KISWAHILI: IMETOA MWANGA ITANYESHA.
Usuli, Maana na Matumizi ya Kila Siku
Methali hii ya Kisukuma inatokana na mazingira asilia na maisha ya kila siku ya watu wa kaskazini-magharibi mwa Tanzania, hasa karibu na Mwanza, Shinyanga, na Simiyu. Watu hawa wa Kisukuma, wakiwa wakulima na wafugaji hasa, huchunguza asili kwa karibu. Methali hiyo huchota taswira yake kutoka angani wakati umeme unapowaka (“yalabha”), watu wanajua kwamba mvua iko karibu. Uzoefu huu wa asili hufundisha uvumilivu, kuona mbele, na kuamini ishara zinazoelekeza kwenye kinachokuja.
Kijadi, methali kama hizo zilitumiwa na wazee kufundisha kizazi kipya jinsi ya kutafsiri matukio ya maisha na kujiandaa kwa mabadiliko. Kama vile umeme unavyotabiri mvua, vitendo fulani, mitazamo, au hali katika maisha ya binadamu mara nyingi huonyesha kitakachofuata.
Kihalisi, methali hiyo inamaanisha: “Inapowaka, mvua inakuja.”
Kwa mfano, inaelezea wazo kwamba ishara hutangulia matukio. Hiyo ni kusema, kila hali maishani mara nyingi hutoa maonyo ya mapema au ishara za matumaini za kitakachokuja, iwe nzuri au mbaya.
Methali hii inaweza kutumika kuwatia moyo watu kwamba mwanzo mdogo husababisha mambo makubwa zaidi. Pia inaonya kwamba kila tendo lina matokeo. Zaidi ya hayo inashauri uvumilivu, kwa sababu ishara zinazoonekana mara nyingi hutangulia baraka au matokeo.
Inaweza kutumika katika maisha ya kila siku kuonyesha matokeo mazuri kwa yule anayefanya kazi kwa bidii. Kwa mfano, mwanafunzi anapoanza kujifunza kwa bidii baada ya muda mrefu wa kupuuzwa, mtu anaweza kusema: “Yalabha ilatula” ikimaanisha, “Unaweza kuona mabadiliko yakija; mafanikio yatafuata.”
Biblia pia hutumia ishara za asili kuashiria kazi na ahadi za Mungu. Mifano ni pamoja na: Kama umeme kabla ya mvua, mtini unaochipuka huashiria msimu ujao, Mathayo 24:32-33.
Methali hiyo inawakumbusha waumini kwamba ishara za mapema (za kiroho au za vitendo) mara nyingi hufunua baraka za Mungu zijazo, kama tunavyosoma katika Waebrania 11:1.
Mara tu baada ya hapo, anga huwa giza na mvua kubwa hunyesha. Ishara ndogo huashiria tukio kubwa, imani huona ahadi kabla ya kutimizwa kama tunavyosoma katika 1Wafalme 18:44-45.
Sambamba za Kibiblia
Mathayo 24:32-33: “”Jifunzeni somo kutoka kwa mtini. Tawi lake likishaanza kuwa laini na kuchipua majani, mnajua ya kuwa wakati wa kiangazi umekaribia. Vivyo hivyo, mtakapoona mambo haya yote, fahamuni ya kuwa yuko karibu, kwenye malango.”
1 Wafalme 18:44-45: “44 Na mara ya saba kijana huyo aliripoti, “Kuna wingu dogo kama mkono wa mtu linatoka baharini.” Eliya akasema, “Nenda ukamwambie Ahabu, ‘Jifunge na ushuke mlimani kabla mvua haijakuzuia.'”
45 Mara anga likawa giza kwa mawingu na upepo, mvua kubwa ikanyesha. Ahabu akapanda gari lake na kuelekea Yezreeli.”
Waebrania 11:1: “Imani ni kuwa na uhakika wa mambo yatarajiwayo, ni kuwa na uhakika wa mambo yasiyoonekana.”
Matumizi ya Kidini na Matumizi ya Kidini
Katika ulimwengu wa leo, “Yalabha ilatula” inaweza kuwa ujumbe wa matumaini na kutia moyo kwa watu binafsi na jamii zinazokabiliwa na kutokuwa na uhakika.
