Naturals Disasters - Azaab(punishment from allah)

[sajid]

Salams

anyone know more info about this Natural disasters like earthquake,cyclones,hurricans, etc are all From Allah something to do with sinning or something?

ive seen it somewhere that earthquakes are assosictated with Singing and dancing...

anyone know more about this stuff?

ws
s

[sajid]

http://www.sunnahonline.com/ilm/purification/0031.htm

The Earthquakes
Khutbah by Shaykh Saalih al-Hamraani



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Translation of a Khutbah (08/27/99)

Have fear and consciousness of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and ponder over events that happen around you. Learn lessons from them and remember, for the intelligent one is he who remembers and takes admonition.

The topic of this khutbah is the destructive earthquake that hit part of Turkey. The earthquake which caused thousands of people to die, caused loss of wealth and properties, and forced people to seek refuge outside of their dwellings, now being without their home and their wealth, and without food and drink. The earthquake which turned security into fear, richness into poverty, caused joined families to depart, and turned life into death. Without doubt, in it is a lesson for those who take lessons and a reminder for those who remember, so that they may return to their Lord and their Creator.

The Truthful, the Chosen one (as-Saadiq al-Mustafa), sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has informed us that a multitude of earthquakes is a sign of the proximity of the Hour. He informed us that they would be many at the end of the time.

Ahmad relates in a hadeeth narrated by Abu Hurairah, radhiallahu 'anhu, that the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The Hour will not happen until knowledge is taken out, time passes quickly, earthquakes increase in number, tribulations (fitan) appear, and al-Harj increases in number." It was said, "What is al-Harj, O Rasoolullah?" He said, "Al Qatl, al Qatl (Killing)."

A lot of what is mentioned in this hadeeth has already materialized.

Happenings of earthquakes and the like from other destructive and disastrous events are the greatest evidence of the astonishing power of Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. Earthquakes are from among the soldiers of Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, subjected to His order. He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, causes fear in the hearts of those whom He wills, teaches lessons whom He wills and punishes whom He wills.

"And none can know the Forces of your Lord, except He." (74:31)

"For to Allah belong the Forces of the heavens and the earth." (48:7)

If the Ummah leaves Allah's Sharee'ah, ignores the Deen of Allah ta'ala and follows its enemies, Allah will subjugate it to His armies, which no one knows except He. From among these armies are the earthquakes.

"Such is the Seizure of your Lord when He seizes the towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful and severe." (11:102)

"When We decide to destroy a town, We (first) send a definite order (to obey Allah and be righteous) to those among them who are given the good things of this life. Then, they transgress therein, and thus the word (of torment) is justified against (them). Then we destroy it with complete destruction." (17:16)

Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, with this earthquake makes clear to His servants a plain reality, that the kingdom of the heavens and the earth is in His Hands, subhanahu wa ta'ala, and that He is the Irresistible and Dominant over His servants.

Some people may be astonished by what the West has from the materialistic power, from various weapons, aircraft carriers, bombs, satellites etc., and they forget that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, allowed that piece of land to move and shake, being able to shake the force of the West and the East. Everything is in His Hands, He has power over all things, and no one in the Heavens and the Earth can weaken Him, subhanahu wa ta'ala. Appearance of the earthquakes therefore points us to a different reality that may be absent in the minds of some people, those who are busy with this world and who are servants of materialism.

This earthquake also reminds us of the Day of Judgment. The Day when all of the Earth will shake, and not only one part of it. Allahu subhanahu wa ta'ala says,

"O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour is a terrible thing. The Day you shall see it, every nursing mother will forget her nursling, and every pregnant one shall drop her load, and you shall see mankind as in a drunken state. Yet they will not be drunken, but the Torment of Allah will be severe." (22:1-2)

Look what is left after the earthquake from destroyed buildings and houses, deaths of thousands, and families seeking refuge outside of their homes. What state is that in which everyone is running away, caring about nothing? So what do you think of the Day of Judgment?

"That Day shall a man flee from his own brother, and from his mother and his father, and from his wife and his children." (80:34-36)

"One the day (when the first blowing of the Trumpet is blown), the earth and the mountains will shake violently." (79:6)

Allah ta'ala warns His servants with this earthquake to learn a lesson and be admonished, and to be ready and prepare themselves for the Day of sorting out, the day of the great earthquake, that will shake all of the earth.

Allah ta'ala has placed in this universe Sunan, fixed and manifest laws, neither do they change nor are they replaceable. He does not have any kinship with anyone, He is the sole Creator and Ruler, and He will question and hold accountable everyone, including prophets and messengers.

"Then surely, We shall question those to whom it (the Book) was sent and We shall question the Messengers." (7:6)

From among the established Sunan of Allah is that He does not send punishment except due to sin and He does not remove it except after repentance. Allah ta'ala says,

"Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned." (42:30)

Allah the Mighty and Majestic says: "Evil and mischief have appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, in order that they may return (by repenting to Allah)." [30:41]

Every disaster and every calamity that befalls the servants is due to their sins and wrongdoing. So know, servants of Allah, what wrongdoing does to its doers.

What has taken Adam and Eve from the Jannah except wrongdoing, and what Has drowned all of the people on the earth at the time of Nooh, to the point that water reached the peak of mountains, except wrongdoing?

Who is it who sent the furious violent wind upon the people of 'Aad, so that they were seen lying overthrown and destroyed, as if they were hollow trunks of palm-trees? Who is it who sent the awful cry upon the people of Thamud until it cut their hearts inside their bodies, and they all fell dead without exception? Who lifted the villages of the people of Loot till the angels heard barking of their dogs, then turned them upside down, and then rained upon them a rain of stones?

That is the immediate punishment for wrongdoing: drowning, fire, earthquakes, destruction, famine, raging wind...

