NATURAL DISASTERS & MUSLIM PERSPECTIVE

Bismillahir-Rahmanir-Rahim Alhamdulillahi rabbil-‘alamin was-Salatu was-Salam ‘ala Sayyidil-Mursalin wa ‘ala ‘Alihi wa Sahbihi Ajma’in. As Salamu ‘alaykum wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.

---

Q1: Although natural disasters seem like bad events, everything has a meaning in this life. As Muslims, what should we understand from such disasters and how should we learn from them?

Firstly, it must be acknowledged that everything (happened / happening / to be happened) is part of Allah’s (s.w.t.) plan, since everything is created by the permission of Allah (s.w.t.). Nothing can happen regardless of his will. Allah (s.w.t) says in the Qur’an (22:65) “Have you not seen how Allah has subjected to you all that is in the earth, and the vessels that sail in the sea by His command, and it is He Who holds back the sky that it may not fall on earth except by His leave? Surely, Allah is Most Gentle, Ever Compassionate to people [1]”. Therefore, these disasters should be understood as a part of his plan and have some messages in it. These messages can be considered as “test” or “punishment”. There is no doubt about the humanity is subjected to several tests in this World. Allah (s.w.t.) says in the Qur’an (2:155-156) “And surely We will test you with a bit of fear and hunger, and loss in wealth and lives and fruits. And give good tidings to the patient who, when suffering comes to them, say: ‘We certainly belong to Allah, and to Him we are bound to return.’[2]”.

In addition, (29:2-3) “Do people think that they will be left (at ease) only on their saying, "We believe" and will not be put to test? And We have surely tested those who were before them. Therefore, Allah will surely know the ones who are truthful, and He will surely know the liars. [3]”. On the other hand, the important question on this issue should be “How to differentiate ‘test’ and ‘punishment’?”. According to most scholars, it depends on how we react to the issues (in this case disaster). If , for example, after an unfortunate disaster we increase ourselves in a way that Allah (s.w.t) wills, then this is a test for us. This (disaster) musibah turns into blessing. Prophet Yunus (Jonas or Jonah) can be a great example on this. He was swallowed by a fish, right after that he turned to Allah, then this became a test for him.

On the other hand, if we continue to misbehave, then this results in a huge punishment. Kavm-ul Lut (People of Lut) could be dramatic example for that. As has been said earlier these are messages from Allah (s.w.t.), and Allah (s.w.t.) himself warns the believers in Qur’an (40:13) “It is He who shows you His signs and sends down to you from the sky, provision. But none will remember except he who turns back [in repentance]. [4]” Thus; these disasters’ meanings should be searched well, and react in a way that suits a proper Muslim.

---

Q2: - As Muslims, how can we raise awareness and take action on our social responsibility in such matters?

This can be grouped into two. One is during the disaster is the other one is after that. During the disaster, a Muslim should welcome this as a test and be patient, should not blame/criticize others especially the potentially responsible organizations. Since, it may results in fitnah and this never helps to solve issues during an emergency. Hence, during that time trying to solve this must be the main target. Although being physically there is the best option, it is not possible always. That is why; trying to get informed about the situation and pray for it is the least action one can take. Speaking of getting informed, another important task to do is to inform Muslim brothers/sisters. Helping them to filter the evil-intention news, as we all are aware about the fake news.

When it comes to the second part, which is the post-disaster time (or it can even be referred as pre-disaster). Feeling Ummah! Ummah awareness must be spread all around the Muslims. As prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) said, Ummah is like a human body. Thus, we must feel the pain if our brother/sister is in trouble, just like we feel the pain when one of our body parts hurt. According to Sunan Ibn Majah Chapter 17 "The Messenger of Allah said: 'Whoever relieves a Muslim of some worldly distress, Allah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal him (his faults) in this world and the Day of Resurrection. And whoever relives the burden from a destitute person, Allah will relieve him in this world and the next. Allah will help His slave so long as His slave helps his brother. Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy from him a path to paradise. No people gather in one of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and teaching it to one another, but the angels will surround them, tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will envelop them and Allah will mention them to those who are with Him. And whoever is hindered because of his bad deeds, his lineage will be of no avail to him.' [5]".

In addition, it must be understood and reminded that every single incidence has a meaning. Prophet Muhammad said, “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people, He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.[6]”.

Finally; we must not forget why we have been sent here, and live accordingly. May Allah (s.w.t.) help the Ummah to feel and unite as a one body. Ameen!

Related Verses and Hadiths:

1. Surah Al-Hajj verse number 65

2. Surah Al-Baqara verse numbers 155-156

3. Surah Al-Ankabut verse number 2-3

4. Surah Al-Ghafir verse number 13

5. Sunan Ibn Majah 17 Chapter: The virtue of the scholars, and encouragement to seek knowledge

6. Sunan Ibn Majah 23 Chapter: Patience at the time of calamity