular) indicates clouds that are gathered together as one.
Temporal connotation: Represents the time before a downpour, when clouds are
full and heavy with water.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Stratocumulus (Sc): Stratocumulus clouds can appear low, dark, and filled with
water, similar to the heavy, almost black appearance of Hantam clouds.
Nimbostratus (Ns): Nimbostratus clouds are also heavy and dark, often signaling
rain or a downpour, much like the "Hantam" clouds that are full of water.
Cirrocumulus (Cc): Cirrocumulus clouds are small, scattered, and often appear
as individual patches in the sky, similar to the scattered nature of Hantam
clouds.
Altocumulus (Ac): Altocumulus clouds are also often seen as scattered, puffy
clouds that may resemble the visual appearance of jars spread across the sky.
11. Hayar
Definition: Hayar refers to confusion, being dazed, or
wandering aimlessly. The term also describes a place where water pools in a stagnant manner, as
if the water has reached a dead end and is circulating in place.
When used for clouds, Hayar refers to clouds that do not move with the wind,
seemingly stuck in one place, wandering aimlessly. They are unsure of where to go, unable to
find a gust of wind to carry them onward. The word captures a sense of confusion and
stagnation.
Interestingly, the term used for a confused or dazed person comes from this description of the
cloud, emphasizing the state of being "lost" or "stuck."
Temporal connotation: Represents a time of stagnation, often seen during the
transitional periods of the day, such as dusk or dawn, when the world is in between phases.
Could also symbolize the slow-moving periods of the year, such as the transition between seasons
when everything feels in pause.
Spatial connotation: The clouds do not move in any particular direction,
remaining stagnant in place.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Stratus (St): Stratus clouds are low, thick, and often appear stagnant,
reflecting the idea of a cloud that does not move.
Cirrostratus (Cs): Cirrostratus clouds are thin, and while they can move, they
sometimes appear to linger, creating a sense of being stuck in place, much like the concept of
Hayar.
12. Khurooj
Definition: Khurooj is colloquially used to mean "to exit" or "to emerge." It refers to being the first to emerge or to be unprecedented. When used in the context of clouds, it refers to one cloud producing or giving birth to another. The second cloud emerges from the first, as though it "exits" it. This concept is difficult to grasp, but in a visual sense, the cloud is wide and flat, with the emerging cloud exhibiting similar properties, such as expansiveness and flatness.
Temporal connotation: Khurooj clouds can represent the beginning of new
formations, signaling the emergence of new weather patterns or the start of a new phase in a
storm cycle.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Stratus (St): These clouds are wide and flat, much like
Khurooj clouds, which also exhibit flatness and expansiveness in their
appearance.
Cirrostratus (Cs): A thin, flat cloud that often leads to the formation of
other clouds, similar to the idea of one cloud emerging from another.
13. Khasaf
Definition: Khasaf refers to a divine punishment, evoking an image of the earth splitting open and swallowing everything above it. It can describe something overtaken by a larger, more encompassing force in a jarring way, like a well that breaks and releases its contents. In the context of clouds, Khasaf refers to heavy clouds filled with water that feel as though they would burst if disturbed, much like the image of something breaking open to release its contents.
Temporal connotation: Associated with moments of intense weather changes, often indicating the arrival of a powerful storm.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These large, towering clouds are similar to
Khasaf in their potential to burst and release intense storms, filled with
moisture and capable of heavy rainfall.
Nimbostratus (Ns): Nimbostratus clouds are heavy and filled with water, sharing
the same ominous, impending sense of rain as Khasaf clouds.
14. Khasas
Definition: Khasas colloquially means "to specify" or "to set apart." It implies something distinct, singled out, or marked in some way, creating a clear separation from the surrounding context.
Temporal connotation: No specific temporal connotation.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Notes: Didn't really get it, will revisit.
15. Khasama
Definition: Khasama colloquially means to argue or break
apart, to become scattered. It also refers to the edge or side of something soft and spread out,
like a blanket or a story.
In the context of clouds, Khasama describes a cloud that has been struck by
lightning on its side, resulting in a scattered, split appearance. The imagery evokes the
violent tearing or division of the cloud caused by a lightning strike.
