Author: Abu Ayesha
Earthquakes from the Perspective of Islam and Critique of the Objectors’ Doubts (Part Two)
What is the history of earthquakes from the perspective of Islam?
An earthquake is a creation and phenomenon of Allah, just like other events on earth and in the heavens, such as solar and lunar eclipses. By the command of Allah, the Exalted, the earth begins to shake and instability occurs. Although earthquakes destroy homes, take human lives, annihilate animals, erase agriculture and farmlands, and leave behind great and heavy losses, this event is a warning to the servants so that they may awaken and abandon negligence, carelessness, and heedlessness, and return to their Lord, seeking refuge in Him with humility and supplication. Benefits and interests are hidden within this occurrence; because this event is from Allah, and as all of us know, nothing that Allah the Exalted does is without wisdom, benefit, or purpose. He is the All-Wise, and the One who is Wise never acts without consideration or in vain.
Based on this, earthquakes operate according to wisdoms and benefits that are realized through them. Earthquakes may possess many wisdoms, some of which are as follows:
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To instill fear, as Allah the Exalted says: “وما نرسل بالآیات إلا تخویفا” [1]
Translation: “We do not send the signs except as a means of fear (to warn the people).” [This meaning closely corresponds with the word “earthquake” itself, as previously mentioned by some linguists who listed one of its meanings as fear and warning.]
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Considering it a mercy: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“أمتي هذه أمة مرحومة لیس علیها عذاب في الأخرة عذابها فی الدنیا الفتن والزلازل والقتل” [2] Translation: “This nation of mine is a nation that has been shown mercy; there is no punishment for it in the Hereafter. Its punishment in this world is through trials, earthquakes, and killing.”
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It removes greed for the world and attachment to it from the heart.
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A return to Allah: It has been narrated:
“إن ربکم یستعینکم” Translation: “Indeed, your Lord is calling you back to His pleasure.”
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These small earthquakes are reminders of the great earthquake of the Day of Resurrection:
“إن زلزلة الساعة شيء عظیم” [3] Translation: “O mankind, fear your Lord; indeed, the earthquake of the Hour is a tremendous thing.”
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To appreciate the blessing of the earth’s stability and firmness.
The frequent occurrence of earthquakes is one of the signs of the Day of Judgment, as foretold in the Hadiths. [4]
What is the purpose of an earthquake?
In reality, an earthquake is a mercy from Allah (SWT) for the believers, and for the disbelievers it is the wrath of Allah (SWT).
An earthquake means: “O Muslim! This is a warning for you. You committed this sin—do not do it again. Repent and return to your Lord.”
When the earth shakes violently in an earthquake, Allah the Exalted grants the believers another opportunity to repent from what they did against the command of Allah Almighty and to return to the Straight Path.
Allah Almighty says: “وما نرسل بالآیات إلا تخویفا” [5] Translation: “And We do not send the signs except to instill fear (and remind people of Allah).”
Thus, the earthquake is also one of the signs through which Allah the Exalted warns His servants.
Although today scientists offer natural explanations and analyses for earthquakes, arguing that they occur due to certain physical reactions and processes, there is no doubt that earthquakes indicate divine anger and wrath, and they serve as a warning siren for human beings to awaken from the sleep of heedlessness and return to awareness. Therefore, earthquakes are an admonition and lesson for the believers, and a punishment and torment for the sinful and disobedient.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established until many earthquakes occur.” [6]
And in another hadith, he said: “Before the Day of Judgment, there will be widespread deaths, and after that, years full of many earthquakes will follow.” [7]
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, in Fath al-Bari, the commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari (may Allah have mercy on him), writes: “Indeed, many earthquakes have occurred in the lands of the north, east, and west; however, the apparent meaning of this hadith is that earthquakes will become many, frequent, and widespread everywhere.” [8]
Shaykh Abu Muhammad Aminullah says: “There are many causes—some are religious and some are sensory (physical). As for the sensory causes: An earthquake is truly a manifestation of the power of Allah (SWT), and Allah displays His power before His servants to make them fear, showing them that none can prevent His power!
Earthquakes occur when sinful people increase in society, and the purpose of the earthquake is to awaken them.” [9]
To be continued…
Previous Part
References:
[1] Surah Al-Isra, Verse 59.
[2]. Sijistani, Sulaiman bin Ash’ath, Sunan Abu Dawood, Hadith no. 4280, Book of Retribution in Killing, Vol. 4, p. 169, Dar al-Kitab al-Arabi – Beirut.
[3]. Surah Al-Hajj, Verse 1.
[4]. Sunnat Online website (interview with Abdul Hakim Sayyidzada), article title: The Nature and Wisdoms of Earthquakes, published in 1397 Hijri Shamsi.
[5]. Surah Al-Isra, Verse 59.
[6]. Al-Bukhari, Muhammad bin Isma’il, Sahih al-Bukhari, Chapter: What Has Been Said Regarding Earthquakes and Signs, Vol. 2, p. 33, Hadith no. 1036, Dar Ibn Kathir, Al-Yamamah, Beirut.
[7]. Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad, (Vol. 4, p. 104), Mu’assasat al-Risalah. Research by Shaykh Shu’aib al-Arna’ut.
[8]. Asqalani, Ibn Hajar, Fath al-Bari, Vol. 3, p. 93.
[9]. Muslim, Abu Shakir, Why Earthquake!?, p. 11, 2nd Edition, 1398 (Solar Hijri).
