DISASTER STRIKES
On Monday 6 February 2023, in the early hours of the morning an earthquake of 7.8 magnitude on the Richter scale struck southern Turkey and Northwestern Syria. A few hours later, a second earthquake of 7.5 magnitude struck the same region. On Tuesday, 7 February 2023 a third earthquake of approximately 5.5 magnitude struck the region. Thousands have lost their lives and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue workers sift through rubble to find survivors and bodies. Many more thousands have been injured and thousands of buildings and structures have collapsed. The Turkish government claims that this is the worst catastrophe to have struck Turkey since 1939.
This earthquake overnight turned life into death, changed safety into fear, the wealthy into poor, and created heartbreak and devastation of unthinkable proportions.
EVERYTHING IS FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH
No one can predict or prevent an earthquake. Every event occurs with the permission and command of Allah Ta'ala. Allah says in the Quran, “No calamity falls except by the permission of Allah…”
(Surah Taghabun V.11)
The occurrence of earthquakes closer to Qiyamah has been predicted by Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam). Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R) reports that Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Qiyamah will not come until knowledge is lifted, time passes quickly, earthquakes increase in number, trials appear and 'haraj' increases in number.” The Sahabah t asked, “What is 'haraj'?” Nabi r replied, “Murder, murder.” (Bukhari #1036)
SYMPATHY WITH THE AFFECTED PEOPLE
The Muslim Ummah has a duty to express our condolences and sympathy with those affected by the earthquake. We should reach out to those affected with words of hope, Duas and assistance. We should ask Allah to forgive those who lost their lives and grant recovery to those injured.
There is a dire need for emergency aid. Muslims have already rallied in the immediate aftermath of the disaster and the rescue work is ongoing.
Whatever form of help we can render to our brethren in their time of need should be given. Now is the time to respond and open our hearts to help the victims.
A REMINDER OF OUR FRAGILITY
Natural disasters are a reminder to man of how fragile and incapable we are. Events happen only by the Divine Decree of the All-Knowing, All-Wise, All-Powerful Creator and Master of the Universe. There is a divine call and message behind every disaster, and understanding that message enables us to cope with disaster.
For the believers who place their trust in Allah Ta'ala, human loss and suffering is a test of patience and submission to the Will of Almighty Allah. Such losses become a means of higher gain in the hereafter.
THE EARTH IS PROTESTING
One of the reasons given for the frequent occurrence of earthquakes is that the earth has become restless over the disobedience and vice committed on it. Allah Ta'ala allows the earth to express and vent its frustration and dismay by allowing it to shudder and shake. This result in the rocking of everything on its surface and leading to the carnage of the earthquake.
The earth also has its way of conveying its message to man – we are familiar with human beings protesting for different reasons. The earth also protests. And the protests of the earth is by these tremors and quakes we see from time to time.”
These occurrences are meant to induce man to take heed of his sins and repent. Following this course of action, would result in the earth 'calming down.'
LESSONS FROM THE EARTHQUAKE
There is an underlying message and divine call behind every disaster. Understanding that message enables us to cope with disaster.
Lesson of Iman and Faith: these events should fortify our belief in Allah Ta'ala and the last Day. As humans we tend to forget the reality and purpose life and preoccupy ourselves with worldly engrossment. The earthquake calls on us to reflect over our fragility and dependence on Allah. With the Mercy of Allah, people were removed alive from the wreckage after 2 days.
Lesson of Resilience and Resignation: The response of victims, amid the loss of lives and injury, are saying Alhumdulillah, turning to Allah for help and in repentance. People coming out of the wreckage are reciting Takbeer. A person trapped in the wreckage asked for water to make Wudhu to perform his Salah.
Appreciate what we have: It is common for us to complain about our living conditions and challenges we face in daily lives. However, in comparison to what has happened, we understand the great need to be grateful to Allah. We should seek forgiveness for our ingratitude and immerse ourselves in gratitude.
OUR RESPONSE
Dua and Hope: Pray earnestly for the victims, perform 2 Rakats Salah for relief and safety, give Sadaqah and be grateful for the bounties of Allah Ta'ala.
Repentance and Reformation: Seek sincere forgiveness for ourselves and guidance for all of humanity. Let us individually and collectively, repent and reform so we may be saved from the long term suffering of the hereafter.
Donate Generously: Victims have lost everything, their homes, shelter, belongings and livelihood. There is an immediate need to provide shelter, food and clothing. There is also a dire need to provide them with medication and other medical accessories and supply with clean water and sanitation.
May Allah Ta'ala grant those who lost their lives the rank of martyrs, grant strength and patience to families who lost their dear one's and make the recovery and way forward easy for all.
