Islamic Thought 
Reasons Behind the Japanese Tsunami
Reasons Behind the Japanese Tsunami
Reasons Behind the Japanese Tsunami
Shaikh (Dr) Haitham Al-Haddad
Mar 15
|18:36
Last Updated on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:32
Such suffering can be very difficult to digest, and it is true to note that many Muslims will ask: why did Allah allow this to happen? What is the divine wisdom behind such a catastrophe?
Muslims believe from divine scripture that the whole of mankind has been ennobled, and it is in that sense of shared humanity that Muslims feel saddened over the recent catastrophe that Japan has faced. It is the soft heart of the believer that requires him/her to reflect upon catastrophes such as the recent one where thousands have perished and thousands of others are still missing.
More than 1,000 bodies washed ashore on the first day in the north-eastern area hardest hit by the magnitude 8.9 quake that struck in the Pacific Ocean and triggered a devastating tsunami. Even on the fourth day search-and-rescue crews extracted more than 2,000 corpses with the Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan stating that this is Japan's greatest national tragedy since World War II.
Such suffering can be very difficult to digest, and is true to note that many Muslims will ask: why did Allah allow this to happen? What is divine wisdom behind such a catastrophe?
The answer, as simple as it is, is given in the Qur’an,
“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, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.). Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they play? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allah? None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers.”[1]
Of course, we might ask: but what did the Japanese do? They have never fought the believers - the state has formally renounced war as a sovereign right and bans settlement of international disputes through the use of force.
Many people assume that Allah only punishes people when they commit injustices towards others, yet Muslims must refrain from being so self-absorbed; Allah created mankind so that they may worship Him in line with His monotheistic nature, and deviancy from such a clear purpose only serves to anger the Most High. It is true that Japan is not like the US or many of its allies in that it refrains from waging direct war against others, yet their failure was the lack of submission to Allah and refusing to admit that all of the favours they are blessed with are given to them by their Creator. Japan has the world's third-largest economy and is the world's fourth largest exporter and fifth largest importer. Japan is also a leading nation in technology, machinery, biomedical research, and fundamental scientific research, having produced fifteen Nobel laureates. Some of Japan's most prominent technological contributions are in the fields of electronics, automobiles, machinery, and leads the world in robotic production and use. Despite the luxurious lives they live, as a community they have never thanked Allah by submitting to him.
Denying the Lordship of Allah and refusing to submit to Him in worship is the biggest act of injustice,
“Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back a second time to sea and send against you a hurricane of wind and drown you because of your disbelief? Then you will not find any avenger therein against Us.”[2]
The tragic event is without doubt a call from the Lord of everything that exists for people to submit to His Majesty and worship Him alone. It is a call for everyone to remember that this life is temporal and filled with suffering, and true enjoyment will only come with success in the afterlife.
“And this life of the world is only amusement and play. Verily, the home of the Hereafter, that is the life indeed (i.e. the eternal life that will never end), if they but knew!”[3]
Trackback(0)
TrackBack URI for this entry
Comments (37)
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Voicer
written by Voicer, May 10, 2011
written by Voicer, May 10, 2011
This is not right way to do the Dahwa. And this is not true that these are punishment to those people who are affected by this tragedy. No muslim's or pure human can witness these tragedy and blame those people for it. As one of my brother here said that these are warnings to whole humans left behind in this world including the Muslim Ummah. One would see that this as a Allha's reminder of which he had promised us about the Heaven and hell here after. No muslims are excluded from this. I would like to ask each Muslim brothers what is the message behind various tragedy occurred in Muslim world: The Hajj stampede tragedy, The Hajj tent got in fire once and lot of our Hajee's died there, the Tsunami in Indonesia, The Pakistan earthquake etc. There is a message for you and me in all these from the Almighty god. A message that Allha has the supreme power on you. At what extend you develop your world. May Allha show us the right path.
-
- +1
-
-
Thank Allah he has spared us!
written by OsmanAhmed, April 10, 2011
written by OsmanAhmed, April 10, 2011
Allah says in the Quran:
وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ اللّهُ النَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَلَكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَإِذَا جَاء أَجَلُهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلاَ يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
16:61 If Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour).
And Allah says:
{وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالآيَاتِ إلاَّ تَخْوِيفًا}
"And we do not send the signs except to make people fearful"
Earthquakes and calamities are associated with Allah's punishment. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) face would change when a wind would blow or witht the lightning, fearing Allah's punishment.
There was an earthquake at the time of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, and he said: "O' people, this earthquake is only because of some sins that you are committing. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if it happens again I will never stay among you."
This was his understanding.
Going back to the verse of surah An-Nahl, if Allah punished all of us for our sins, it would not be unjust. Sins committed in Japan, in the US, in Dubai, in Jeddah, in Madina - wherever it may be. IF ALLAH WERE TO TAKE US TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL OF OUR SINS WE WOULD ALL BE STRUCK BY EARTHQUAKES AND STORMS.
BUT ALLAH OUT OF HIS MERCY GIVES US RESPITE. Allah says clearly:
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ
42:30 Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.