"And the torment of the hereafter is far more severe and more lasting." (20:127)

Do we not take admonition and lesson? Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala says,

"Did We not destroy the ancients? So shall We make the later generations to follow them. Thus do We deal with the Mujrimoon (criminals, disbelievers, sinners.). Woe that Day to the deniers (of the Day of Resurrection)!" [77:16-19]

The earthquake of Turkey is just a warning from Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala - not only to the people of that country alone, but rather to the Muslims in general, in all lands - that they may return to their Lord and their Deen. Otherwise a punishment will come upon them. Allah ta'ala says,

"So We seized each of them for his sins." (29:40)

Many of the Muslims today have gathered many sins. We see those who delay and neglect prayers, eat haram, deal with riba, do not fulfill their trusts, order the evil and forbid the good. Those who indulge in mixing, display of awra, listening to music and songs, and those who have abandoned the Qur'an. All these exist in our society. Let us fear Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala and preserve what we have from the blessings, for wrongdoing removes blessings, rather it changes it to a curse. And let us be warned of an evil end, for Allah gives us a chance but is not neglectful. What has happened to the previous nations and some of the current ones will happen to us if we obey the Shaytan and go far from the path of the Most Merciful. These are the sunan of Allah that will never change.

"Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the Heaven, will not cause the earth to sink with you, then behold it shakes (as in an earthquake)? Or do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven, will not send against you a violent whirlwind? Then you shall know how (terrible) was My Warning." (67:16-17)

Let us pause and ask ourselves what has been the tangible impact on us since we have heard and seen this earthquake, and what it has left from the mighty and scary destruction that makes the hearts bleed. The happy one is one who learns from the calamity of others, and the sad one is by whom these calamities pass while he takes no lesson from them.

Just recently the sun eclipsed, then followed the floods, then the strong wind, and then this earthquake happened. The people are still as they were before, you see no change. You do not see people going back to the path of Allah and you do not see any crowds in mosques. It is unfortunate that the explanation offered for these events is that they are normal natural disasters, and that they do not link it to what happens to people due to their wrongdoing. Theirs is clearly an incorrect interpretation.

"And We sent not the signs except to warn, and to make them afraid (of destruction)." (17:59)


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[sajid]

AL ISLAAH PUBLICATIONS
Allah's Anger


REASONS FOR ALLAH'S ANGER AND WAYS FOR ITS REMEDY
by the Grand Mufti of Gujerat, India
Hadhrat Shaykh Mufti Abdur Raheem Lajpuri Saheb (Allah grant barakah to him)

Taken from the Urdu, "Wabaal-e-Ilaahi Ke Asbaab Aur Unka Ilaaj",by Sayed Ilyaas Pasha MA
Supervised byhaykh Suleman Bodiat Saheb,Khalifah Hadhrat Shafeeq-ul-Ummah, Moulana Faroook Saheb (Rahmatullah Alayhi)



QUESTION: The Religious Scholars (Ulama) are requested to shed light upon the factors behind Muslim distress and suffering all over the world. Muslims are facing riots and massacres at many places - Why is this?

ANSWER: There are several reasons for this sad state of affairs in the Ummah. Among the more prominent ones are the following:

· Lack of true faith in Allah Ta'aalaa.
· Increased disobedience towards Him.
· Increasing timidity among us.
· Love of the materialistic world (Hubb-e-Dunya wa Maal).
· Open disobedience of the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).
· Following our own innovated (bid'ah) practices and customs.
· Neglecting the rights of Allah (Huqooq-Allah), and the rights of creation (Huqooq-ul-Ibad).
· Our complete ingratitude towards the innumerable blessings showered upon us by our Benefactor, despite being totally unworthy of these blessings.
· Disregard for the selfless advice given to us by our noble Ulama in relation to our religion.

Almighty Allah sums up the reasons for our suffering in Surah 42, Aayeh 30 of the Holy Qur'an:
"Whatever misfortune happens to you, it is because of the things your hands have wrought, and for many of them He grants forgiveness..."

A further elaboration on this point is found in Surah 30, Aayeh 41:
"Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of man have caused; that Allah may give them a taste of some of their deeds; in order that they turn back from evil."

SEVERE PUNISHMENT FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF SINS
Indulging in disobedience and committing sins anger Allah, but certain sins are such that, if committed, will invite a very swift and severe punishment.

Among these types of sins are:
· Unjust decision-making and the breaking of a pledge - these await the imposition of tyrannical rule.
· Short-weighting and short-measuring by traders - await the punishment of famine, inflation and oppression.
· Widespread betrayal of trust will cause the imposition of tyrant rulers.
· Fearing death and inclining towards materialism (dunya) will result in timidity and fear among the faithful and, at the same time, the kuffaar forces will receive encouragement and strength. - Jazaa- ul-A'maal.

The companion, Hadhrat Thawbaan (Radhiallahu Anhu) narrated that Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said:
"A period will come when the non-believers will come closer by calling one another for annexing the nations of the believers just like how people call one another for eating food when it has been prepared." Someone then asked as to whether the Muslims will be few in number then? Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have replied, "You will be large in numbers, but will like hay before a flood of water. Your enemies will not fear you because you will be so weak and timid." One companion then asked the reason for this decline, and Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "Life (and its luxuries) will become more dearer to you and you will dislike death, (and facing Allah)". - Mishkat Shareef p.459. Chapter on Taghayyur-Un-Naas; Abu Dawood p.242.

Creating fear in the hearts of the enemies, which is a blessing from Allah Ta'aalaa, can only be achieved through adopting the pious life prescribed by the Shariah, and by following the practical life of Rasulullah (Salallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Regarding this last point, it is narrated in a Hadith (saying of Rasulullah, Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) thus:
"Whosoever emulates my way of life and adheres to my Sunnah, Allah will bless him with four favours:
- The love of such a person will be instilled into the heart of virtuous people.
- Sinners and disbelievers will fear such a person in their hearts.
- His livelihood and good fortune will be increased for him.
- Allah will strengthen him in religion." Sharh Shariat-ul- Islam Sayyed Ali Zadah p.8.

