Earthquake from the Perspective Islam and a Critique of the Objectors Doubts (the 16th and final part)

Author: Abu Ayesha

Earthquake from the Perspective Islam and a Critique of the Objectors Doubts (the 16th and final part)

Summary of the Discussion

In the previous sections, we became familiar with the nature of earthquakes and understood how earthquakes cause the destruction of houses, the killing of people, the displacement and homelessness of human beings, the collapse of families, the uprooting of trees, the disappearance of gardens and farmlands, the falling of walls, the destruction of roads, and in summary, how they disrupt the lives of people across this entire earth without distinction of nation, religion, gender, and so on.

We also understood that despite all their destructive, ruinous, and painful effects, these events are not without reason; behind these occurrences are wisdoms that only the All-Wise, glorified and exalted, knows. For the true Owner of all this universe is the Lord of the worlds. He knows the good and evil of His servants better than anyone else. Allah the Exalted knows the status of the Muslim, the innocence of the pure child, and the lack of wrongdoing among worshippers, those who enjoin good and forbid evil, and the reformers of society and He deals with them with His wisdom.

A study of the history of nations shows that earthquakes are not limited to one generation, or one country, or one region; many peoples of the world, from the past until now, have faced destructive and foundation-shattering earthquakes. The difference is that in the past people did not pay much attention to doubts and objections; rather, they considered earthquakes and other events as occurrences from the Lord of the worlds for testing and trying the servants. They immediately turned toward their Lord, repented, and sought forgiveness, and sought refuge in Allah the Exalted from such calamities. For they knew that besides Allah the Exalted there is no other refuge, and that their only means of salvation from divine punishment in this world and the Hereafter is seeking forgiveness and returning to Allah the Exalted.

Previously, we mentioned the wisdoms behind earthquakes and other natural events and occurrences, and here we briefly mention these points again; because the purpose of this research is to make the esteemed readers aware of this important matter; a subject that needs to be repeated again and again, so that the servants of Allah the Exalted know why Allah the Exalted sometimes brings such events upon them. The most important wisdoms of earthquakes are:

1. The wisdom of trial and testing of the servants; this wisdom is one of the most important purposes and aims of events and occurrences such as earthquakes and other matters.

2. The inability of human beings; one of the wisdoms behind crises, events, and calamities is reminding human beings of their weakness and incapability, so that they know how they are under the grasp and control of Allah the Exalted, and that they cannot do anything for themselves without Allah the Exalted. Therefore, they must always be attentive, constantly remember their Lord, supplicate in all states, and hasten toward seeking forgiveness. Allah the Exalted says:

 “فَلَوْلَا إِذْ جَاءَهُم بَأْسُنَا تَضَرَّعُوا[1] ” translation: “Why then, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves?”

3. By witnessing events such as earthquakes, storms, and floods; which outwardly appear evil and in which many people are killed; human beings come to understand the goodness and kindness that Allah the Exalted has shown them, and they realize what great blessings Allah the Exalted has granted them in giving them peace and stability on the earth. These earthquakes come to remind us of the blessings of calm and stability, and to make us reflect on what people would do if they were always in such a state. Have we ever considered how many humans, animals, and living creatures would perish, and how many houses would turn into rubble, if this earth beneath us were to shake violently for even one minute? Many people overlook this great divine grace and mercy.

4. In such events and occurrences, the compassion and sympathy of Muslims toward one another becomes evident, and it is recommended that Muslims assist their brothers, support them, and help them as much as they can. In the recent earthquakes that occurred in Afghanistan, it became clear how much the people and the government stood side by side, rushing to help the affected individuals and assisting them to the best of their ability people who did not possess great wealth, yet they did not abandon their brothers.

One important matter that must be mentioned at the end is: what is the ruling regarding the Muslims and righteous individuals who are killed in such earthquakes, and what should be said about them? As mentioned previously, the righteous and virtuous servants of Allah the Exalted who are killed due to such events are counted separately from the sinners and disobedient ones, and Allah the Exalted deals with them in the same manner He deals with His other righteous servants. Here it may be said that Allah the Exalted either wills to include these individuals in His mercy and kindness, forgiving their sins through these events and raising their ranks before Him, or Allah the Exalted wills to choose them for Himself, returning them to Him with the elevated rank of martyrdom. And there are hadiths indicating that anyone who dies under rubble is a martyr.

The Prophet (PBUH) said regarding the martyrs: ” الشُّهَدَاءُ خَمْسَةٌ: الْمَطْعُونُ، وَالْمَبْطُونُ، وَالْغَرِيقُ، وَصَاحِبُ الْهَدْمِ، وَالشَّهِيدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ [2]” Translation: “The martyrs are five: the one who dies of plague, the one who dies of abdominal illness, the one who drowns, the one who dies under debris [this type of martyr includes one who dies due to an earthquake, or a collapsing house, or by the falling of a well], and the one who dies in the path of Allah.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, it must be said: The power of changing, altering, transforming, and turning events in this world belongs only to one Being a Being who disposes of it however He wills, and no one can question Him regarding this. A Being who, if He wills, can take a person’s life without an earthquake, or destroy a region without shaking it. But He does not do so; instead, He shakes a corner of the world so that others may take heed, awaken from heedlessness, and return to the Lord of all worlds.

Throughout many centuries in this world, extremely deadly, destructive, and overwhelming earthquakes have occurred earthquakes that destroyed people’s homes and dwellings, and in which thousands and even hundreds of thousands of people lost their lives. One must know that such events never occur without causes and reasons; certainly, there are factors behind them. In one section of this research, we attempted to provide explanations regarding how earthquakes occur and their causes. And in the previous sections we learned that some of the unaware people, who lack understanding of the greatness and majesty of Allah the Exalted, attribute these events to “nature,” saying that all of these are effects of nature. They raised objections and doubts, and we responded to their doubts and objections as much as possible.

In the end, we ask Allah the Exalted to awaken the Islamic Ummah especially the youth of this Ummah so that when such events occur, they return to Him more sincerely. We ask that all of us repent together, take Istighfar seriously, for in this age filled with tribulation, corruption, and turmoil, it is our only refuge. We ask Him to remove heedlessness from us, keep us from straying away from the path of truth and guidance, and grant us success in following His commands and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH).

Previous Part

References:

1. Surah Al-An‘am, Ayah 43.
2. Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Ismail, Sahih al-Bukhari, “Chapter: Seven Types of Martyrdom Besides Being Killed in Battle,” vol. 3, p. 1041, hadith no. 2674, Dar Ibn Kathir, Al-Yamamah, Beirut.

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