BISMILLAH HIRRAHMÃ NIRRAHEEM
Earthquakes Cyclones Tsunami and Floods
:Why it comes and What is reason, Quranic Ayats and Ahadith
Written By: Shaykh Mufti Zubair Dudha
S cientific study of earthquakes state the course as; “Earthquakes result from a build up of stresses within rocks until strained to fracturing point in the earths crust. Plate tectonic movements generate the major proportion of all earthquakes; as two plates move past each other, they can become jammed and deformed, and earthquakes occur when they spring free.” (Hutchinson Encyclopedia P. 286).
Those individuals who believe in the scientific study only will regard unnatural events to be the work of nature. However, those who believe that the earth and heavens belong to Allah will realise that the movements of the earth mentioned in the scientific study has to have a controller who controls and commands such movements in the earth.
An intelligent person will look beyond the scientific veil placed over such tragedies and look towards the true reason of such movements of the earth that create such devastation and turmoil.
We need not to look far, but just ponder over the verses of the Qur‟ãn and Ahãdith which clearly explain the reasons for such unnatural disasters.
Allah Ta‟ãla states;
“And when We would destroy a township We send a commandment to its folk who live at ease, and afterwards they commit abomination therein, and so the word is established upon them, and We annihilate it with complete annihilation.” (Surah Bani Israeel V. 16).
It is not the way of Allah to destroy a nation whilst they are righteous and doing good deeds.
Allah Ta‟ãla states; “And your Rabb did not destroy townships tyrannously while their folk were doing right.” (Surah Hud Verse. 117).
Referring to the punishment of the tribe of Thamood and Madyan Allah Ta‟ãla states; “So the earthquake seized them, and morning found them prostrate in their dwelling place.” Surah A‟raaf Verse. 78 & 91).
Describing the punishment of the people of Loot (A.S.) Allah Ta‟ãla states;
“So when Our commandment came to pass We overthrew (the township) and rained upon it stone of clay, one after the other.” Surah Hood V. 82).
“And we made plain the case to him, that the root of them (who did wrong) was to be cut at early morn.” (Surah Hijr V. 66).
These are just a few of the many verses wherein mention is made of how previous transgressors were punished by means of earthquakes.
Further light is shed in the Ahãdith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
as to the reasons of such events.
Ibn Abi Dunya narrates a Hadith in which he mentions that an earthquake took place during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). The Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) placed his hand over the earth and said; “Settle down, it is not time yet” Referring to the Day of Qiyãmah.
Thereafter addressing his companions he said; “Your Rabb wants that you turn towards Him, hence turn towards Him (i.e. Taubah).” (Al Jawãbul Kãfi...P. 42).
An earthquake also took place in the year 20AH during the time of Sayyidinah Umar (R.A.). Addressing the people Sayyidinah Umar (R.A.) said; “O people! The only reason for the earthquake is that you have committed a new sin. By Allah if the earth shakes again, I shall not live in this area.” (Al Jawãbul Kãfi...P. 42).
Sayyidinah Anas bin Mãlik (R.A.) narrates that he and another person asked Sayyidinah A‟isha (R.A.) with regards the reason of earthquakes. To which she replied; “When people commit adultery as if it were Halãl, drink alcohol in abundance and use musical instruments; Allah becomes and commands the earth to shake. If the people make Taubah, fine, otherwise buildings will be toppled over them.” She was then asked if it was as a punishment. She replied; “Advice and Mercy for the believers but punishment for the Kuffãr.” (Al Jawãbul Kãfi...P. 41).
The above narration clearly indicates that the purpose of earthquakes is to punish some and a lesson of advice to others. For the believers it is a sign for them to come out of their slumber and turn towards their Creator. This is exactly what the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) elaborated towards when addressing his companions that; “Your Rabb wants that you turn towards Him, hence turn towards Him (i.e. Taubah).”
The question arises what should we do on such occasions.
The following are a few steps that should be adhered to;
1. To recite „Innãlillãhi Wa‟‟innã Ilaihi Rãjioon‟, which was granted to this Ummah at the time of hearing disturbing news.
2. Turn towards Allah in repentance and obedience. This will protect society from the anger of Allah.
3. Each individual should ponder over the wrath of Allah, when seeing the devastation that takes place. Fear Allah and make a pledge not to displease Him.
Written By:
Shaykh Mufti Zubair Dudha
Taken with thanks from www.islamictarbiyah.com