The answer is also in the ayah cited by Shaikh Haitham in the article.
So as some comments have mentioned that if we were to be punished for sins, then there are more in Saudi etc. That may be true, but for whatever reason, out of Allah's mercy and wisdom, he has NOT punished the other places. And out of His Wisdom and Justice he has afflicted the people of Japan with earthquake, flood, fire, severe winter, nuclear waste, hunger and fear. So we should reflect about our vulnerability.
وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً لاَّ تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنكُمْ خَاصَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
"And fear a trial that will not only affect those who oppress from amongst you..."
Does this mean that if a people are punished we should not aid them?
First of all, even in a Muslim society, if a punishment strikes it will be generalised to the good and bad people if the evil becomes widespread, as the Prophet sallah Allahu alaihi was sallam said when asked about the pious being punished with everyone else - The prophet SAW said in one hadeeth if the evil becomes widespread.
So it does not mean we do not help them because they were struck by an affliction or punished by Allah. We are not the judge of that.
They are accountable for their actions, and now we are accountable for ours.
For example, when the Indonesians were struck with the tsunami, many of them said it was Allah's punishment upon them - many turned to Allah because of it.
BUT THAT DID NOT ABSOLVE US OF AIDING AND HELPING THEM - WE ARE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABEL FOR DOING THAT.
For example, Allah may punish someone for ingratitude or other sins by taking away his wealth as in the story of Surak Kahf of the man of the garden who was punished for his ingratitude and he became destitute.
There may be many poor people who are in that situation because of ingratitude or sins. For example:
- the hadeeth of the man who has travelled long; dusty haired and unkempt who raises his hands in supplication , but this food is haram and earning is haram and he is fed on haram, so why should he be answered...
- Allah says: "If you are thanful to me I will give you an increase, and if you disbelieve, my punishment is severe"
Despite this, we are to give money to the poor and needy. It is not for us to withhold from a poor person because we guess it may be he is poor for some sin in the past or ingratiitude etc - we are to give to the poor and needy because that is our duty.
So:
- we should reflect and be fearful of Allah's punishment and take a lesson
- we should thank Allah he hasn't punished us
- We still do what is our humanitarian duty which we should carry out for Allah's reward.
http://www.islamdor.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-16359.html
وَلَوْ يُؤَاخِذُ اللّهُ النَّاسَ بِظُلْمِهِم مَّا تَرَكَ عَلَيْهَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ وَلَكِن يُؤَخِّرُهُمْ إلَى أَجَلٍ مُّسَمًّى فَإِذَا جَاء أَجَلُهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَأْخِرُونَ سَاعَةً وَلاَ يَسْتَقْدِمُونَ
16:61 If Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour).
And Allah says:
{وَمَا نُرْسِلُ بِالآيَاتِ إلاَّ تَخْوِيفًا}
"And we do not send the signs except to make people fearful"
Earthquakes and calamities are associated with Allah's punishment. The Prophet's (peace be upon him) face would change when a wind would blow or witht the lightning, fearing Allah's punishment.
There was an earthquake at the time of 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, and he said: "O' people, this earthquake is only because of some sins that you are committing. By the One in Whose hand is my soul, if it happens again I will never stay among you."
This was his understanding.
Going back to the verse of surah An-Nahl, if Allah punished all of us for our sins, it would not be unjust. Sins committed in Japan, in the US, in Dubai, in Jeddah, in Madina - wherever it may be. IF ALLAH WERE TO TAKE US TO ACCOUNT FOR ALL OF OUR SINS WE WOULD ALL BE STRUCK BY EARTHQUAKES AND STORMS.
BUT ALLAH OUT OF HIS MERCY GIVES US RESPITE. Allah says clearly:
وَمَا أَصَابَكُم مِّن مُّصِيبَةٍ فَبِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِيكُمْ وَيَعْفُو عَن كَثِيرٍ
42:30 Whatever misfortune happens to you, is because on the things your hands have wrought, and for many (of them) He grants forgiveness.
The answer is also in the ayah cited by Shaikh Haitham in the article.
So as some comments have mentioned that if we were to be punished for sins, then there are more in Saudi etc. That may be true, but for whatever reason, out of Allah's mercy and wisdom, he has NOT punished the other places. And out of His Wisdom and Justice he has afflicted the people of Japan with earthquake, flood, fire, severe winter, nuclear waste, hunger and fear. So we should reflect about our vulnerability.
وَاتَّقُوا فِتْنَةً لاَّ تُصِيبَنَّ الَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوا مِنكُمْ خَاصَّةً وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ اللَّهَ شَدِيدُ الْعِقَابِ
"And fear a trial that will not only affect those who oppress from amongst you..."
Does this mean that if a people are punished we should not aid them?
First of all, even in a Muslim society, if a punishment strikes it will be generalised to the good and bad people if the evil becomes widespread, as the Prophet sallah Allahu alaihi was sallam said when asked about the pious being punished with everyone else - The prophet SAW said in one hadeeth if the evil becomes widespread.