Allah Ta'aalaa has warned of dire punishment for those who do not order people to perform virtuous deeds and prevent them from committing evil and disobedient acts. He states in the Qur'an:
"And fear oppression which cannot fall exclusively on those of you who do wrong, and know that Allah is severe in punishment." Surah 8. Aayeh 25.

This verse is explained in Tafseer-e-Ma'aariful-Qur'an as follows:
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbas (Radhiallahu Anhu) has said that Allah has ordered Muslims to prevent immorality and disobedience in their towns and villages. Furthermore, not preventing such actions, despite having the power to do so will definitely result in severe punishment on all, irrespective of whether they be pious people or immoral people.

Imaam Baghawi has noted that in Shariah-Al-Sunnah and Ma'aalim appear narrations from Hadhrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radhiallahu Anhu) and Ayesha Siddiqah (Radhiallahu Anha) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said:
"Allah does not send His punishment on all the people for the sins of a certain group of immoral persons when He sees the virtuous people preventing the wrong-doers from their activities. In case they do not prevent them, then Allah will certainly send and spread His punishment."- Ma'aariful Qur'an Vol. 4. p. 212.

The Sahaabi, Hadhrat Hudhaifah (Radhiallahu Anhu), has narrated that the Nabi Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, "I swear by Allah, the One in whose hands my life is, continue to order and guide people towards virtuous deeds and prevent people from immoral acts and sins. Otherwise, Almighty Allah will surely send His severe punishment upon you. If you then turn to Allah and pray your prayers will not be accepted," - Mishkaat Shareef, p.436. Chapter on Amr-Bil -Ma'roof

DECLARATION OF WAR BY ALLAH UPON DEGRADATION AND INSULT OF PIOUS PEOPLE AND THE TRUTHFUL SCHOLARS OF ISLAM.
The act of degrading and insulting the truthful scholars of Islam, the pious and the virtuous, immediately calls for the descent of the wrath of Allah. It is narrated in one of the Divine Hadith (Hadith-e-Qudsi) that Allah has warned the Ummah in the following manner:
Whosoever tries to harm My friend (wali) will surely declare war upon Me.

Allah certainly comes to the aid of such Allah-fearing persons immediately upon seeing them harassed or targeted for insult and ridicule. It is further reported that He becomes furious and declares war on those committing such heinous crimes against His authority, by insulting and harming His pious servants, and when there is any dealing where interest is charged upon money. May Allah protect us all from these! Aameen.

Maulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi (Rahmatullah Alayh) has narrated a Hadith-e-Qudsi from Tafseer-e-Mazhari, in which Allah says:
"I will become angry upon the insulting and degrading of my pious slaves, like how a lion becomes furious when its cubs are harassed."

A Persian poet has described this in one of his couplets which mean:
We have witnessed in this world of revenge
that whosoever has teased and insulted the pious people;
Allah has never put any people to hardship unless
they have hurt the feelings of someone who had been fearing Him.

Many cities and nations have perished due to their ill treatment of certain pious people. When asked about the cause of earthquakes Ayesha Siddiqah (Radhiallahu Anha) is reported to have said:
"When adultery, drinking wine, singing, dancing and the use of various types of musical instruments become common and fashionable among the people, then the self-respect of Allah also comes into effect. If the people immediately rectify their mistakes, it stops. Otherwise, a vast area of people and grand buildings are raised to the ground and turned into heaps of mud." - Fataawah Raheemiyah Vol.3, p.207.

When we look at our lives, we are agreed that all these vices exist among us today. We know all too well how much importance we attach to the guidance of the Ulama, the weakness of our faith in Allah and in adhering to the teachings of Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Most of us have knowledge of religion but display our weak imaan in our lack of practice upon that knowledge. The attitude seems to be that the less we talk about our adherence to an Islamic way of life today, the better.

Take Salaat as an example, the symbol of a Muslim and the bedrock of Islam. Despite it being obligatory five times a day, we find that the masjids are devoid of worshipers, and the state of our womenfolk in their homes is just as pitiable. In fact, the home has become a haven for many innovated practices and customs, immorality and non-practicing of purdah (hijab) by our women. One of the most damaging tools for Shaytaan is the Television and VCR, essential items in every living room. The fact that is it has become the main cause of widespread singing, dancing, music and adultery in society at large. We fail to recognize how dangerous these vices are in life, not to mention the consequences which we are storing up for ourselves, when we have to face Allah Ta'aalaa.

The following saying of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is food for thought:
"My followers will also face incidents of sinking in the ground, disfigurement and the raining of heavy stones from the heavens." One of the companions asked when these incidents would manifest. To this Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) replied "When the evils of singing, dancing, music and drinking liquor will be common." - Tirmidhi Shareef.

Another Hadith of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) reports him as stating:
"During the last days of my followers, people will become monkeys and pigs." Those present inquired as to whether these people will not have faith in La-Ilaha-illalah, Muhammadur Rasulullah? The Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, "It is not so. They will become so because of their engagement in the profession of singing and music," - Fatawaa Raheemiya Vol. 2. p.323.
A recent Urdu poet has described the present prevailing conditions in society in the following way:
The present conditions which we are facing today remind us of the foretelling of our Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). He has been reported as saying that people will not hesitate to usurp properties belonging to others; they will indulge in immoral acts and will feel no remorse or regret; quarrels and enmity will be common among close relatives, like brothers, sisters, parents and their wards; daughters will be born to mothers as their enemies and mistresses; the feeling and fear of the presence of Allah will become rare among the faithful; people in congregational prayer will forget what they are doing.