Temporal connotation: Represents the dramatic, sudden moments of change, often
during storms, when lightning causes the cloud to split or scatter.
Spatial connotation: Associated with the side or edge of the cloud,
particularly where the lightning strikes.
Notes: This term conveys both a destructive and transformative force, symbolizing both argument and division, and the physical impact of lightning on a cloud.
16. Khalq
Definition: The word Khalq refers to creation or the act of creating. It is still used colloquially today and can also mean someone who is well-balanced, mannered, or beautiful. In terms of texture, it evokes a sense of smoothness and openness, much like a hill or a cloud. Specifically, when applied to a cloud, Khalq describes a cloud that appears open, silky, and smooth to the touch, resembling a basin that is waiting to collect rain.
Temporal connotation: Khalq clouds indicate the initial stages of cloud formation, suggesting the buildup of moisture and the potential for rainfall.
Spatial connotation: These clouds form as horizontal, expansive layers, appearing smooth and uniform, signaling calm weather before a shift to precipitation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrostratus (Cs): These thin, high-altitude clouds form in a layer that often
covers the entire sky, resembling the smooth, veil-like texture described in
Khalq. They are the first indication of weather changes, much like the smooth
and open appearance of Khalq clouds before precipitation occurs.
Altostratus (As): Khalq clouds share similarities with
Altostratus in their wide, uniform, and often featureless appearance, which can
cover large portions of the sky. These clouds represent a prelude to rain, much like
Khalq, as they indicate increasing moisture and the potential for further
development into more substantial cloud systems.
17. Khayl
Definition: The word Khayl refers to assumption, but when
pronounced as Khayal, it can mean imagination, dream, or apparition. It can
also describe any reflection of appearance, such as a shadow, a reflection in a mirror, or even
a loved one, as they can be seen as a reflection of oneself. Colloquially,
Khayl is often used to describe something beautiful or dreamy.
In the context of clouds, Khayl refers to a cloud that appears to hold rain but
does not actually bring it. It carries a conditional meaning: if the cloud does release rain, it
is called Mukhayla, and if not, it is called Khulba. Thus, it
captures both the assumption (that rain might come) and the imagination (the cloud's potential).
Temporal connotation: Khayl clouds occur in a transitional weather phase where atmospheric conditions suggest the possibility of rain, but the actual precipitation does not occur. These clouds typically form during times of unstable weather, where moisture is present in the air, but not enough for full cloud development or rain.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulus (Cu): Khayl clouds share characteristics with
Cumulus clouds, which are large, puffy, and often appear to hold rain, but do
not always release it.
Altocumulus (Ac): Khayl clouds can also resemble
Altocumulus clouds, which are fluffy and scattered but do not guarantee rain,
existing in conditions where moisture might be present but does not result in precipitation.
18. Dalah
Definition: The word Dalah means to walk with the heaviness of a carried weight, similar to the gait of a camel. In the context of clouds, Dalah refers to a cloud that appears uneven in movement or formation, as though burdened by the weight of water. The cloud seems to sway or step unevenly, mimicking the slow, heavy gait of an animal carrying a load.
Temporal Connotation: Dalah clouds typically form in conditions where there is significant moisture buildup, often preceding or during rainfall. These clouds represent a transition toward precipitation, where the cloud's weight from the accumulated water affects its appearance and movement.
Spatial Connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulonimbus (Cb): The slow, uneven appearance of Dalah clouds
is similar to Cumulonimbus clouds, which, when they form, often display strong
vertical development and can appear uneven in their shape and structure due to their significant
moisture content.
Stratocumulus (Sc): Like Dalah clouds,
Stratocumulus clouds often appear low in the sky, with a dense, heavy
appearance, sometimes signaling impending precipitation or the presence of moisture.
19. Dawa
Definition: The word Dawa refers to flat, even land, often signifying something in motion, spreading, or rolling out. It is used to describe the movement of sound across flat ground, as sounds made in such environments, like the calls of animals, the buzzing of bees, or thunder, seem to spread in all directions. In the context of clouds, Dawa refers to clouds that hold the sound of thunder within them, such as during a storm, where the thunder seems to resonate or carry from the cloud's body.
