Author: Abu Ayesha
Earthquake from the Perspective of Islam and a Critique of the Objectors’ Doubts (Part Four)
Preface:
In the previous section, in light of the verses of the Qur’an and the Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him), we discussed earthquakes, their natural causes, and related matters. One of the most important things we must understand about any phenomenon or event is to recognize its causes and reasons — what factors led to such an occurrence; because as we all know, in this world nothing happens without a reason, cause, or wisdom behind it.
In this section of the research, we want to discuss why earthquakes occur among people, what the primary reasons behind them are, what causes they may have, and what the scholars of Islam have said on this matter. We will examine this topic in the light of the statements of the noble Companions, the great Followers (Tabi‘in), and other esteemed scholars.
Causes of Earthquakes
Earthquakes generally have two types of causes: Shari‘ (religious) causes and geological causes.
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The Shari‘ causes may sometimes be a punishment for sins and evil deeds committed by people as Allah the Exalted says:
“وما أصابكم من مصيبة فبما كسبت أيديكم ويعفو عن كثير”(1) Translation: “And whatever misfortune befalls you is because of what your own hands have earned — and He pardons much.”
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At other times, the cause may be trial, test, and examination of the servants, or elevation of the ranks of righteous and pious people, as Allah the Exalted says:
“ونبلوكم بالشر والخیر فتنة وإلینا ترجعون”(2) Translation: “And We test you with hardship and ease as a trial; and to Us you will be returned.”
As for the geological causes, (3) they must be sought from experts and specialists in that field.
Below, we will briefly refer to earthquakes and their geological causes. Those who desire further detailed information may refer to the book “Al-Zalazil wa Takhfif Makhatiriha” (Earthquakes and Reducing Their Risks) by Dr. Jalal al-Dabeek. In that book, the author explains these causes in detail.
An earthquake, as a geophysical phenomenon, is known for its high level of complexity. It appears as random movements within the earth’s crust — manifesting as vibrations and oscillations in multiple directions. These movements occur due to the release of an enormous amount of energy from within the earth. This energy is produced as a result of fractures occurring in the deeper layers of the earth, which then cause impact and movement in the layers on the earth’s surface.
These fractures usually occur in regions with fault lines, especially near them, appearing as vertical or horizontal displacements in the earth’s rocks. These displacements are the result of constant pressures caused by the accumulation and intense compression applied to the earth’s crust. Earthquakes typically begin with light tremors and may sometimes develop into strong shocks that cause cracks on the earth’s surface, destruction of buildings, roads, electricity and water lines, and so on. (3)
However, in this research, the topic we intend to pursue, and about which we will mention the statements of scholars, concerns the Shari‘ (religious) causes of earthquakes and similar events — so that we may understand how Allah the Exalted uses such occurrences to awaken and alert His servants. We all know that Allah is All-Wise, and His actions are filled with wisdom; for indeed, the One who is Wise does not decree anything without wisdom.
Earthquake: Punishment or Mercy?
One of the issues that is often discussed and debated after an earthquake occurs and many lives are lost is:
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Is an earthquake really a punishment or not?
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If it is punishment, then punishment for whom?
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And in what way does an earthquake qualify as punishment?
Below, we will address several points that help clarify this matter more clearly:
It is part of the divine natural law of Allah that when punishment descends, both sinners and non-sinners may be affected by it — except for a few who are saved due to their serious efforts in opposing sin. Therefore, in a general sense, the people of a society can be divided into four categories:
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Sinners who are the primary cause for the descent of calamity and divine anger.
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Those who are innocent in themselves but are pleased with sinful acts and are not bothered by the sins of others.
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Innocent people who are not pleased with the sins of others, but they make no effort and take no serious action to stop or eliminate them.
(These first three groups are all struck by the calamity when divine punishment descends.)
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The innocent ones who stand against sin and disobedience — those who cannot tolerate seeing acts of disobedience to Allah the Exalted being committed in front of them while they remain silent and indifferent.
This fourth group protects themselves from sin and enjoins what is right and forbids what is wrong. They are the true believers, and they are protected from the punishment of Allah. If they happen to be affected physically during a calamity, then the mercy of Allah the Exalted encompasses them, and they attain martyrdom — and in the Hereafter, Allah the Exalted will grant them the highest ranks and place them under the shade of His mercy.
Therefore, when divine punishment descends, the calamity is general. Sinners and those who did nothing to promote righteousness or prevent evil will be afflicted by it; and even some of the righteous may be harmed by it, but the responsibility for their suffering falls upon the sinners. (4)
Hafiz Ibn Abd al-Barr al-Andalusi writes in his book Al-Tamhīd: “No authentic narration has reached us indicating that an earthquake occurred during the time of the Prophet (PBUH). However, during the caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), an earthquake did occur, and the Commander of the Faithful said: ‘You have committed sins; if the earth shakes again, I will leave this place.’ (5)
This statement of Amir al-Mu’minin Umar ibn al-Khattab (MABH) shows that Allah the Exalted punishes His servants when they fall into sins and acts of disobedience, and at times He confronts them with such events so that they may turn to Allah the Exalted, seek His mercy, and seek refuge from His punishment.
Umar (MABH) understood that the presence of some sins in the society of Madinah had caused such a calamity, even though this society was the exemplary and ideal community of Madinah — the very community whose foundation was laid by the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and whose pillars were made strong by him.
[It was the city that was the center of Islam; the city whose streets and alleys were witnessed by thousands of angels day and night; the city where thousands of devoted Companions of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) were nurtured — men who burned like candles for Islam and traveled to the farthest horizons of this vast world. A society in which every individual was a clear and shining example of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).]
A society whose statements and actions, due to their firm adherence to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), are taken as proof and evidence, and all Muslims accept them and regard them as the best of mankind.
To be continued…
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References:
- Surah Ash-Shura, Verse 30.
- Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 35.
- Al-Dabeek, Dr. Jalal, Al-Zalazil wa Takhfif Makhatiriha (Earthquakes and Reducing Their Risks), Nablus – Palestine, 2009, p. 3.
- Muslim, Abu Shakir, Why Earthquake!, p. 33, 2nd Edition, 1398 (Solar Hijri).
- Al-Andalusi, Yusuf ibn Abdullah Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Tamhid, Vol. 3, p. 318.