So it does not mean we do not help them because they were struck by an affliction or punished by Allah. We are not the judge of that.
They are accountable for their actions, and now we are accountable for ours.
For example, when the Indonesians were struck with the tsunami, many of them said it was Allah's punishment upon them - many turned to Allah because of it.
BUT THAT DID NOT ABSOLVE US OF AIDING AND HELPING THEM - WE ARE RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABEL FOR DOING THAT.
For example, Allah may punish someone for ingratitude or other sins by taking away his wealth as in the story of Surak Kahf of the man of the garden who was punished for his ingratitude and he became destitute.
There may be many poor people who are in that situation because of ingratitude or sins. For example:
- the hadeeth of the man who has travelled long; dusty haired and unkempt who raises his hands in supplication , but this food is haram and earning is haram and he is fed on haram, so why should he be answered...
- Allah says: "If you are thanful to me I will give you an increase, and if you disbelieve, my punishment is severe"
Despite this, we are to give money to the poor and needy. It is not for us to withhold from a poor person because we guess it may be he is poor for some sin in the past or ingratiitude etc - we are to give to the poor and needy because that is our duty.
So:
- we should reflect and be fearful of Allah's punishment and take a lesson
- we should thank Allah he hasn't punished us
- We still do what is our humanitarian duty which we should carry out for Allah's reward.
http://www.islamdor.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-16359.html
-
- +2
-
-
Another scholarly view
written by Abdulllah, April 05, 2011
written by Abdulllah, April 05, 2011
Below is an alternative scholarly viewpointt on this issue. Allah knows best which position is more correct, nevertheless I wanted to outline a dissenting view. May Allah assist, support and preserve all our Shuyukh inshallah.
Earthquakes are signs of Allah. People should reflect over these signs and return back to their Creator, the All-Powerful, the All-Merciful: (We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?) (Fussilat 41:53).
Therefore, it's our duty to repent to Allah, to seek His forgiveness, to do good, to avoid the prohibited, and not to gloat over the misfortunes of people. Rather, a Muslim in such times of crises should hurry to help and aid the suffering victims.
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Ash-Shanqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states:
Earthquakes are signs of Allah's might. They may take place as a punishment for the sinners, or as a message to awaken those who neglect their religious duties, or as a test of the believers' faith. We do not know the divine wisdom behind each earthquake except that which was revealed to us (in the Qur'an or Sunnah) in this regard, such as the earthquake that shook the people of Prophet Lut (peace and blessings be upon him) due to their indulgence in the sin of homosexuality and their refusal of faith.
As for the earthquake and tsunami that have struck such places, whatever is the divine wisdom behind their occurrence, we should not gloat over the misfortunes they caused to the people of these countries. On the contrary, Islam requires Muslims in this situation to help the afflicted people among them, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. Muslims are also required to reflect on others' misfortunes and praise Almighty Allah that He has spared them being afflicted with similar calamities.
Relating the misfortunes that take place to some sinful people to their deserving punishment for the sins they commit is a thoroughly mistaken view. Muslims who hold such an opinion should review their attitude in this respect. Hence, when a sinful person is sick with a disease, for instance, it should not be said that he deserves this because of his sins. Refusing to help him in this situation is considered a negligence of one's religious duty towards one's fellow people. Rather, one is required here to help the suffering person, not to gloat over his suffering.
Moreover, gloating over sinful people's misfortunes implies boasting and admiring one’s own deeds. It is as if one says ''I am better than those people; they got hit with misfortunes because they deserve them, while nothing of the kind has hit me."
In fact, if we all contemplated our own sins and mistakes, we would find that we deserve punishment any way, and that but for Almighty Allah's mercy to us and His deferring the punishment and reward (until the Day of Judgment), He Almighty would have destroyed us in this world. He Almighty says: (If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth) (Fatir 35:45).
Hence, we are to be mindful of Almighty Allah, help the distressed and afflicted, and seek repentance every now and then before it is too late.
Earthquakes are signs of Allah. People should reflect over these signs and return back to their Creator, the All-Powerful, the All-Merciful: (We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?) (Fussilat 41:53).
Therefore, it's our duty to repent to Allah, to seek His forgiveness, to do good, to avoid the prohibited, and not to gloat over the misfortunes of people. Rather, a Muslim in such times of crises should hurry to help and aid the suffering victims.
Sheikh Muhammad Al-Mukhtar Ash-Shanqiti, Director of the Islamic Center of South Plains, Lubbock, Texas, states:
Earthquakes are signs of Allah's might. They may take place as a punishment for the sinners, or as a message to awaken those who neglect their religious duties, or as a test of the believers' faith. We do not know the divine wisdom behind each earthquake except that which was revealed to us (in the Qur'an or Sunnah) in this regard, such as the earthquake that shook the people of Prophet Lut (peace and blessings be upon him) due to their indulgence in the sin of homosexuality and their refusal of faith.