Temporal connotation: Dawa clouds are associated with stormy conditions, specifically those that contain thunder. These clouds signal the development of a thunderstorm, often in its initial or active phase.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulonimbus (Cb): Similar to Dawa clouds,
Cumulonimbus clouds are capable of producing thunder and are the primary cloud
type associated with thunderstorm activity. The characteristic sound of thunder resonates within
them, aligning with the concept of sound being held within a Dawa cloud.
Stratocumulus (Sc): While Stratocumulus clouds are not as
severe as Cumulonimbus, they can still produce some thunder when conditions are
right, and they share the low, thick appearance similar to a Dawa cloud.
20. Rabab
Definition: The word Rabab is derived from "Rab," which means God, lord, or the owner of land. When used in this context, Rabab refers to a gathering place, such as a city square, where people or even camels come together. The cloud described as Rabab governs the rain, collects it, nurtures it, and supports growth. It can be understood as the cloud that nurtures or protects the land, often referred to as the lord of the land, particularly when the clouds are above a farm, village, or area. Additionally, Rabab has been used to describe clouds that appear stacked on top of one another, hovering in the center of the sky, giving the illusion of “clouds without clouds.”
Temporal connotation: Rabab clouds signify the buildup of moisture in the atmosphere, preparing for potential rain. These clouds often indicate the nurturing stage before precipitation begins, similar to the way they govern and protect the land.
Spatial connotation: Rabab clouds tend to appear in the center of the sky, forming stacked layers that seem to govern the space above. There is no specific east/west/north/south orientation, but they give the impression of an overarching presence in the sky.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Nimbostratus (Ns): These clouds, like Rabab, are thick and
often appear to govern the atmosphere, hanging low in the sky and associated with widespread
precipitation. They share a sense of nurturing the land with their steady, even rainfall.
Altostratus (As): These clouds have a similar featureless, layered appearance
to Rabab clouds, often covering large portions of the sky, creating a subdued
atmosphere before rain.
21. Rajhan
Definition: The word Rajhan refers to swinging, leaning, or sometimes falling. It is also associated with inebriation or anything that teeters or has weight. When applied to clouds, Rajhan describes clouds that are very high in the sky but appear heavy, giving them a sense of swinging or teetering, as though their weight is causing them to lean or shift in the atmosphere.
Temporal connotation: Rajhan clouds suggest a state of instability in the atmosphere, where clouds are on the verge of significant movement or change, potentially signaling a shift in weather patterns.
Spatial connotation: These clouds are high in the sky, often appearing to swing or shift as if affected by their own weight, suggesting instability or movement in the upper levels of the atmosphere.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrostratus (Cs): These high-altitude clouds are thin and appear to stretch
across the sky, but when they are heavy or dense, they may resemble the teetering effect
described in Rajhan.
Cirrus (Ci): Cirrus clouds, though thin and wispy, can sometimes appear to have
a swaying or leaning effect due to their high altitude and weight, especially when caught in
higher winds or shifting weather patterns.
22. Rakam
Definition: The word Rakam means to accumulate. When applied to clouds, it refers to clouds that appear as accumulated heaps or piles, similar to the form of cumulus clouds. These clouds look as though they are gathering or stacking on top of each other, building up in layers or clumps.
Temporal connotation: Rakam clouds represent the development or growth of clouds over time, indicating the accumulation of moisture and the potential for further development, such as rain or thunderstorms.
Spatial connotation: These clouds tend to form at low to mid-level altitudes and appear as stacked, puffy masses, often expanding horizontally and vertically as they accumulate.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cumulus (Cu): Cumulus clouds are the most direct comparison to
Rakam clouds, as they are also formed by the accumulation of warm air and
moisture, resulting in a heap or pile-like appearance.
Stratocumulus (Sc): Stratocumulus clouds, while usually larger and more
layered, can share a similar characteristic of being accumulated into a large mass, appearing
like a thick, piled heap in the sky.