The disobedience of Allah and the rejection of the Shariah will create a very dangerous situation calling for severe punishment, as has happened to past nations which transgressed. Allah has described these events in the Qur'an at various locations. One such verse is:
"Each one of them We seized for their crime, against some of them We sent a violent tornado; some were caught in a blast; some We caused the earth to swallow up; and some we drowned; it was not Allah who injured them; but they injured their own souls...." Surah 29 Aayeh 40

Allah explains to the believers how severe was His response to these crimes of spreading evil and challenging His Law. Those who seek His protection and mercy should become obedient servants and always submit to His orders. The following prayer is to be found in Darse-Qur'an:
"0 Almighty Allah! despite having been shown a very clear path of living a successful life by Your Rasul (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as desired by You, yet we have been committing the mistake of disobeying Your orders openly. 0 Allah! You certainly punished the people of former times for their rebellion against their Rasuls. Some were finished in floods while others perished in hurricanes; some had to face earthquakes and some were drowned and killed. 0 Great and Merciful Allah! You are the most Merciful and Beneficent. Those rebels were cruel to our souls. Their hard-heartedness made them cruel and thus they dared to rebel against your authority. 0 Merciful Allah! Bless us all with Your Mercy and make us learn the lessons from their most tragic termination, so that we can follow the right path shown to us by your Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Aameen!" - Darse-Quran Vol. 8. p.278.


WHAT SHOULD MUSLIMS DO IN SUCH A SITUATION?
Allah has said:
"And never give up hope of Allah's truly soothing mercy, no-one despairs of Allah's soothing mercy except those who have no faith." Surah12 A.87.

In a further Aayeh Allah Ta'aalaa states:
"So lose not heart and do not fall into despair, for you must gain mastery if you are true in faith." Surah 3. Aayeh139.
An Urdu poet has rightly depicted this in his couplet as under (the meaning of which is):
"It is the same world all around us. Even the Almighty Allah is the same, the Most Merciful. If anything has changed it is ourselves. It is our indifferent attitude towards religious teachings which has stopped Allah's aid reaching us."

It is indeed desired that we should seek guidance from the pious and the truthful scholars who are experts in these affairs, and then follow their advice.

The following is a taste of some of this guidance, which is deserving of our immediate attention and practise:

1. TURN TO ALLAH
The best cure for all ills and suffering today, is that we should turn to Allah and express our sincere regret and apology for our misdeeds. We should pledge to keep away from His disobedience in future, and begin to offer our Five daily Salaat (prayers) regularly. Men should attend the masjid punctually, and women should offer their Salaat in their homes as per the Shariah. Even children should be taught to cultivate a habit for Salaat. Allah has emphasized in the Qur'an as follows:
"Oh ye who Believe! Seek help with Patient Perseverance and Prayer, for Allah is with those who observe patience." Surah 2 Aayeh153.

Hadhrat Mu'adh bin Jabal (Radhiallahu Anhu) narrates that he once heard Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) saying, "A person who does not go for Salaat after hearing the adhaan is committing a great wrong and is doing an act of blasphemy and hypocrisy."

The renowned saint Hadhrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah Alayh) has said:
"You people have been totally negligent and careless about Allah Ta'aalaa. It is high time that you wake up and connect yourselves to the Mosques and the path of the righteous ones. Make sending Durood Shareef on Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) a regular habit and binding upon yourselves."

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has been reported as saying, "If Allah sends the fire from Hell (to punish the guilty), it will not touch those who are connected with the Masjids." Therefore, the act of neglecting Salaat will disconnect you outright from your link with Allah, and such a person will be deprived of His Closeness and Mercy. As Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said that a servant is closest to his Creator whilst in the act of prostration (sajdah). - Al-Fatha-Al-Rabbani, p.2.

2. NEED FOR ISTIGHFAAR AND TAUBAH
We must make a point to offer repentance for our sins and seek Allah's forgiveness regularly. It is revealed in the Qur'an that:
"But Allah was not going to send them a punishment whilst you were among them, and He was not going to send it while they sought forgiveness." Surah 8. Aayeh 33.

In the explanation to this aayeh it is said, "When the seeking of Allah's forgiveness by the non-believers can ward off punishment, then the seeking of forgiveness by the faithful is definite to bring His mercy on all."

Hadhrat Abu Moosa Ash'ari (Radhiallahu Anhu) narrates Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as saying, "Surely Allah has blessed my followers with two symbols of peace, firstly, myself and, secondly, the act of seeking forgiveness (Istighfaar), Remember! When I will no longer be in this mortal world, I will be leaving behind the act of seeking forgiveness. It will help you all to save yourselves from Allah's punishment."

It is reported in another Hadith that, "Shaytaan has said to Allah, 'I swear by Your honour that I will keep on misguiding your servants as along as they live,' to which Allah responded, 'I swear by my dignity that I will forgive them all as long as they continue to seek my pardon.'"
In an explanation of the above Qur'anic verse, some of the Sahaaba were unable to undertake the migration to Medina and remained in Makkah. Through the barakat of their act of continuously seeking Allah's forgiveness, no punishment descended even upon the disbelievers, despite their misdeeds. Through the act of pious people seeking forgiveness, even the sinners are saved from Allah's wrath and punishment.

3. ENCOURAGE THE GIVING OF CHARITY
Rich people must pay their Zakaat annually, as per the Shariah, in order to purify their wealth. In addition, regular voluntary alms (sadaqah) should be made to the poor to prevent the occurrence of hardships and misery. Wealth should be regarded as a gift and trust from Allah and for which one will be answerable. They should desist from spending upon prohibited items and should, instead, use their wealth to assist the needy or for the promotion of Allah's religion. It is common to see Muslims indulging in wasteful and questionable expenditure. Such people Allah has clearly termed as the brothers of Shaytaan, in the Qur'an as follows:"Verily, spend-thrifts are the brothers of the evil ones." Surah17. A.27

4. INCREASE THE TILAWAT OF THE QURAN
We should make a habit of reciting the Qur'an and engage in the remembrance of Allah (Zikr), recitation of Durood upon Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and making abundant dua. Collective offering of dua for women and children may also be arranged in their homes. The prescribed recitation of the Aayaat-e-Kareemah may also be organised now and then. It is stated below:
There is no God save Thee. Be Thou glorified! I have been a wrong doer. Surah 21. Aayeh 87.