As for the earthquake and tsunami that have struck such places, whatever is the divine wisdom behind their occurrence, we should not gloat over the misfortunes they caused to the people of these countries. On the contrary, Islam requires Muslims in this situation to help the afflicted people among them, be they Muslims or non-Muslims. Muslims are also required to reflect on others' misfortunes and praise Almighty Allah that He has spared them being afflicted with similar calamities.
Relating the misfortunes that take place to some sinful people to their deserving punishment for the sins they commit is a thoroughly mistaken view. Muslims who hold such an opinion should review their attitude in this respect. Hence, when a sinful person is sick with a disease, for instance, it should not be said that he deserves this because of his sins. Refusing to help him in this situation is considered a negligence of one's religious duty towards one's fellow people. Rather, one is required here to help the suffering person, not to gloat over his suffering.
Moreover, gloating over sinful people's misfortunes implies boasting and admiring one’s own deeds. It is as if one says ''I am better than those people; they got hit with misfortunes because they deserve them, while nothing of the kind has hit me."
In fact, if we all contemplated our own sins and mistakes, we would find that we deserve punishment any way, and that but for Almighty Allah's mercy to us and His deferring the punishment and reward (until the Day of Judgment), He Almighty would have destroyed us in this world. He Almighty says: (If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth) (Fatir 35:45).
Hence, we are to be mindful of Almighty Allah, help the distressed and afflicted, and seek repentance every now and then before it is too late.
-
- +2
-
-
Blessing in Disguise?
written by nazri, March 30, 2011
written by nazri, March 30, 2011
Let Allah alone be the judge, not us - on attributing this or that reason to things He knows best
Before this, japanese don't ask about god (most are atheistic) with high dependency on technological advancement. But now, they begin to ponder about God as a power above anything they thought they have perfected....
May Allah strengthen the da'wah over there...fresh templates waiting to be filled
Before this, japanese don't ask about god (most are atheistic) with high dependency on technological advancement. But now, they begin to ponder about God as a power above anything they thought they have perfected....
May Allah strengthen the da'wah over there...fresh templates waiting to be filled
-
- +2
-
-
masiat?
written by abu mohammed, March 29, 2011
written by abu mohammed, March 29, 2011
Trust me, there is probably more sin in Jeddah, Doha, and Dubai.
No doubt that the tsunami was from God, but try to get off your high horse about Japanese sins, and maybe introspect and look at your own.
No doubt that the tsunami was from God, but try to get off your high horse about Japanese sins, and maybe introspect and look at your own.
-
- +1
-
-
ma'siat
written by AWE, March 25, 2011
written by AWE, March 25, 2011
...besides, too many ma'siat have been done by japanesse people.. sexual activities are so wild, prostitution, pornography, etc are common in japan. and they proud about it. Wallahu a'lam.
Salam.
Salam.
-
- -3
-
-
Fanatismo
written by Santiagomatamoros, March 23, 2011
written by Santiagomatamoros, March 23, 2011
¿Cuando vais a salir de la Edad Media?. Parece increible que el mundo islamico siga en ella. Estais en la misma situación que el mundo cristiano hace 1000 años. Evolucionar de una vez. De lo contrario vais a manteneros en el subdesarrollo por los de los siglos amen.
-
- +1
-
-
the real reason
written by ross, March 23, 2011
written by ross, March 23, 2011
"goalie' writes "...
"....The plain truth is that those who try to deny that disasters can be a result of sin are going against what the islamic texts actually say on he matter. "
Which just proves most people's observation that islamic texts are just plain wrong.
I'm sure there are people in mental asylums now who feel extremely guilty because they KNOW they themselves caused the tsunami/earthquake in Japan - because they did not brush their teeth 3 times within 15 minutes the night before.
"....The plain truth is that those who try to deny that disasters can be a result of sin are going against what the islamic texts actually say on he matter. "
Which just proves most people's observation that islamic texts are just plain wrong.
I'm sure there are people in mental asylums now who feel extremely guilty because they KNOW they themselves caused the tsunami/earthquake in Japan - because they did not brush their teeth 3 times within 15 minutes the night before.
-
- -3
-
-
Learn about Geology Dummies!!!
written by flyingmythbuster, March 23, 2011
written by flyingmythbuster, March 23, 2011
Unbelieveably stupid comments. Japan sits on the 'ring of fire' fault zone which is why it is an alpine mountainous country. These earthquakes are entirely expected and Japan has a high rate of preparation. This fact gives it a lower casualty rate than in the disasters that occur regularly in Pakistan, Iran, Turkey and Haiti.
The fact remains that no amount of prayer is going to protect you against poor codes and corrupt construction standards found in the above mentioned countries. Which brings me to Iran. Do you think they can handle a nuclear accident in one of their reactors? Can we say instant Chernobyl? This is what Persia and its neighbours are facing.
The fact remains that no amount of prayer is going to protect you against poor codes and corrupt construction standards found in the above mentioned countries. Which brings me to Iran. Do you think they can handle a nuclear accident in one of their reactors? Can we say instant Chernobyl? This is what Persia and its neighbours are facing.