23. Ramaa
Definition: The word Ramaa means to throw, toss, or aim. It can also refer to hunting or shooting. Colloquially, it can mean an animal caught while hunting, like game. When used as a noun, it can describe small arrows used for training, which are thrown without the intention to kill. In the context of clouds, Ramaa refers to small, scattered clouds that appear to be tossed about, which will eventually come together to form a larger, rain-bearing cloud.
Temporal connotation: Ramaa clouds suggest the early stages of cloud formation, where scattered clouds are accumulating and may eventually merge to form more significant, rain-producing clouds.
Spatial connotation: These clouds are typically found at low altitudes, scattered across the sky, often appearing to be in motion or displaced, signaling a transitional phase before more significant cloud formations.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrocumulus (Cc): These high-altitude clouds are small, white, and scattered,
resembling the scattered nature of Ramaa clouds. They often accumulate over
time into larger systems.
Altocumulus (Ac): These mid-level clouds can also appear scattered and puffy,
similar to the small clouds described by Ramaa, and they can combine to form
larger cloud formations.
24. Rahaa
Definition: The word Rahaa refers to something that is lax, weak, or flexible. It can also describe a state of negligence or lack of discipline. When describing eyes, Rahaa refers to eyes that are downturned or droopy at the edges, often due to age, fatigue, or tiredness. In the context of clouds, Rahaa refers to clouds that are relaxed, indifferent, or receptive. These clouds allow rain to move in and out effortlessly, suggesting a sense of weakness, flexibility, or passiveness.
Temporal connotation: Rahaa clouds represent a passive or transitional phase in the weather cycle, where rain is not forcefully held but rather allowed to move freely in and out of the clouds.
Spatial connotation: These clouds are often found at mid-level altitudes, where they form wide, soft layers that do not exhibit strong vertical development.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrostratus (Cs): These thin, high-altitude clouds are often relaxed and can
create a veil-like appearance, much like the passive, receptive nature of Rahaa
clouds.
Nimbostratus (Ns): These are featureless, low-level clouds that can allow rain
to move in and out smoothly, embodying the flexible and receptive characteristics of
Rahaa clouds.
25. Rahaj
Definition: Rahaj refers to dust, or something that has become dusty or hazy. It can describe a person walking quickly, kicking up dust behind them, or a home filled with the swirling haze of incense smoke. In the context of clouds, Rahaj describes clouds that are light and airy, almost like dust, and are typically devoid of water.
Temporal connotation: Rahaj clouds signify a moment of calm, light cloud cover that lacks precipitation, often seen as a transition between weather systems or a temporary absence of rain.
Spatial connotation: These clouds are typically found at high altitudes, where their wispy, airy nature allows them to spread across the sky without significant vertical development.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrus (Ci): Rahaj clouds resemble Cirrus clouds due to their
light, wispy structure, which is often devoid of moisture and lacks significant rain-producing
capacity.
Cirrostratus (Cs): These thin, high-altitude clouds also share a similar airy,
haze-like appearance, often forming a veil that doesn’t carry much water.
26. Rahal
Definition: Rahal refers to swelling or the looseness of skin after it becomes thinner, often carrying an air of sickliness. In the context of clouds, Rahal describes a very delicate cloud, often compared to morning dew for its fragile and fresh appearance.
Temporal connotation: Rahal clouds are often seen at the start of the day, symbolizing a fresh, delicate moment before more robust weather patterns develop.
Spatial connotation: These clouds are typically low in altitude, reflecting the gentle, fragile nature of early morning clouds that are still forming.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Stratus (St): Rahal clouds resemble Stratus clouds in their
delicate, low-level formation that covers the sky in a thin, uniform layer.
Altostratus (As): These clouds share a similar soft, hazy quality, often
appearing as a gentle veil across the sky during the early morning hours.
Note: Didn't really understand this one, will revisit.
27. Rawaa
Definition: Rawaa refers to the act of watering or feeding someone water, similar to the word "quench" but with a more nurturing and caring connotation. It conveys the sense of hydrating, refreshing, nurturing, and blessing, specifically related to water. It can be used to describe giving water to people or plants, with an emphasis on care and nourishment.