Katika kazi ya uchungaji, inawakumbusha Wakristo kwamba neema ya Mungu mara nyingi huanza na ishara ndogo za uongofu, maombi mapya, au matendo ya wema—ambayo huandaa njia ya upyaji mkubwa wa kiroho.
Katika maendeleo ya jamii, inaweza kuwahamasisha watu kutambua mabadiliko chanya ya mapema kama ishara za ukuaji wa baadaye na kuendelea katika juhudi zao.
Katika maisha ya imani, inafundisha kwamba nuru inapoonekana—iwe katika dhamiri, imani, au uelewa—ni ishara kwamba “mvua” (baraka ya Mungu au upya) iko njiani.
Tafakari ya kiroho: Tunapoona “umeme” wa kwanza wa mabadiliko—toba, msamaha, umoja—tunapaswa kuamini kwamba Mungu anajiandaa “kunyesha” neema yake juu yetu.
Kwa hivyo, “Yalabha ilatula” inatukumbusha kwamba kila ishara ya nuru maishani, haijalishi ni ndogo kiasi gani, ni ahadi ya kitu kitakachotokea. Ni ahadi ya matumaini, ukuaji, na baraka za kimungu.
ENGLISH: IT FLASHES, IT WILL RAIN.
Background, Meaning and Everyday Use
This Sukuma proverb comes from the natural environment and daily life of the people of northwestern Tanzania, particularly around Mwanza, Shinyanga, and Simiyu. These Sukuma people, being primarily farmers and herders, observe nature closely. The proverb draws its imagery from the sky when lightning flashes (“yalabha”), people know that rain is near. This experience of nature teaches patience, foresight, and trust in signs that point to what is coming.
Traditionally, such proverbs were used by elders to teach the younger generation how to interpret life events and prepare for change. Just as lightning foretells the rain, certain actions, attitudes, or situations in human life often indicate what will follow.
Literally, the proverb means: “When it flashes, rain is coming.”
Figuratively, it expresses the idea that signs precede events. That is to say, every situation in life often gives early warnings or hopeful signals of what is to come, whether good or bad.
This proverb can be used for encouraging people that small beginnings lead to greater things. It also warns that every action has consequences. In addition to that it advises patience, because visible signs often precede blessings or results.
It can used in everyday life to show good results to the one who works hard. When, for instance, a student begins to study seriously after a long time of neglect, someone may say: “Yalabha ilatula” meaning, “You can see change coming; success will follow.”
The Bible also uses natural signs to symbolize God’s work and promises. Examples include: Like lightning before rain, the budding fig tree signals the coming season, Mathew 24:32-33.
The proverb reminds believers that early signs (spiritual or practical) often reveal God’s coming blessings, as what we read in Hebrews 11:1.
Soon after, the sky grows dark and heavy rain falls. A small sign heralds a great event, faith sees the promise before the fulfillment as what we read in 1kings 18:44-45.
Biblical Parallels
Matthew 24:32-33: ““Learn a lesson from the fig tree. When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see all these things, know that he is near, at the gates.”
1 Kings 18:44-45: “44And the seventh time the youth reported, “There is a cloud as small as a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Elijah said, “Go and say to Ahab, ‘Harness up and go down the mountain before the rain stops you.’”
45All at once the sky grew dark with clouds and wind, and a heavy rain fell. Ahab mounted his chariot and headed for Jezreel.”
Hebrews 11:1: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Contemporary Use and Religious Application
In today’s world, “Yalabha ilatula” can be a message of hope and encouragement for individuals and communities facing uncertainty.
In pastoral work, it reminds Christians that God’s grace often begins with small signs conversion, renewed prayer, or acts of kindness—that prepare the way for greater spiritual renewal.
In community development, it can motivate people to recognize early positive changes as signs of future growth and to persevere in their efforts.
In faith life, it teaches that when light appears—whether in conscience, faith, or understanding—it is a sign that “rain” (God’s blessing or renewal) is on the way.
Spiritual reflection: When we see the first “lightning” of change—repentance, forgiveness, unity—we should trust that God is preparing to “rain down” His grace upon us.
Therefore, “Yalabha ilatula” reminds us that every sign of light in life, no matter how small, is a promise of something which is going to happen. It is a promise of hope, growth, and divine blessing.
By Sr. Julieth Maria Masengwa,
+255742183337.
Sukuma Legacy Project 