-
- +2
-
-
...
written by Omar, March 23, 2011
written by Omar, March 23, 2011
Maybe it was just two very active tectonic plates suddenly slipping acrossed each other - like they've been doing regularly for the past 50 million years.
-
- +0
-
-
religion is for the weak
written by ali, March 22, 2011
written by ali, March 22, 2011
allah knows best.
http://thereligionofpeace.com/
http://thereligionofpeace.com/
-
- +1
-
-
...
written by Abu Taleb, March 22, 2011
written by Abu Taleb, March 22, 2011
It is not uncommon that Mekah is flooded by heavy rain that takes lives. This is the holy land and the house of Allah. So, who causes the flood, Allah? Does Allah punishes its own people at its own house?
-
- +3
-
-
...
written by Nazmul, March 22, 2011
written by Nazmul, March 22, 2011
There is a hadith which states that once Allah ordered the Angels to go destroy a town the Angels went there and found a Muslim worshipping Allah, the Angels went back and said to Allah that they found a person worshipping Allah, Allah said to the Angels start with him first because he didnt forbid the wrong (oppression, shirk and other evils). In another narration his face didn't go red when he saw the wrong. I ask Allahs forgiveness if I typed anything wrong as this isn't the direct quote but the message is clear. So the Muslims that did die in the disaster maybe didnt forbid the wrong.
And about children I'm pretty sure there were children in the city of Lut (AS) that was destroyed. Weall belong to Allah and He can do whatever He wants with us but He will never oppress us or treat us unjustly. The punishment can come anywhere so we should fear Allah and enjoin the good and forbid the wrong and do the other obligations.
And about children I'm pretty sure there were children in the city of Lut (AS) that was destroyed. Weall belong to Allah and He can do whatever He wants with us but He will never oppress us or treat us unjustly. The punishment can come anywhere so we should fear Allah and enjoin the good and forbid the wrong and do the other obligations.
-
- +0
-
-
Different religion, same garbage
written by Steve, March 22, 2011
written by Steve, March 22, 2011
Just recently in the US, some guy, a fundamentalist Christian, said something similar, that God was sending Japan "a message" with the tsunami. Yeah right! It is just as believable to suggest that one of the Japanese gods was angry that the Japanese that they don't offer incense anymore to him, so the god sent the tsunami. Give me a break!
-
- +2
-
-
What about Indonesia?
written by JoelB, March 22, 2011
written by JoelB, March 22, 2011
The 2004 Tsunami in Indonesia killed 20 times as many people compared to Japan. Most of the Indonesians killed were Muslims. Were they being punished too?
Such ignorance...... this is a natural disaster - earthquakes and tsunamis have been occurring on this planet long before there were human beings, or allah for that matter.
Such ignorance...... this is a natural disaster - earthquakes and tsunamis have been occurring on this planet long before there were human beings, or allah for that matter.
-
- +1
-
-
skydaddy
written by kevin, March 22, 2011
written by kevin, March 22, 2011
google photographs of 1941 meccan flood and you will see that allah cares not for the muslims most sacred grounds or the kaaba,also the kaaba has being knocked down many times in earthquakes,it seems muslims are worshipping the wrong allah
-
- +5
-
-
Defend the scholarship... not the scholar!
written by Ramem, March 22, 2011
written by Ramem, March 22, 2011
Allah says: "...And We never punish until We have sent a Messenger (to give warning)" [17:15].
Allah further says: "And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with (complete) destruction." [17:16]
Now please tell me bro @Abu Abdurrahman, @ali and @goalie... who should we believe more... Word of your sheikh or the Word of Allah? Was there a messenger sent to Japan recently by Allah? Has there been a warner sent to the affluent of Japan before the destruction struck? And if it was the Azab of Allah then how come the destruction was partial rather than complete?
Rather than trying to make up answers to these question it would more humble of your sheikh to admit that he has made a mistake in this case and we can all move forward. Anybody can make mistake! Sheikh Haitham is not a messenger or have the means of Wahi to protect his utterences and decisions in every matter....
The correct role of people like Shikh Haitham is to warn and advise rather than judge. Leave the judgement to Allah who is the best of Judges.
"Say: Every one acts according to his manner; but your Lord best knows who is best guided on the path" [17:84]
"Surely to Us is their turning back, (25) Then surely upon Us is the taking of their account." [88:26]
Allah further says: "And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with (complete) destruction." [17:16]
Now please tell me bro @Abu Abdurrahman, @ali and @goalie... who should we believe more... Word of your sheikh or the Word of Allah? Was there a messenger sent to Japan recently by Allah? Has there been a warner sent to the affluent of Japan before the destruction struck? And if it was the Azab of Allah then how come the destruction was partial rather than complete?
Rather than trying to make up answers to these question it would more humble of your sheikh to admit that he has made a mistake in this case and we can all move forward. Anybody can make mistake! Sheikh Haitham is not a messenger or have the means of Wahi to protect his utterences and decisions in every matter....
The correct role of people like Shikh Haitham is to warn and advise rather than judge. Leave the judgement to Allah who is the best of Judges.
