At a recent Majlis programme in Durban Mufti Zubair Bayat, the Amir of Darul Ihsan Centre, said that recent occurrence of a magnitude 4 earth tremor in Johannesburg is evidence that earth is ‘dissatisfied with the actions of those who inhabit it.’
“This is a sign of Allah SWT and a warning for the people of our country,” said Mufti Bayat.
While South Africa had been spared from any major natural disaster in our recent history, he warned that conditions could change rapidly based on our actions.
“We are very fortunate, that, to a great extent, we have been safeguarded and protected by Allah SWT in this country. At most, we have some flooding – but it is not of a magnitude that hundreds of thousands are affected.”
“Now and then, Allah SWT gives us a wake-up call and ‘an awakening’ so that we can repent, make amends, reform and change before it is too late.”
“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 are by these tremors and quakes we see from time to time.”
Bayat said the earth was saying “Enough!” and could not bear any more the burden of the sins of mankind.
“(It is saying) ‘I cannot bear these transgressions of human beings occurring on my surface anymore’.”
He said these occurrences were meant to induce man to take heed of his weaknesses and repent. Following this course of action, he said, would result in the earth ‘calming down.’
He indicated that failing such a response mankind’s continued transgressions and heedlessness would only become a source for even greater regret.
“When an actual event happens, it will be too late to turn back the clock. Once a earthquake sets in motion, there is no force on the earth other than Allah SWT who can turn it back.”
He said those affected should become less preoccupied with the scientific explanations behind such events, and become more introspective.
“There’s no point knowing about the how, we need to know about the why,” he said.
Mufti Bayat proceeded to quote a Hadith wherein the Mother of the Believers, Aishah RA highlighted certain misdeeds which make conditions ripe for the occurrence of such disasters. “When a woman removes her clothes in a house other than her husbands (an indication towards adultery), she tears the veil between her and Allah. When she applies perfume to please a male other than her husband, this will be a source of fire and a blemish for her. When the people then begin to commit adultery, consume alcohol and use musical instruments, Allah becomes enraged above the heavens and orders the Earth to shake them. If they repent and refrain, then it is good for them, otherwise Allah will cause it to fall upon them.” [Mustadrak al-Haakim (4/561) No. 8575 and Kitab Al-Fitan (2/619) No. 1729]
“They are warning signs,” he said. “But sometimes mankind is so steeped in heedlessness that he cannot even understand what a warning from Allah SWT is.”
“Previous experience shows that animals are even perceptive to the warnings of natural disasters, whilst human beings are still in a slumber.”
Mufti Bayat proposed Istighfar (repentance) as a critical ingredient for warding off such tragedies. He also cautioned about wayward behaviour and patronizing ‘places of sin’ during the imminent holiday season.
“Never set foot in those environments, and try to come into those environments of piety and Taqwa. Sit with the pious people, go out in the path of Allah, attend religious programmes, initiate learning circles at home, do the Zikr of Allah, start (any) good action. One good action draws and attracts another good action, and in that manner we will be safeguarded,” he concluded.