5. STOP THE DISOBEDIENCE OF ALLAH
We must try to stop people in our locality from indulging in disobedience of Allah. The instruments of music, singing and dancing must be removed from our homes, as these attract the wrath of Allah very quickly. The act of adultery and its means must be eradicated. Women should observe purdah (veil) from non-mahram males, and stop offering their services in schools, offices and businesses, as these lead to the spread of vice and immorality. Peace and tranquillity in the family and society are eroded through these activities and ultimately leads to the erosion of human values. A mere glance at the happenings in today's society will confirm this state of affairs. If circumstances require womenfolk to earn a living, then they can take to teaching small children at home, do some handiwork or other petty trade from within the confines of their own homes. The intake of liquor and any type of drug and intoxicant must be avoided by all. We should all try to eradicate these vices from our society.

Some vices are listed below and which we should avoid at all costs:

Usurping the properties inherited by orphans; avoiding the sharing of inheritance with daughters; oppression; back-biting; not fulfilling a promise; telling lies and taking false oath; breaches of faith and treachery; desisting from fulfilling the rights due to Allah (such as performing Salaat, fasting during Ramadhaan, paying Zakaat and performing Haj); robbery; taking, giving and witnessing interest-based transactions; not advising people toward virtuous acts despite having the means to do so; making false allegations; behaving with arrogance and pride; engaging in gambling and various types of modern lotteries; bribery and corruption; insulting and degrading religious Scholars (Ulama); etc.

6. IMPLEMENT PROPER DEENI EDUCATION IN THE MAKAATIBS
Children must be given proper education and training in religious knowledge. The principles of faith (Imaan), Divine duties (Faraaidh), Islamic manners and etiquette must be taught first. They should know how valuable this knowledge is, and the consequences of its neglect. Allah has ordered the believers:
"O ye Believers! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire." Surah66. Aayeh 6

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has further warned,
"Remember, everyone from among you is responsible and accountable for those who are subordinated to you."
Hence, it is vital that we make arrangements for the religious upbringing of our children in every village and town.

7. RECONCILE DISPUTES AND DIFFERENCES
All types of disputes and differences should be stopped. Internal disputes are bound to cause serious damage to both religious and worldly interests. Allah states in the Qur'an:
"And obey Allah and His apostle; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and your power departs; and be patient and persevering, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere." Surah 8. Aayeh 46.

In another aayeh He says:
"And hold fast, all together, to the rope which Allah (stretches out for you) and be not divided among yourselves." Surah 3. Aayeh102.

8. SEEK GUIDANCE ONLY FROM THE ULAMA. ESTABLISH LINKS WITH THEM
We should seek guidance from the Ulama in all our dealings, and intend to follow their advice scrupulously. Never degrade or insult them. In Tirmidhi Shareef, Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said, "The Ulama are the heirs to the Ambiyaa." Thus - like complying with the teachings of our prophets - it is equally obligatory upon the faithful to follow the instructions of the Ulama. The knowledge of the Shariah is the legacy of the prophets and the
Ulama are its custodians, hence their instructions are to be treated as binding upon us. Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has said, "A religious Scholar (Alim) is superior to a worshiper, in the same way as myself to any ordinary people among you." - Mishkaat Shareef.

The renowned Scholar and Theologian, Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani (Rahmatullah Alayh) said: "When you seek the guidance of the Ulama you must follow their advice, as you will be accountable for this before Allah. Remember! It is as you sought the advice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and when it was given to you, you neglected it" - Al-Fath-Al-Rabbani.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) has warned those who fail to keep contact with the Ulama and who do not bother to heed their advice. He said: "A period will soon be upon us when my followers will avoid the Ulama. Allah will then punish such people in three ways:
· Barakat (blessing, abundance) will be taken away from their lives, making it difficult for people to make daily ends meet.
· Cruel rulers will be thrust upon them.
· They will leave the world without Imaan in their hearts."

Allah save us all from such an end. Aameen!

Hadhrat Ali (Radhiallahu Anhu) has reported Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) as having stated: "When my followers start hating the Ulama, turn towards (the construction of) huge buildings and prefer richness to piety when proposing marriage, Allah will punish them by four methods:

· Drought and famine will become frequent.
· Rulers will resort to oppression.
· People having authority and power will indulge in treachery.
· Enemies will attack continuously."

A glance at the world and the condition of the Ummah today leaves little doubt about whether these times are upon us. These conditions are only brought about by our own mistakes and misdeeds. There is no need to blame others! We must learn to respect the Ulama and treat their presence among us as a great gift from Allah. We should strive to seek their guidance and benefit from their company, and under no circumstances should we show them any disrespect.

9. CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE OF BROTHERHOOD
Sincere efforts must be made to create the atmosphere of fraternity and the brotherhood of Islam, whereby the rights of all humans, irrespective of their affiliation is honoured. Always try to avoid any act which may lead to misunderstanding and dispute. We should keep ourselves away from quarrels. The true Islamic Character of tolerance and fortitude (sabr) should be developed. When faced with any mischief, we should affectionately try to desist from it. If the other party does not desist then do not run away, but protect yourselves with full vigour.

The following principles must be remembered and followed when such situations arise:
1. Never harm old people (if they do not join the confrontations).
2. Never harm women (if they do not join the confrontation).
3. Never harm children.
4. Never show disrespect to the places of worship of other people.
5. Never attempt to cut off the noses and ears of people who confront you.
6. Never cut trees bearing fruit.
7. Never harm standing crops.
8. Do not burn any living animal.
9. Do not harm milking animals like cows, buffaloes, goats, etc.

10. MAKE THE WORLD AWARE OF THE BEAUTIFUL TEACHINGS OF ISLAM
To make our fellow citizens aware of the teachings of our faith, make them understand the reality of Tawheed and Risalet; strive for them to be blessed with the beauty of Imaan and save them from the eternal punishment of Jahannam This is a right they have over us. The Prophethood of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was for all mankind, not only for Muslims. So let us consider this also.
May Allah bless us all with His mercy, make us united, and strengthen our Imaan, and turn us to His Authority. May Allah save us from all types of evils and disputes. Aameen!