"Say: Every one acts according to his manner; but your Lord best knows who is best guided on the path" [17:84]
"Surely to Us is their turning back, (25) Then surely upon Us is the taking of their account." [88:26]
-
- -4
-
-
...
written by Ibrahim, March 21, 2011
written by Ibrahim, March 21, 2011
These tectonic plate areas have been there for millions of years,so in order to punish people,one would have to asume that Allah moved the sinful people to that area in order to get this mass punishment.
Sorry but iam amazed that some people actually believe god would wipe out thousands of people because someone in Japan fried a fish alive.
Sorry but iam amazed that some people actually believe god would wipe out thousands of people because someone in Japan fried a fish alive.
-
- +10
-
-
Wake up people
written by Ali, March 20, 2011
written by Ali, March 20, 2011
So many laymen with so many answers. Let the shuykh interpret and explain to us. I see so many people quoting this verse and that verse with very little scholarly acivity behind them. What is this, that everyone is right. Come on fall in line behind the righteous scholars like shaykh haitham otherwise we are in trouble and we dont even know it.
-
- -3
-
-
Tsunami in Japan
written by Professor Ahsan ur Rehman, March 18, 2011
written by Professor Ahsan ur Rehman, March 18, 2011
I was worried for the last few days when I heard and saw the calamities faced by our Japanese brothers. I was wondering how the Merciful God would destroy a peaceful nation like Japanese. The I came across a video in which I saw some Japanese celebrating some event. What I saw with horror answered my question. The Japanese chef was seen frying live fish in boiling fry pan. It was clear that people without faith are completely ignorant of what they are doing.
In fact all these animals are God' s gift to mankind and aour attitude to them must be that that of mercy and gratitude. Peaceful handelling is must because Gos is watching. We must have the the feeling of responsibility towards every creation of God.I want to convey this message to all my Japanese brothers to revise their attitudes towards Gog, follow Him and have faith. He will save them from earhtquakes and all disasters .
In fact all these animals are God' s gift to mankind and aour attitude to them must be that that of mercy and gratitude. Peaceful handelling is must because Gos is watching. We must have the the feeling of responsibility towards every creation of God.I want to convey this message to all my Japanese brothers to revise their attitudes towards Gog, follow Him and have faith. He will save them from earhtquakes and all disasters .
-
- -4
-
-
Sooooo much ignorance! Audubillah!
written by Maryam-Hispanic, March 17, 2011
written by Maryam-Hispanic, March 17, 2011
Salaamu alaykum,
So, if Allah, S.W.A. had punished Japan for not submitting to Him. You mean in other words "for not becomming muslims". I just can imagine what the punishemnt would be for the rich oily Gulf countries in which people who called themselves "muslims" and their women are covered from head to toes in black Abayas, but still eat on pure silver and gold plates, and drink from gold glasses, driving the most expensive cars in the world while their muslim fellow brothers in some parts in Africa, South Asia or Eastern Europe if they eat in the morning, probably that would be the last food they will eat during the whole day! What would be their punishement then? Wow! I just can imagine the whole Earth overthere openning up and swallowing those famous 6 stars hotels in Dubbai while their citizens cry to Allah for help! I guess if Allah, S.W.A. has already started to punish the "bad" people, I can just imagine what the punishment for the HYPOCRATES MUNAFIK will be since they, the hypocrates will be in the lower lelvel of hell, even lower than the MUSHRIKUN!
I would like one day that an Islamic entity would control the kind of articles published online in the name of Islam because they do more DAMAGE to Islam than anything else. Why? because anytime any non-muslim read this kind of CRAB! they think we muslims all believe the same kind of stupidity said in this article! I would like to say please to any non-muslim who reads this, please this is not Islam and muslims. Our religion teaches us compassion towards all humanity and only ALLAH knows THE REAL REASON why things happen to us. Not all bad things that happen to humanity are a result of a punishment from Allah. Allah is Ar Rahman. The Most Merciful! If He would start punishing humanity for their bad deeds by now you know who would suffer the severest punisment.
Please, if you don´t have any good to say in a terrible situation like this, just please keep you mouth closed. I ask you in the name of the all the sensible and real muslim people. Don´t damage the name of Islam like this.
So, if Allah, S.W.A. had punished Japan for not submitting to Him. You mean in other words "for not becomming muslims". I just can imagine what the punishemnt would be for the rich oily Gulf countries in which people who called themselves "muslims" and their women are covered from head to toes in black Abayas, but still eat on pure silver and gold plates, and drink from gold glasses, driving the most expensive cars in the world while their muslim fellow brothers in some parts in Africa, South Asia or Eastern Europe if they eat in the morning, probably that would be the last food they will eat during the whole day! What would be their punishement then? Wow! I just can imagine the whole Earth overthere openning up and swallowing those famous 6 stars hotels in Dubbai while their citizens cry to Allah for help! I guess if Allah, S.W.A. has already started to punish the "bad" people, I can just imagine what the punishment for the HYPOCRATES MUNAFIK will be since they, the hypocrates will be in the lower lelvel of hell, even lower than the MUSHRIKUN!
