THE TSUNAMI TRAGEDY
LESSONS TO BE LEARNT

Madrasah Arabia Islamia,
Azaadville, South Africa.

A tsunami or giant tidal wave early on Sunday morning, the 26th December 2004, triggered by a huge quake off the coast of north western Sumatra, has devastated the lives of millions of people.

The press and the mainstream media were filled with detailed, frequent and continued reports. Did the question ever pass through our minds: What was the actual cause of this earthquake? As Muslims, we have to refer to the Noble Quraan and the Ahaadeeth (knowledge which is absolute and doubtless) for the correct perspective.

General cause of calamities - sins and disobedience
Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) says:
“Disorder has appeared on the land and sea (in the form of earthquakes, tidal waves, etc.) because of what the hands of men have earned (sins and disobedience) so that He (Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa)) 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).” (Surah ar Room: 41)

The causes of earthquakes in the light of the Islamic Shari’ah
Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) has created veins (tubes) in the earth. These veins are in the control of the angels. At whichever place the load of sins increases and Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) wishes a quick punishment for that particular place, He orders the angels. Consequently, the angels pull the veins (i.e. the reins of that place). The earth then tremors, causing an earthquake to occur.

During the blessed era of Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam), an earthquake occurred. Prophet Mohammad (SallAllaho alaihe wa sallam) addre-ssed the Sahaabah (the Companions of Prophet) saying: “Your Rabb (Lord) wants you to repent”.

Nevertheless, it is known in the light of the Ahaadeeth, that the escalation of sins causes earthquakes and “Taubah” (repentance) is the only mean for salvation. We seek Allah’s (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) protection and to Him do we repent.

Similarly during the blessed era of the second pious Caliph, Hadhrat Umar Farooq, an earthquake occurred. Hadhrat Umar addressed the people saying: “A particular sin is being committed. O people! Repent! By Allah! If the earthquake recurs, I will not stay here.”

A question regarding earthquakes was posed to the Mother of the Believers, Hadhrat Âishah. She replied: “When adultery, liquor, singing, dancing and playing musical instruments become pleasant and enjoyable to people, then Allah’s might manifests itself. If by an ordinary warning, Taubah (repentance) is made, then well and good, otherwise buildings are demolished and lofty structures are turned into a heap of dust”.

It was asked: “Is an earthquake a form of punishment?” The reply was: “It is a mercy for the believers and a punishment for the unbelievers”. May Allah protect us.

Hadhrat Umar Ibn Abdul Azîz wrote the following pronouncement to the different parts of the Islamic World:

“These earthquakes are a phenomenon by which Allah expresses His displeasure and demands that Taubah should be made. At such a time sincere Taubah should be made. Evil should be discarded. Sadaqah (charity) should be given in abundance. If, it is not a Makrooh (Islamically Undesired) time for Salaah, then Nafl (Voluntary) Salaah should be performed.”

The following Du’aas should be read:
The Du’aa of Hadhrat Adam:

“O Our Rabb (Sustainer)! We have wronged ourselves, and if you do not forgive and show mercy upon us, we will certainly be amongst the losers.” (Surah al A’raaf: 23)

The Du’aa of Hadhrat Nooh:

“(O Allah!) If you do not forgive me and show mercy upon me, I will be amongst the losers.” (Surah Hood: 47)

The Du’aa of Hadhrat Younus:

“None is worthy of worship except You. You are Pure. I am amongst the wrong doers”. (Surah Ambiyaa : 87)

The above was written in detail by Mufti Abdur Raheem Laajpuri, in 3rd Volume of collection of his Fatwas (Islamic verdicts), “Fataawaa Raheemiyah” at pages no. 207 and 208.

In addition, we should try to read the following 25 to 27 times daily:

(Hisn e Haseen)

When we talk about repentance, it readily comes to our minds that what are the wrong doing that we should repent from. For this purpose, always keep in mind that do not disobey Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa) even in the matter. However, to take care of major sins in today’s life which is becoming almost normal, here is a list of them.

• Practicing and encouraging black magic.
  
• Unrestricted, free inter-mingling of those men and women who are Naa Mehram in social gathering or at working places (Not forbidden for marrying among each other).
  
• Making a vow for such an action which is not permitted by the Shari’ah.
  
• Wasting one’s time in futile play and amusement.
  
• Disrespecting parents.
  
• Presenting, listening and seeing immoral, evil, promiscuous programs and music.
  
• For men to wear their trousers below the ankles.
  
• Taking and giving interest.
  
• Viewing movies.
  
• Gambling.
  
• For women to unnecessarily venture outdoors.
  
• For women to venture outdoors for shoppings or outings, unveiled.
  
• Backbiting and listening to backbiting.
  
• Taking photographs of animate objects and mounting them on walls.
  
• Wearing thin, see-through clothing.
  
• Keeping dogs as pets.
  
• Becoming distrustful in the trust (Amaanah) of the husband.
  
• For young boys and girls to attend co-educational colleges and universities when they do not need to learn those courses badly or they may get this education somewhere else in single-sex institutes.
  
• Spending money extravagantly in wedding ceremonies and other occasions. 
  

The remedy
Let your beliefs be according to the Quraan and Sunnah. If there is any deficiency in them, rectify them immediately.

Be as punctual as possible with Ibaadaat (worships). If you are not punctual, then be at once.

Start performing “Qadhaa” (compensating the leftovers in worships) as soon as possible.

Be punctual especially in the matter of Salaah, especially Fajr Salaah.

Make the teaching of Deen your guide in mutual transactions. Abstain from interest, bribery, deception, lies and dishonesty. Always think thus: “If I did not fulfill the right of any person I will not be forgiven on the Day of Qiyaamah until that person forgives me.”

In social life, a person should portray good character. Treat every human being with good character even though he may not be one’s associate or even though he may be a non-Muslim. It was only because of the noble character of the Muslims that Islam spread throughout the world.

Importance and attention should be given to the service of parents and the training (upbringing) of children. Do not allow evil and immoral literature in your homes. Stop your children from reading novels, fictitious stories, seeing television and films and Islamically forbidden websites. Emphasize on your family to perform Salaah.

One lesson of our Deen is correct administration and ordering. Islam has guided us practically in this regard. Every person is a ruler. Some rule the entire country. Others administrate a province while others are in charge of a city. However, each person is responsible for his own home. Instead of snatching away the ordering rights of others, we should concern ourselves with fulfilling the rights of the administration we possess. 

It is the distinguishing mark of a true Muslim to understand the evil-planning and tactics of the unbeliever, not to deceive anyone, not to be deceived, not to oppress one’s subjects and to fulfill one’s duties without any delay honestly.

Together with rectifying the Zaahir (external-self) a person should be concerned to rectify his Baatin (inner self) which is the life of Deen. This concern is known as Tareeqah.

Create concentration and humbleness in all forms of worship, especially Salaah. Make an effort to eliminate bad qualities like ostentation, jealousy, pride and desire. Always fear Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aalaa). Remember death excessively. It will easily enable you to practice on Deen and to abstain from sin.

From Surah al Asr, we learn that merely correcting ones own deeds is not sufficient for salvation. In fact it is of equal importance to worry and rectify others as well. Hence, it is Fardh (compulsory) upon every Muslim to carry out the duty of “Amr bil ma`roof wannihi anil munkar” (commanding the good and prohibiting the evil) within his circles according to his responsibility.

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