[AbuZayd Al-Britaani]

"It is too crude a view to regard a tragedy such as this earthquake as a straightforward divine punishment. The Islamic view is more subtle. We believe that the overwhelming forces of nature are only kept in check by Allah. Without His providence, our pathetic bodies would survive not for one instant amid the titanic powers of the universe. "


The above is a quote from an article reflecting on the Turkish disaster a few years ago called "When the Generous appears with the name Avenger" which can be found on www.masud.co.uk (click on Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad)

It is fairly long so I won't bother cutting and pasting it but it is worth a read if you are interested.

[MalcomBanned4?]

Earthquakes have been going on for millions of years, long before men were around to sing and dance. "Punishment from God" is just an excuse used by a man with his own agenda. (Newborn babies killed probably have never danced) Chris Columbus "used" his knowledge of luner eclipse to make Indians believe he had super (God like) powers, He knew one was coming, told the Indians "If you don't do _______ I'll make the moon disappear at midnight". While the moon was "gone" they agreed to his terms, he made a gesture and make it reappear.

[Kaiser]

Nah, that recent earthquake had nothing to do with the supernatural, it was just some plates movein and causing tectonic movement, its just the region.

[dour]

You build a city on active fault lines, you will have earthquakes. Build houses that are known to fall down in earthquakes, they will fall down. Build a house where hurricanes and tornadoes blow through, you will eventually get hit by a hurricane or tornadoes. Build a house on a bank of a river, eventually you will be hit by a flood. Build a house near a steep hillside, eventually you will get hit by a mud slide or something similar. I do not believe it is punishment of God. These things has happened long before man was there, and will continue to happen a long time after.

[mtsmallick]

Bismiallah Ir-rahman Ir-rahim

My personal thought is that, Prophet Muhammad (saw) use tp pray specially on the times of Solar escilpes etc and ask Allah (swt) for his forgivness.

Definnitely, such tragedies do infact is act of punishment to this ummah. People have pointed out serveral incidence where such natural disasters occured and conclude what kind of disobeidence what occuring in those areas. Places where Mosques had been closed for long time ago, muslims going in disbelievers worship places, and many grave violation of Allah (swt) deen do enrage Allah (swt).

If such thing do occurs to us shall not be taken as surprise as we on indiviual and on overall level do asking Allah (swt) anger to destroyed us.

People who sees wordly reasons for such disasters need guidence as we all need guidence and forgiveness.

Only things which Allah (swt) have ask to do shall be acted upon will difuse the the anger of Allah (swt) otherwise we are doomed and mark my word either we live in sesmeic area or not its irrelevant.


May Allah (swt) forgive our sins and give us courage to not to repeat such sins in our rest of our lives Amen

[Mary Carol]

Originally posted by mtsmallick
...Definnitely, such tragedies do infact is act of punishment to this ummah...

If "natural disasters" (earthquakes, floods, hurricanes) are believed to be a punishment from God, then who is God punishing when the most natural disaster of all befalls we humans...birth defects and illness?

I believe that disasters that befall humanity and individuals do not reflect on God punishing us, but merely give us pause to appreciate the power bestowed on Nature by God to ensure that in most instances, every intricate aspect of life turns out just right.

[UnenlightenedOne]

Ok, so bear with me on this one. Earthquakes are God's means to punish the humans (which he created in HIS image, BTW). So, we have a 6.5 quake in California with 2 fatalities and a 6.3 in Iran with 25000-40000 fatalities. So the question is, does God account for better construction and safety standards when meting out his punishment or are Americans just less deserving of HIS wrath??? Which is it?

[MalcomBanned4?]

Good question

[mtsmallick]

Bismiallah Ir-rahman Ir-rahim

So, we have a 6.5 quake in California with 2 fatalities and a 6.3 in Iran with 25000-40000 fatalities. So the question is, does God account for better construction and safety standards when meting out his punishment or are Americans just less deserving of HIS wrath??? Which is it?

Astaqfarallah! this is shere stupidity and non-sense of human being to comments like above. May Allah (swt) forgive us our ignorance.

My dear! Everything in this world is under All mighty Allah (swt) instructions. It Allah (swt) knows very well how to punish or how to reward somebody. Allah (swt) is perfectly capable of doing that and nobody can interfere in it.

This Earth, the wind and water etc every thing do their jobs according to Allah (swt) instructions. These earthquakes and other natural disasters in which humanbeing is not capable of averting it when it comes, is a time to think as why in earth this has happen.

In Quran, Allah (swt) has told us the history of many nations who have been destroyed by the same natural disasters. The simple reasons were that they disobyed Allah (swt).

More or less suffering and distruction, its Allah (swt) who knows it best and fully capable of destroying your remakable buid California in a minutes (dont you ever doubt it). But its Allah (swt) who knows very well.

May Allah (swt) give us guidence to fear his Alimighty and restrain our self from arrogance and ignorance. Amen

[AbuZayd Al-Britaani]

When calamity afflicts us it may be either TRIAL/TEST or TRIBULATION.

Alhamdolillah.

[UnenlightenedOne]

>>Astaqfarallah! this is shere stupidity and non-sense of human being to comments like above. <<

So you don't know either, right? I think it is shear stupidity to believe God chose to punish the Iranians more than the Americans, for some odd reasons. But of course, I wouldn't say so .

[Ali_Khan]

<<God chose to punish the Iranians more than the Americans, for some odd reasons>>

This discussion is getting increasingly ridiculous. Kaph, say we use your logic for a second and pretend that a HIV patient in India is getting punished more than George Bush in his camp David hide away. Does that mean George Bush has gotten away with it? No of course not. The people in the next world will wish that they had been punished for their sins in this life, because the punishment in that world is much greater than in this world. People being severally punished in the grave will beg Allah to extend their time in the grave because they will see hellfire and prefer that they receive the punishment of the grave than the hellfire of the next world. Then to imagine that we can escape punishment by building stable houses is pure Kufr. The only way we can escape punishment is by getting on our knees and begging for forgiveness from our creator.