Temporal connotation: Rawaa clouds are typically associated with replenishing rainfall, often occurring during times of drought or when the earth is in need of nourishment.
Spatial connotation: These clouds can appear anywhere, as they represent a nurturing and replenishing force, with no specific spatial location in the sky. They are often seen as a symbol of care and renewal.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Nimbostratus (Ns): These heavy, water-filled clouds align with
Rawaa in their ability to provide sustained rainfall meant to hydrate and
nourish the earth.
Cumulonimbus (Cb): These towering clouds, capable of producing significant
rainfall, also share the replenishing and nurturing quality of Rawaa clouds.
28. Zabraj
Definition: Zabraj refers to something decorated or glittering, often used to describe the beauty or gleaming of something. It can refer to the intricate metalwork of a sword, the embellishment of a dress, or the beauty of a woman. It evokes a sense of adornment, splendor, or refinement.
Temporal connotation: Zabraj clouds are typically seen during sunrise or sunset, when the sky is painted with rich colors and the clouds take on a glittering or decorated appearance. This signifies a moment of beauty or visual spectacle in the sky.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation, as the beauty of Zabraj clouds can appear anywhere in the sky, often when the sun is at a lower angle.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrocumulus (Cc): These clouds often appear small and scattered, resembling
the delicate and textured quality of Zabraj clouds during sunrise or
sunset.
Altocumulus (Ac): The puffy and often colorful appearance of
Altocumulus clouds at dawn or dusk shares the decorated, glimmering
characteristic of Zabraj clouds.
29. Za'baj
Definition: Za'baj refers to a white, delicate, and moving cloud. The word is also associated with olives, though the exact connection is unclear. This term seems to overlap with Zabraj, sharing similar meanings of delicate beauty and lightness.
Temporal connotation: Za'baj clouds are typically seen during moments of gentleness or calmness, often appearing in clear skies or as part of fair weather conditions.
Spatial connotation: No specific spatial connotation, as Za'baj clouds can be observed anywhere in the sky, often drifting gently and gracefully.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrus (Ci): The light, delicate, and wispy appearance of
Cirrus clouds resembles the white and moving qualities of
Za'baj clouds.
Cirrocumulus (Cc): These clouds, small and scattered, can take on a delicate,
moving nature similar to Za'baj, with their soft white texture.
30. Sajhar
Definition: Sajhar refers to the act of growth and blossoming, whether of a plant, a fire, or even a night that becomes long. When used in reference to plants, it describes a plant spreading and blossoming; when used for fire, it refers to it roaring and spreading. The term can imply something breaking apart or branching out.
Temporal connotation: Sajhar clouds suggest a sudden increase in cloud activity, where a cloud breaks apart and begins to spread or branch, often indicating the onset of more dynamic weather patterns.
Spatial connotation: These clouds can be found in various locations, depending on how the cloud breaks and spreads. No specific spatial reference.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Altocumulus (Ac): These clouds often form in heaps or rolls and can exhibit the
spreading or breaking apart characteristic of Sajhar clouds.
Cumulus (Cu): These clouds are typically seen growing and spreading, which
aligns with the idea of a cloud "branching" out like the plant imagery in
Sajhar.
68. Faraq
Definition: Faraq colloquially means to separate, diverge, or repel. It can also describe something that branches out or becomes different. The term is also used to refer to a type of camel, called a fariq, which wanders off alone to have her child.
Temporal connotation: Faraq clouds represent clouds that seem to break off from the rest, suggesting a moment of separation or divergence in cloud formations. It may indicate a shift in weather conditions, where a cloud drifts apart from a larger system.
Spatial connotation: These clouds tend to form in isolated locations, appearing away from larger cloud masses, suggesting their independent nature.
Cloud Types Most Similar To:
Cirrus (Ci): The wispy, high-altitude nature of Faraq clouds
shares similarities with Cirrus clouds that often appear isolated in the
sky.
Cumulus (Cu): Individual Cumulus clouds can sometimes exhibit
the same pattern of breaking away from a larger system, similar to the meaning of
Faraq.