In recent days, Bangladesh has experienced several minor earthquakes. Although Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, it is unfortunate that most media reports and discussions on these incidents have reflected perspectives similar to those of philosophers, secularists, and non-Muslims. It is also worth reflecting on how aware and spiritually conscious we, the general public, have been as Muslims. We must reassess our faith, our thoughts, our awareness, and our actions. With this intention, we present this article. May Allah grant us the ability to understand the truth. Aameen.
ظَهَرَ ٱلْفَسَادُ فِى ٱلْبَرِّ وَٱلْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ أَيْدِى ٱلنَّاسِ لِيُذِيقَهُم بَعْضَ ٱلَّذِى عَمِلُوا۟ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُونَ
Meaning: Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by what the hands of people have earned so He (Allah Almighty) may let them taste part of what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]. Sura Ar-Rum 30:41
Allah Almighty, the Lord of the Worlds, is the Owner and Lord of everything. His power and might is limitless. The universe is filled with His countless signs.
Two Categories of People
Everything fears Him and trembles before Him constantly. But the matter of humans and jinn is somewhat different. This is because humans and jinn have been placed in a test. They have been given choice (ikhtiyar). They have the choice to believe in Allah or not to believe – they can choose any between the two. Therefore, not all humans and jinn believe in Allah. Those who believe will be successful and worthy of reward (in the Afterlife). Those who do not believe in Allah will be failures, deserving of punishment.
Even after earthquakes (or any such disaster) take place, there are two categories among people: believers in Allah and those who deny Allah, the disbelievers. There is a vast difference in the thinking and actions between the two groups.
Throughout the ages, countless disasters, calamities, and problems have come to this world – the influence and reactions of the two types of people have been different. The same is happening today. This will continue to happen through the passage of time; there will be no exception to this.
Not just earthquakes, but any adversity, illness, affliction, calamity, or epidemic – whether it befalls an individual or a region or community – regarding all such matters, the attitude, influence, and reaction of Muslims is fundamentally the same: we are afflicted because of our sins. They will say: we need to increase repentance (Tauba), seeking forgiveness (Istighfar), supplication (dua), good treatment of one another, purification in transactions, and cooperation in good deeds. The correction of these matters is the most important task. Because Allah is pleased when these are observed. If not observed, He becomes displeased.
Punishment and calamity come by Allah’s command, as a result of His displeasure and also to warn us that the punishment of the Hereafter is many times more painful. Because of this belief, believers renew their efforts toward Allah’s path when faced with disasters, turning towards Allah much more.
On the other hand, those who deny Allah – the disbelievers – remain completely heedless of Him and His Might. In all kinds of afflictions and adversities, they focus on the material world. They take refuge in material things with full force. They take precautions in such a way that these material things or means are the fundamental ways and means of survival and death. It’s as if their belief that “the correct use and reliance on material things” can reduce losses, can even save from all sort of losses – as if the means and methods have their own power or ability to do so!!
If someone denies the self-power of means and methods, then they must acknowledge divine power. The belief of disbelievers is fully in means and methods or a portion means and methods and partly in their gods they make by their own hands or just imagine up in their mind!
A Question and Its Answer
The question is: in seeking ways to survive disasters, don’t Muslims also rely on means and methods? Why do Muslims, who say “Allah does everything” and also rely on means and methods?
In reactions after earthquakes, Muslims also run out of their homes; they also think/plan that buildings need to be constructed more solidly, etc. So where does the difference remain between the beliefs of Muslims and disbelievers?
Today’s article intends to shed some light on this. And the purpose is mainly so that a Muslim understands that his belief and actions are different from those of a disbeliever. Although the external state of both their “actions” often appears similar, there is definitely a difference between the two groups actions besides their belief. And a conscious believer knows, accepts, and clearly understands this. It would be very sad and alarming if a Muslim were satisfied merely by verbally professing faith – if nothing of faith (Imaan) is reflected on his actions or deeds. Generally, Imaan i.e. inner faith is something that should be manifested, which is manifested through good deeds. If someone has a Muslim name but there is no proof of faith in his actions, his faith is questionable. And if any actions completely contrary to faith are found (that nullifies faith fully), then it becomes clear that he is not a believer at all; only a Muslim name doesn’t matter.
The prerequisite for being a believer is to acknowledge and believe in Allah as the Lord in such a way that His sovereignty is fully acknowledged and believed. In all matters, He alone – that is, only Allah Almighty alone – should be acknowledged and believed as the Creator, Sustainer and the Maker of results. There is no means, thing or event that is outside Allah’s creation and outside His control – a believer firmly believes this – there cannot be the slightest of doubt in this faith. And whatever Allah has said through His special servants, the Prophets and Messengers, must be completely believed. According to Imaan, no creation in the universe – whether living or non-living, human or any other creature or object – none of them, individually or collectively, has the power to do anything until Allah has given them authority or ability to do. Simply, humans or any creation cannot do whatever they wish. But just as Allah is capable of doing everything, He can do whatever He wills whenever He wills – absolute dominion belongs to Allah and Him alone. The actions of a believer are completely in accordance with this belief, or at least he definitely refrains from actions contrary to faith. Those who repent from sins are also included among those who refrain. Repentance is such an action that only a believer is capable of doing! Only a believer is capable of acknowledging a sin as a sin.
