Author: Abu Ayesha
Earthquake from the Perspective of Islam and a Critique of the Objectors’ Doubts (Part 6)
Preface:
One of the important matters that every Muslim must know is that sometimes Allah the Exalted tests and tries people in various ways and earthquakes and other calamities are among such tests. When these incidents and occurrences are trials and tests, what should a Muslim do at the time of their occurrence? Does Islamic law have a prescribed program for such situations or not?
Another important issue is that people’s affliction with such disasters is not limited to one group these trials are for everyone. History is the best witness that throughout time, numerous earthquakes have occurred across the world. These events have not been confined only to Islamic countries or to the lands of disbelief, but have taken place everywhere across the globe. In this part of the study, we will discuss these two issues.
What should a Muslim do at the time of an earthquake?
When an earthquake or other signs such as solar eclipses, violent storms, or dangerous floods occur, it is necessary for the servants of Allah to turn to Him in repentance, supplicate to Him, seek well-being from Allah the Exalted, remember Him abundantly, and seek forgiveness. This is an issue emphasized in the Hadiths. (1)
It is narrated that Sheikh Abu Muhammad Aminullah was asked: “What should one do at the time of an earthquake?” He replied: “When such kinds of calamities befall Muslims, they should perform prayer, give charity, remember Allah, say istighfar (seek forgiveness), and their attention during such calamities should be focused on supplication.” (2)
Imam al-Bukhari (MABH) narrated from Aisha (MABHR) that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said: «إِنَّ الشَّمْسَ وَالْقَمَرَ آيَتَانِ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ، لَا يَخْسِفَانِ لِمَوْتِ أَحَدٍ وَلَا لِحَيَاتِهِ، فَإِذَا رَأَيْتُمْ ذَلِكَ فَادْعُوا اللَّهَ وَكَبِّرُوا وَصَلُّوا وَتَصَدَّقُوا(3). » Translation: The sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah, and they do not eclipse because of anyone’s death or life. When you see such a thing, then supplicate to Allah, say Allahu Akbar, perform prayer, and give charity.
And in another narration, it is mentioned that during an earthquake, people should seek refuge with Allah from the punishment of the grave.
It is narrated from Abdullah ibn Umar (MABH) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) supplicated, saying:
“O Allah, bless our lands of Sham and Yemen.”
The people said: “And in our Najd, O Messenger of Allah.”
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
“Najd is the land of tribulations and earthquakes, and from there the horns of Satan will appear.” (4)
However, during an earthquake, making noise, shouting loudly with dhikr in the streets, or crying out with loud voices is not permissible, for Allah the Almighty says: «ادْعُوا رَبَّكُمْ تَضَرُّعًا وَخُفْيَةً إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ» (5) Translation: Call upon your Lord with humility and in private; indeed, He does not love the transgressors.
Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (MABH) said: “We were with the Prophet (PBUH) on a journey when the people raised their voices saying Allahu Akbar loudly. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: ‘Be gentle with yourselves; you are not calling upon one who is deaf or absent, but you are calling upon One who is All-Hearing, Ever Near, and with you.’” (6)
As previously mentioned, the wisdom of Allah the Exalted behind such incidents and occurrences is to awaken, alert, and remind the people. When servants witness such events, they should remove the veil of heedlessness and turn toward the Lord of the worlds. It is this negligence of the servants and their lack of attention to the commands of Allah the Almighty, and their distance from His obedience, that often causes these calamities to occur. History bears witness that the more people have been heedless and neglectful, the more they have been tried and tested. Sometimes earthquakes have struck with such severity that they have taken the lives of thousands and caused immense destruction and ruin.
In order to become aware of the history of great earthquakes in the world and to understand that earthquakes have occurred in every corner of this vast earth — each taking the lives of thousands of people — in this section, we will address the most well-known and most powerful earthquakes throughout history.
Of course, it should be noted that there may have been earthquakes far stronger, deadlier, and more destructive than those mentioned here. Our intention is not to record every earthquake in history, but rather to present a few as examples and illustrations.
To be continued…
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References:
- Nasiḥah ḥawla al-Zalāzil (Advice Concerning Earthquakes,) website: Imam Ibn Baz (MABH).
- Muslim, Abu Shakir, Chirā Zalzalah!, (Why Earthquake!,) p. 18, 2nd edition, 1398.
- Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Isma‘il al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari, “Chapter: Charity during Eclipse,” Vol. 2, p. 24, Hadith No. 1044, Dar Tuq al-Najat, 1st edition, 1422 AH.
- Al-Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Isma‘il al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari, “Chapter: What Has Been Said about Earthquakes and Signs,” Vol. 2, p. 33, Hadith No. 1037, Dar Tuq al-Najat, 1st edition, 1422 AH.
- Surah Al-A‘raf, Ayah 55.
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Al-Nishapoori, Abu al-Husayn Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim, “Chapter: Recommendation of Lowering the Voice in Dhikr,” Vol. 8, p. 73, Hadith No. 7037, Dar al-Jil – Beirut.