[reachin'out]

The adab are the ayat of Allah. Mankind can detect them after the event, and even predict them shortly before the event. But it cannot stop them. The punishment of Allah falls on those who have abandoned Islam (submission to Allah only), and have become much more frequent, lately. Do you choose to ignore his warnings? Are you waiting for the Massih ad-Dajjal to appear before you repent and make Taubah to Allah? By then it will be too late. Is your eeman sufficiently strong to resist his call? Submit!

Allahumma inni, A'udhu bika min fitna til massih ad-Dajjal.

[UnenlightenedOne]

But did the Iranians in BAM forsake Allah and/or abandon Islam any more than anyone else? Why did they desserve Allah's punishment?

[Peace]

Originally posted by Sunni
"It is too crude a view to regard a tragedy such as this earthquake as a straightforward divine punishment. The Islamic view is more subtle."

Yes my sentiments exactly. I remember Shaikh Faisal giving a Khutbah at Willesden Library Centre when the Turkish earthquake happened and he said this earthquake is a punishment from Allah because the Turks have left the path of true Islam and drink and fornicate... etc...

I just cringed! I'm sorry but we just can't make simplistic judgments like that. God's Wisdom is far beyond our reasoning and blanket condemnation of thousands of good and innocent people who died or suffered from this or any other natural disaster.

Hassan

[Ali_Khan]

<<But did the Iranians in BAM forsake Allah and/or abandon Islam any more than anyone else? Why did they desserve Allah's punishment?>>

Did you even read my post, or anyone elses for that matter?

[reachin'out]

Allah knows the best. Allah has said that he will not punish a people unless they have been warned, nor will he punish the innocent along with the guilty.

The story of Lot is an example. Lot begged Allah not to punish his people, if there were 30 innocents among them Allah agreed. Then he asked Allah to progressively agree to fewer innocents (down to 10, I think), and Allah agreed. But there weren't any, except his family, and not even all of them (his wife was one of 'them'). So Allah made a way for his family (- wife) to escape and turned their city upside down.

Did you see what the ground looked like in Bam. 3/4 of the city looked like it had been turned upside down. Upto 70,000 dead. An accident?

And what about the Earthquake in Turkey, and Kashmir recently (have we forgotten?). Just because we say we are Muslims does not mean all of us submit as we should. The ayat are a warning to us, the Muslims, just as the typhoons and volcanos exploding and the earthquakes are a punishment for the non-believers in America and elsewhere. These latter ayat, of course, fall on deaf ears.

[UnenlightenedOne]

Si Jamila, are you saying the surviving citizens of BAM are innocent? The ones that were killed were guilty of something?

[reachin'out]

I haven't a clue. Allah is the one who knows all, and He it is who sends the Adaab upon the people.

[Ali_Khan]

Originally posted by reachin'out
Allah knows the best. Allah has said that he will not punish a people unless they have been warned, nor will he punish the innocent along with the guilty.

The story of Lot is an example. Lot begged Allah not to punish his people, if there were 30 innocents among them Allah agreed. Then he asked Allah to progressively agree to fewer innocents (down to 10, I think), and Allah agreed. But there weren't any, except his family, and not even all of them (his wife was one of 'them'). So Allah made a way for his family (- wife) to escape and turned their city upside down.

Did you see what the ground looked like in Bam. 3/4 of the city looked like it had been turned upside down. Upto 70,000 dead. An accident?

And what about the Earthquake in Turkey, and Kashmir recently (have we forgotten?). Just because we say we are Muslims does not mean all of us submit as we should. The ayat are a warning to us, the Muslims, just as the typhoons and volcanos exploding and the earthquakes are a punishment for the non-believers in America and elsewhere. These latter ayat, of course, fall on deaf ears.

i comepletly agree with you.

[reachin'out]

Besides. Even the survicors are touched. Is it worse to die under the crushing and suffocating loads of bricks and earth, or to survive with 90% of the people you called family, friends and workmates dead, no job and no home? Whose punishment is worse?

[Peace]

Originally posted by kaphirgoyim
Si Jamila, are you saying the surviving citizens of BAM are innocent? The ones that were killed were guilty of something?

No doubt that is what some must think - and this is why such a simplistic line of reasoning is so wrong. It's like saying:

"These men, women and children deserved to die or be horribly injured and maimed and left homeless and pennyless because they were filthy sinners and it didn't happen to us because we are righteous and better than them!"

Of course no-one will put it like that... but that's more or less what it amounts to!

But like I say we must avoid such a simplistic line of reasoning.

Yes the Qur'an does say "Whatever misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned." (42:30) - but that is a general statement in the plural to the whole of mankind and does not mean we can judge individuals in any particular disaster as sinners. Indeed we must know that we are all sinners to a lesser or greater extent and that if God allows a disaster to befall one person and not us - it is a test for us too! And it must make us rush to the aid of those people and remember God and thank Him that he spared us and our family from such a test as He has put upon others.

Hassan

[sajid]

Jamilah explained it all greatly!

[reachin'out]

Hassan, to admit that these are the adab of Allah is not to be self righteous. The next one it could happen to is me, or you! Or do we think we are perfect in obedience to Allah? Nothing happens on this world unless Allah allows, and nothing prevents a thing from happening unless Allah wills it. Think about the example of Nineveh, which avoided immediate distruction by their submission to the message Yunus brought them!

The adab are warnings, as well as dreadful punishments. Will we not take heed?


(and, yes, we should send all the aid we can. After all, some did survive. May Allah have mercy on them).

[Peace]

Originally posted by reachin'out
The adab are warnings, as well as dreadful punishments. Will you not take heed?