I would like one day that an Islamic entity would control the kind of articles published online in the name of Islam because they do more DAMAGE to Islam than anything else. Why? because anytime any non-muslim read this kind of CRAB! they think we muslims all believe the same kind of stupidity said in this article! I would like to say please to any non-muslim who reads this, please this is not Islam and muslims. Our religion teaches us compassion towards all humanity and only ALLAH knows THE REAL REASON why things happen to us. Not all bad things that happen to humanity are a result of a punishment from Allah. Allah is Ar Rahman. The Most Merciful! If He would start punishing humanity for their bad deeds by now you know who would suffer the severest punisment.
Please, if you don´t have any good to say in a terrible situation like this, just please keep you mouth closed. I ask you in the name of the all the sensible and real muslim people. Don´t damage the name of Islam like this.
-
- +0
-
-
Love thy neighbour
written by Nawab, March 17, 2011
written by Nawab, March 17, 2011
Good article and even better that the comments bring balance to the article. The Muslim ummah has failed in her task as bearers of the truth.
this is what we should be doing :
1. We should begin with ourselves in practiceing islam upholding it's values then...
2. Spread our belief to the whole world through all means at our disposal as individuals organs or states by being..
3. .. examples of moderation justice mercy and compassion as individuals and as a nation.
Then we can truly understand what it means to love thy neighbor ... And when we have reached that point...helping our unfortunate disaster stricken brothers and sisters in japan or china or Somalia or new Zealand will be as easy as second nature ; an automatic reaction on the subconscious level. Sadly for now we are ourselves in Allahs black book and are ourselves under daily punishment for having neglected our duties.
this is what we should be doing :
1. We should begin with ourselves in practiceing islam upholding it's values then...
2. Spread our belief to the whole world through all means at our disposal as individuals organs or states by being..
3. .. examples of moderation justice mercy and compassion as individuals and as a nation.
Then we can truly understand what it means to love thy neighbor ... And when we have reached that point...helping our unfortunate disaster stricken brothers and sisters in japan or china or Somalia or new Zealand will be as easy as second nature ; an automatic reaction on the subconscious level. Sadly for now we are ourselves in Allahs black book and are ourselves under daily punishment for having neglected our duties.
-
- +0
-
-
bottomline..
written by hrishikesh, March 17, 2011
written by hrishikesh, March 17, 2011
if a person's affairs r not running smooth, he should reflect upon his level of faith and his deeds as a salaf said -when my riding beast is out of my control, or i suffer loss in business or my wife does not respond to me properly, i know that i have commmitted some sin...so the possibility exists that Allah may punish someone through calamities, but it is also possible that Allah is testing someone or purifying someone because Allah loves that person...so he should be helped nonetheless by his fellow-men because we know not Allah's intent and we intend to please Allah by helping those in distress..now regarding the japanese catastrophe, it may be a punishment from Allah or a sign from Allah ruining some of the most technologically advanced cities in the world to the ground...but what we can say for sure is that it is a warning to the whole of humankind...every catastrophe is a warning...a wake-up call...so the believer should take it in such a way- he should fear Allah because Allah's punishment may come any time on anyone and he should consider the tsunami as a warning to humanity or a test to those who suffered and so re-check his own state of affairs and faith; and also help the japanese if he can to please Allah because they r suffering and we cant say for sure that Allah is punishing them...and we r helping not primarily because we love them but to please Allah as He commanded us to help those in distress...that is the correct attitude...and Allah knows best..
-
- -4
-
-
...
written by Abu Abdurrahman, March 17, 2011
written by Abu Abdurrahman, March 17, 2011
Bismillah..
Assalam alaikum wa rahmatullah
@Ramem,
One might be interested to learn that in fact it states in Surah Al- Sajdah:
"..And we will give them a taste of the lesser punishment, before the greatest punishment, that they may perhaps return[to the truth and begin worshipping Allah]"
Wassalam alaikum wa rahmatullah
Assalam alaikum wa rahmatullah
@Ramem,
One might be interested to learn that in fact it states in Surah Al- Sajdah:
"..And we will give them a taste of the lesser punishment, before the greatest punishment, that they may perhaps return[to the truth and begin worshipping Allah]"
Wassalam alaikum wa rahmatullah
-
- -3
-
-
Divine knowledge
written by Ramem, March 17, 2011
written by Ramem, March 17, 2011
I object and protest against the authors presumption that Japan's suffering is Allah's punishment. The referred ayah is quoted complete out of context and the whole article is based on false premise.
Had this been the punishment of Allah, the whole nation should have been wiped out as was the case of previous nations who Allah perished because of their disobedience. Also had this been a punishment it should be more targetted to sinners only. What was the sin of children and muslims who are perished in this tragedy? Is Allah not able to select the sinners and innocents apart?
But most fundamental fallacy is the assumption that all such disasters are God's punishments in the first place. This could only be said with certainty if Allah had unequivocally said so. Claiming knowledge of unseen that Allah has not made clear is equivalent to making up a lie against Allah and that itself is a great sin. Did Allah come and spoke to the author about this or did He send an angel to the author? if this is author's opinion then why present the ayahs of Quran out of context and twist the translation to justify one's opinion.
