Author: Abu Ayesha
Earthquake from the Perspective of Islam and a Critique of the Objectors’ Doubts (Part 10)
Earthquakes of the Ancient Nations as Narrated in the Qur’an
When reciting the Noble Qur’an, we sometimes encounter accounts of nations that were destroyed by earthquakes or similar punishments due to their sinful and unlawful deeds. Most of these stories are mentioned in the Surahs Hud and Al-‘Ankabut.
Allah the Almighty recounts in Surah Hud the story of the people of Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), who was sent by Allah to guide his nation. After thirty years of calling them to righteousness, only a few believed, while the majority, ignoring the divine commands, indulged in the immoral and unnatural act of homosexuality. When all hope for their reformation was lost, Allah commanded the angel Jibreel (peace be upon him) to lift their cities into the sky. Jibreel said: “The barking of their dogs and the crowing of their roosters were heard by the inhabitants of heaven.” Then, the cities were turned upside down, and Allah rained upon them stones from Hell, annihilating them completely—so that it might serve as a lesson for those who reflect with reason.
Likewise, Allah the Almighty mentions in Surah Hud the story of Prophet Shu‘ayb (peace be upon him) and his people: “وَإِلَىٰ مَدْيَنَ أَخَاهُمْ شُعَيْبًا ۚ قَالَ يَا قَوْمِ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مَا لَكُمْ مِّنْ إِلَٰهٍ غَيْرُهُ وَلَا تَنقُصُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ” Translation: “And to the people of Madyan, we sent their brother Shu‘ayb. He said, ‘O my people! Worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Do not give short measure or weight. I see you in prosperity, but I fear for you the punishment of an all-encompassing Day.’” [Hud: 84]
Because they denied the message and continued their wrongdoing, Allah punished them with an earthquake:[1] “فَكَذَّبُوهُ فَأَخَذَتْهُمُ الرَّجْفَةُ فَأَصْبَحُوا فِي دَارِهِمْ جَاثِمِينَ” Translation: “So they denied him, and the earthquake seized them, and by morning they were lying lifeless in their homes.” [Hud: 94]
Similarly, other nations—such as the people of Prophet Noah (peace be upon him), who denied their messenger, and the people of Prophet Salih (peace be upon him), who not only rejected their prophet but also slaughtered the she-camel that Allah had sent as a miracle—were all destroyed by divine punishment[2].
In all of these verses, and in many others throughout the Qur’an that detail the destruction of past nations, one clear principle emerges: Allah attributes such punishments, including earthquakes, to Himself, and states that their root cause is the sinful deeds and disobedience of mankind.
Undoubtedly, these accounts are not mere stories; rather, they are lessons meant for reflection. Allah narrates them so that humankind may learn how to live rightly, draw wisdom from the fate of the past nations, and reform their own behavior to avoid similar outcomes.
When it becomes clear that earthquakes and other calamities occur due to people’s deeds and transgressions—and that Allah the Almighty uses such events as a form of warning and discipline—how can the deniers claim that these are purely natural phenomena unrelated to divine will or punishment? We have already cited numerous verses, Hadiths, and historical examples proving that people are held accountable for their actions and that Allah sends such occurrences to awaken them from heedlessness and turn their hearts back to Him.[3]
Warnings and reminders have continued since the creation of the earth until today. In these verses, there are severe admonitions and promises of punishment for those who turn away from what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) has brought.
Even today, as we witness events that afflict the Muslim world, we see how the enemies of Islam attempt to label such disasters as “natural events,” thereby denying the divine signs and nullifying the truth of Allah’s retribution against those who opposed His messengers.
If we were to assume that earthquakes, storms, floods, and other calamities are merely natural occurrences without divine cause or wisdom—then what answer could we give to the many verses and Hadiths in which Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) clearly state that such punishments befell previous nations to urge them to repent and return to their Lord? How could we respond to the verses where Allah says He tests people through these events?
Indeed, Allah the Almighty has explicitly mentioned earthquakes and similar disasters as punishments and warnings for those who disobey His commands.[4]
Continues…
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References
[1]. Surah Hud, Verse 84.
[2]. Surah Hud, Verse 67.
[3]. Salari Far, Earthquake and Its Causes, Ahl-e-Sunnat Jask Website.
[4]. Al-Wadi‘i, Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman Muqbil bin Hadi, Idhah al-Maqal fi Asbab az-Zalazil wal-Radd ‘ala al-Mulahidah wal-Dhullal, Dar al-Athar, Sana’a, pp. 134–135.