Oh I agree about taking heed seeing it as a warning etc...

But it's the bit about labelling them all as 'sinners' that worries me. As I said - to a certain extent we are all sinners! It would be wrong of me to judge the thousands of men women and children (including babies) who died as all 'sinners' being 'punished' by God!... such a line of thinking is horribly judgmental and simplistic and imho, belittles the Wisom of Allah - which is much greater than we can fathom!

Hassan

[reachin'out]

Are you saying the Earthquake 'just happened' without Allah willing it?

[reachin'out]

And I make no judgement. Do I know the unseen? Only Allah knows why He did what He did. However, you have to recognize He did it. Nothing happens in the world except He allows it. And His adab are never unjust.

[Peace]

Originally posted by reachin'out
Are you saying the Earthquake 'just happened' without Allah willing it?

No.

Are you saying that all the people who were killed and suffered were being punished for their sins?

[reachin'out]

I do not know the unseen.

[Peace]

Originally posted by reachin'out
I do not know the unseen.

What's the point of participating in the discussion if you are going to say that! - Of course you do not know the unseen! No one knows the unseen. But it doesn't stop us discussing whether Natural Disasters are a punishment from God upon the sinful.

Now you previously said:

"Allah has said that he will not punish a people unless they have been warned, nor will he punish the innocent along with the guilty."

The obvious question which both I and Kaph asked is "So do you consider the victims of the Iranian Earthquake are being punished for their sins!"

If you don't want to give a a clear answer... fine! But then why participate in the discussion in the first place?

Hassan

[reachin'out]

Because I heard the khutba over this subject, today. I am not willing to Judge where Allah has made His Judgement. The Adaab are to make us sit up and notice.

Recall, however, Lot did not say ONE innocent in the city under threat of distruction. He said TEN.

Would Allah allow a believer to die under these conditions? Well, if a believer dies in the way of Allah by suffocation and the earth falling on her, this is one of the means of attaining Shaheed. What a compensation for the believer! Allah is always Just. Were none of the survivors sinners? Were all of the dead people those who disobeyed the command to 'worship none but Allah Alone'? I do not know.

[UnenlightenedOne]

Ok, so if they died due to Allah's wrath, and were innocent, HE was doing them a favor anyway, is that what you mean?

[reachin'out]

Again, you are putting words in my mouth.
I Judge them neither innocent nor guilty. Allah is the one who knows.

From our point of view, we should see the power of Allah and his wrath against a people whom we know (their being shi'ite) regard their leading Mullah as being infallible, a partner with Allah. We have seen it happen to other people who worship at the graves of dead scholars or pious people (Kashmir?) and in a society that puts secular law above the law of Allah (Turkey).

Knowing this, and seeing the punishment, we should fear Allah and repent our sins lest the same befall us. Were the people punished sinners? Most likely they were. Were any innocent? A small percentage, if any. Was Allah Just against the innocent. His Justice will embrace them on the Day of Judgement if not now.

So why do you want to make it a black and white issue in terms of 'human judgement'?

Just take the terrible ayat to heart, and submit to Allah, hoping for His reward.

[Peace]

Originally posted by reachin'out
Were all of the dead people those who disobeyed the command to 'worship none but Allah Alone'? I do not know.

Surely there is no disputing that the babies and children were not being punished for their sins?

[UnenlightenedOne]

>>Again, you are putting words in my mouth.<<

I would never do that. Does my statement accurately portrait the summation of your statement-

>>Would Allah allow a believer to die under these conditions? Well, if a believer dies in the way of Allah by suffocation and the earth falling on her, this is one of the means of attaining Shaheed. What a compensation for the believer! Allah is always Just.<<

I am not asking you to sit in judgement of anybody.

[mtsmallick]

Bismiallah Ir-rahman Ir-rahim

This is not matter of concern to the muslims that those who dies in these naturals disasters were criminals. sinners or etc. We are more sinner and all all sorts of disobeying of Allah (swt). So we dont have this value to judge any one. But it is believe that such disasters are not Allah (swt) blessing. Definitely, we human being tend to do such sins individually or collectively, which might dont think as importance, but it does displease Allah (swt) that such disasters are sent to these people. Even few people displeasement of Allah (swt) do become reasons of whole people death through such disasters.

To my recollection, recent rains in pakistan hits the interior sindh badly, with mentioning of an Area of Badin, which was nearly completely destroyed. When people rushed to that place and inquire about, they learnt that Badin was in Urdu "Ba-Din". The situation was that mosques were closed or even made for other purpose, people were converting to christain through some missionries due to poverty. So how come Allah (swt) would send his blessings on place where there is no one to call Allah (swt) name. So people of thoughtful do conclude that there is something very displeasing which brought Allah (swt) so much that whole community dies through such disasters. Similar was found in a place just oustside Karachi called Thana bolla Khan.

We even can look into lives, dance, musics, Interest, Prostituation, No-hijab, mix-gathering, few people in mosques, etc all are being done after Calling ourself as Muslim. Then How come Allah (swt) wouldnot sent such disasters on us. If we are safe now is not due to our good deeds, its becoz Allah (swt) is the merciful and most forgiver in this universie. He (swt) has given us time to redress our self and stop the thing which displeases Allah (swt).

May Allah (swt) forgive our sins and have mercy on us. Amen

[reachin'out]

Did the babies and children escape from the punishment of the 'Ad. Or the Thammud? You know the story of Moses and Khidr. Why did Khidr kill the young boy?

Moses accused him "You have killed an innocent person who had killed no one! Verily, you have committed a dreadfully grave sin."

Khidr later explained, "As for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them with his disbelief and rebellion. So we intended that our Lord exchange him for them with someone better in righteousness and nearer to Mercy."

How did he know the young boy was to be a rebellious disbeliever if he had grown up?

The same goes for the children in Bam. If they would have been innocents, they will get their just reward. If the were to be rebellious ingrates and disbelievers, they were justly punished.