The logical conclusion to authors false assumption is that Muslims should not feel compassion for the people of Japan since it is Allah's punishment. Therefore helping or sending funds for relief efforts become impermissible.
May Allah guide the author to reflect upon his mistake and seek Allah's forgiveness. I appeal to the rest of the Muslims to please support, help and contribute in whatever manner they can in the relief efforts.
"...Whoever saves one life is as he has saved whole humanity..."
Had this been the punishment of Allah, the whole nation should have been wiped out as was the case of previous nations who Allah perished because of their disobedience. Also had this been a punishment it should be more targetted to sinners only. What was the sin of children and muslims who are perished in this tragedy? Is Allah not able to select the sinners and innocents apart?
But most fundamental fallacy is the assumption that all such disasters are God's punishments in the first place. This could only be said with certainty if Allah had unequivocally said so. Claiming knowledge of unseen that Allah has not made clear is equivalent to making up a lie against Allah and that itself is a great sin. Did Allah come and spoke to the author about this or did He send an angel to the author? if this is author's opinion then why present the ayahs of Quran out of context and twist the translation to justify one's opinion.
The logical conclusion to authors false assumption is that Muslims should not feel compassion for the people of Japan since it is Allah's punishment. Therefore helping or sending funds for relief efforts become impermissible.
May Allah guide the author to reflect upon his mistake and seek Allah's forgiveness. I appeal to the rest of the Muslims to please support, help and contribute in whatever manner they can in the relief efforts.
"...Whoever saves one life is as he has saved whole humanity..."
-
- +2
-
-
mr
written by islam, March 17, 2011
written by islam, March 17, 2011
As regards to Japan and with any disaster a wise muslim reflects with '...fear Allah and he teaches you'(2:82)
-
- -2
-
-
Re: We need to take responsibility
written by Assad, March 17, 2011
written by Assad, March 17, 2011
@Mohammad
What you said about Japan not being muslims is the fault of the Ummah is wrong.
[Fatir 35:4] "And if they deny you, many Noble Messengers were denied before you; and towards Allah only is the return of all matters."
The Quraysh were not persuaded by the prophet, was that the prophets fault. Allah tells us that it is only He that guides.
What you said about Japan not being muslims is the fault of the Ummah is wrong.
[Fatir 35:4] "And if they deny you, many Noble Messengers were denied before you; and towards Allah only is the return of all matters."
The Quraysh were not persuaded by the prophet, was that the prophets fault. Allah tells us that it is only He that guides.
-
- -3
-
-
Japan's disaster
written by shehzada javied malik, March 17, 2011
written by shehzada javied malik, March 17, 2011
Japan's tragedy is a devine punishment as well as warning to whole Muslim Ummah. Allah says in Holy Qura'n,"Thus We have made you a just nation,that you be witnesses over mankind and the Messenger be a witness over you. We must reflect on ourselves, have we fullfilled that promise. Before blaming Japanese, we must take the responsibilty and come back to senses.
-
- +2
-
-
...
written by Ijaz, March 17, 2011
written by Ijaz, March 17, 2011
If the Japanese are punished for not submitting to Allah, although they are unaware of Allah's powers. What is your opinion towards those countries who claim to be Muslims and know that not submitting to Allah is dangerous and yet engage in severe injustice and evil?
-
- +4
-
-
Japan Disaster
written by Ibrahim, March 17, 2011
written by Ibrahim, March 17, 2011
I find this reasoning to be infantile,what was the reason for the disaster in Pakistan?
This was a natural disaster,bound to ocur at some point,it was unavoidable consequence of techtonic plate area being heavily populated,coincidence,not punishment.Disaster happens all the time,in every town and village,its called life.
This was a natural disaster,bound to ocur at some point,it was unavoidable consequence of techtonic plate area being heavily populated,coincidence,not punishment.Disaster happens all the time,in every town and village,its called life.
-
- +0
-
-
We need to take responsibility
written by Mohammad, March 17, 2011
written by Mohammad, March 17, 2011
In ones the the fact that the people of Japan did not submit to Allah (swt) is the fault of the Muslim Ummah, especially those in positions of power. This is because we have not carried the message of Islam to the people of Japan, they only see Islam through the Media. Before they can even think about becoming or embracing Islam, they need to know what it is about.
-
- +1
-
-
...
written by Danish, March 17, 2011
written by Danish, March 17, 2011
I see the point in your article. However, I thing Japan is not only the country, which avails the highly advanced level of human living standards. Most of the countries now are developing and getting astray in material world, it is high time that they should think about their creator. My second point is that is it fair and allowed to help the people of Japan? because if we believe their tragedy was given to them by the God, should we help them by any means?
-
- -5
-
-
Write comment
Chill out! show some respect for the Ulema, arrogance is not from amongst our islam....
Never once in the article did the Shiekh say >>>THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE Tsunami's HAPPENED