A massive earthquake struck south-eastern Türkiye early on Monday (February 6) morning, close to the Syrian border, killing tens of thousands of people and injuring thousands more.
Numerous aftershocks followed the quake that occurred near the city of Gaziantep, including one that was nearly as powerful as the initial tremor. Türkiyeand Syria arethe countries located in a seismically active region and have experienced several earthquakes in the past. The country lies in a region where three tectonic plates meet: the African Plate, the Arabian Plate, and the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic activity results in a high level of seismicity, or earthquake activity, in the region.
Since ancient times, such natural disasters have plagued the globe. I just want to discuss the Islamic perspective on responding to such disasters.
From an Islamic point of view, natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and floods are seen as a punishment, test from Allah, warning for the sinners and a reminder of the fragility and impermanence of human life on earth. Let me explain it more in the light of Qur’ān:
PUNISHMENT OF ALLAH
Natural disasters are punishment of Allah for those who are either disbelievers or cross His limits. On different instances in the holy Qur’ān, Allah the Exalted has clarified that natural disasters result from His disobedience. Some of these instances are as follows:
And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (Ash-Shura 42:30)
And if Allah were to punish men for that which they earned, He would not leave a moving (living) creature on the surface of the earth, but He gives them respite to an appointed term, and when their term comes, then verily, Allah is Ever All Seeing of His slaves. (Fatir 35:45)
Evil (sins and disobedience of Allah, etc.) has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned (by oppression and evil deeds, etc.), that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah, and begging His Pardon). (Ar-Rum 30:41)
And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwâ (piety), certainly We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So,We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). (Al-A’raf 7:96)
Sometimes, natural disasters are very intense and crush even the innocent people living in the affected area. These innocent people will get reward of Allah the Exalted on the Day of Judgment for the affliction they faced. Allah has warned in the Qur’ān about such trials and tribulations which don’t hit specifically disobedient people. Allah says: “And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment.” (Al-Anfal 8:25)
WARNING FOR SINNERS
Natural disasters are warnings for those who are sinners. This fact has also been elaborated in the Qur’ān. Some of the instances are as follows:
And verily, We will make them taste the near torment (i.e. the torment in the life of this world, i.e. disasters, calamities, etc.) prior to the supreme torment (in the Hereafter), in order that they may (repent and) return (i.e. accept Islam). (As-Sajdah 32:21)
See they not that they are tried once or twice every year (with different kinds of calamities, disease, famine, etc.)? Yet, they turn not in repentance, nor do they learn a lesson (from it). (At-Tawbah 9:126)
Allah the Exalted showed His signs to Pharaoh in the form of natural disasters and calamities before final punishment so that he might reform himself. This fact has been revealed in the Qur’ān in the following manner:
And indeed We punished the people of Fir’aun (Pharaoh) with years of drought and shortness of fruits (crops, etc.) that they might remember (take heed). (Al-A’raf 7:130)
TEST FOR BELIEVERS
According to the Qur’ān and the Hadith, many times natural disasters are punishment for disbelievers and transgressors and warnings for sinners but sometimes they do come to test the believers and pious people, too. This fact has been elaborated in Qur’ān as follows:
And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.). (Al-Baqarah 2:155)
Do you think you will enter the Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allah?” Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allah is near! (Al-Baqarah 2:214)
Do people think they will be left alone because they say: “We believe,” and will not be tested. And We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars, (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test). (Al-’Ankabut 29:2-3)
HOW TO DEAL WITH NATURAL DISASTERS
The Qur’ān and the Sunnah guide us in all walks of life; they also guide us about how to deal with the natural disasters and calamities. Muslims are encouraged to respond to such disasters with compassion and generosity towards those affected. In the aftermath of an earthquake, it is common for Muslims to offer prayers for those affected and to provide assistance and support for the victims and their families. This can take the form of donating money, volunteering time and resources, and providing emotional support to those in need. Muslims are also encouraged to be more pious as Allah says, “And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). (At-Talaq 65:2)
In another verse, Allah said, “And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth. (Al-A’raf 7:96)
They must repent and have patience as Allah says: “And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.) who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly unto Him shall we return.” They are those on whom are the Salawât (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones. (Al-Baqarah 2:155-157)
Muslims are encouraged to respond to natural disasters in a variety of ways, including providing financial donations, volunteering time and resources, and offering prayers for the affected communities. Muslim relief organisations and charities often play a key role in providing aid and support for those affected by natural disasters, both within their own communities and abroad.
One important principle in Islamic teachings related to disaster response is the concept of Sadaqah, or voluntary charitable giving. Sadaqah is considered a means of purifying one’s wealth and demonstrating gratitude to Allah, and is often given in times of need and hardship.
In addition, Islamic teachings emphasise the importance of preparing for and mitigating the impact of natural disasters. Muslims are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their communities from the effects of earthquakes and other disasters, such as building sturdy structures and establishing emergency response plans. The best example we have in the story of Prophet Noah.
Overall, the Islamic response to natural disasters involves a combination of self-purification, compassion, generosity, and proactive efforts to alleviate suffering and promote resilience in affected communities.