Dr. Mohammed Bouloz
The incident occurred, and the earthquake struck the farthest regions of Morocco. May Allah have mercy on the martyrs and grant them the highest paradise. May Allah be with the wounded, the disabled, the orphans, the widows, those who have lost their loved ones, and those who have lost their possessions. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him, we shall return, and there is no power or strength except with Allah, the Exalted, the Almighty…
Earthquakes are among the signs of Allah. An “ayah” encompasses signs, indications, lessons, and miracles. The stability of the Earth is a miracle when you consider its shape, rotation speed, surroundings, components, plates, the minerals and explosive materials within it, volcanoes, fires, and the earthquakes themselves. Earthquakes occur, as experts indicate, when there is a separation or sliding of tectonic plates in the Earth’s crust. When these plates move away from each other or collide, it can result in fractures or explosions beneath the Earth’s surface. Energy is released, causing vibrations or strong and weak earthquakes depending on the amount of energy released by these processes. For example, in our recent earthquake in the region of Al-Houz, where the epicenter was, the effects of the vibrations extended to about 400 kilometers, and we felt it even in the capital. People panicked, and in many Moroccan cities, they went outdoors, fearing the aftershocks.
A believer considers and reflects upon all the signs of Allah, unlike the disbelievers and polytheists. As Allah says: “And how many a sign within the heavens and the earth do they pass over while they, therefrom, are turning away?” [Surah Yusuf: 105]. The signs that relate to the destiny of humans and the fate of the universe around them are of particular importance. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) informed us that an increase in earthquakes is a sign of the approaching end times. In Sahih al-Bukhari, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The Hour will not be established until knowledge is taken away, earthquakes increase, time passes quickly, trials appear, and there is a lot of killing and wealth increases.”
The divine signs that appear to people as severe, violent, or destructive enter into Allah’s decree, His majesty, His names, attributes, vast knowledge, and wisdom. These signs serve either as reminders, warnings, or as a form of punishment. Allah says: “So mention the favors of Allah; perhaps you will be successful.” [Surah Al-A’raf: 69]. Allah’s favors are His blessings. Just as many people do not recognize the blessing of security until they experience the trials of fear and war, or do not appreciate good health until they suffer from diseases and illnesses, similarly, they do not recognize the value of fertility until they witness and experience drought and scarcity. They may not appreciate the stability, beauty of nature, and its joys until they face storms, floods, earthquakes, and the like. A believer asks Allah to recognize His blessings through their continuity, not their absence.
Furthermore, the sending of signs, including earthquakes, serves as a warning from the Lord to His servants. Allah says: “And We send not the signs except as a warning.” [Surah Al-Isra: 59]. These signs are meant to make people reflect and return to Him, for if they do not fear, then the consequences will be upon them. Ibn Kathir mentioned that during the time of Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him), Kufa experienced an earthquake. He said, “O people, your Lord is warning you, so take heed.” It is also narrated that during the time of Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), Medina experienced an earthquake. Umar said, “You have changed, I swear by Allah, if it returns, I will do something.” This was to punish the open sinners.
Earthquakes and various forms of the earth swallowing people beneath them can also serve as a punishment for persisting in injustice, wrongdoing, disobedience, polytheism, denial, and rebellion. Allah says: “Say, ‘He is the [one] Able to send upon you affliction from above you or from beneath your feet or to confuse you [so you become] sects and make you taste the violence of one another.’ ” [Surah Al-An’am: 65]. Allah mentions the ways of punishment, including sending afflictions from above, such as stones sent upon the people of Lot, or floods sent upon the people of Noah, and other similar events. Believers should hasten to repentance, correction, and upholding righteousness, abandoning polytheism, disbelief, doubt, and turning to the oneness of the Lord of the worlds. They should also move from innovation to following the Sunnah, from sins and transgressions to obedience and rectitude, from neglecting the remembrance of Allah to performing acts of worship, ordering good, forbidding evil, and striving for the establishment of His religion and sacrificing for its sake.
Repentance should also extend to avoiding what is forbidden, staying away from doubtful matters, and abstaining from questionable desires. It involves abandoning usury, deceit, gambling, alcohol, adultery, oppression, and deceit, as well as various forms of unjustly consuming people’s wealth. Believers should strive for lawful and righteous living, fearing Allah both in private and public life. They should also uphold the modesty and chastity of Muslim women, following the guidance of their Lord and the guidance of their Prophet in displaying their adornments only to those specifically mentioned by Sharia, not to others. When reading the verse that specifies these individuals in Surah An-Nur (Surah 24, Verse 31), it becomes clear why they are mentioned in detail, dispelling doubts about the rules of modesty for Muslim women.
Repentance also involves moving away from tyranny, unjust control over people’s lives and livelihoods, ruling without adhering to what Allah has revealed, oppressing His servants, suppressing their legitimate freedoms, disrupting their families, dividing Muslims, weakening them, handing their affairs to their enemies, neglecting their causes, and neglecting their development and progress. It means strengthening the bonds of justice, consultation, true democracy, development, and revival that unite and protect their sacred values, bringing happiness to their families and education.
Earthquakes are also a test and an examination, where there is no option but to win and succeed in various fields related to this ancient natural phenomenon, which existed before humans and will accompany them until it is said, “When the earth quakes with its [final] earthquake. And the earth discharges its burdens.” What is [the matter] with it? So, earthquakes test one’s faith in their Lord, in His names, attributes, knowledge, wisdom, power, decree, and destiny. They remind us that He is encompassing, and nothing escapes Him, and nothing is beyond His ability. It prompts reflection on the true meaning of life, emphasizing that the greatest concern should be to seek God’s pleasure above all else. Earthquakes test the strength of one’s relationship with their Lord and offer an opportunity to draw nearer through remembrance, prayer, worship, supplication, and contemplation of the Creator’s greatness and the act of doing good deeds. People become more tolerant and compassionate towards those affected by earthquakes, sharing in the tragedies of those who have lost loved ones and property. It strengthens their connections and cooperation with those who seek to rescue and compensate for the losses. Earthquakes provide an opportunity for collective action and collaboration with others, helping the weak and needy, sympathizing with the afflicted, and aiding the traumatized…
Throughout all of this, one remembers the guidance of their faith, as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” (Agreed upon). He also said: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress, Allah will relieve his distress on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever alleviates the difficulty of a needy person, Allah will alleviate his difficulty in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter. Allah helps His slave as long as he helps his brother.” (Muslim).
Earthquakes also reveal the strength of will, determination, and the ability of humans to recover and rebuild after disasters and calamities.
This spiritual, religious, and faith-based aspect of earthquakes never makes us forget the scientific and realistic approach, the acquisition of human experience in dealing with the phenomenon. This includes good preparedness and prevention of earthquake damage to the extent possible. This involves adopting the best preventive measures in building construction, fortifying earthquake-resistant structures, strengthening their foundations, and developing seismic-resistant structural design studies to reduce damage. It also includes securing furniture, preparing emergency kits, training people in first aid principles, and teaching them ways to minimize earthquake losses. Learning first aid skills contributes to survival in emergency situations and can have a significant impact on saving lives.
Media guidance and ongoing awareness campaigns help reduce potential risks, improve knowledge of how to respond and handle earthquakes and their aftermath effectively, and resist panic and confusion. Encouraging social solidarity and mutual assistance in difficult times is crucial. Providing various forms of psychological, spiritual, educational, and social support is essential. Earthquakes are also an opportunity to advance scientific research in the field, improve prediction and preparedness to minimize losses. Let us not forget the weapon of prayer and supplication to the One who created the heavens and the earth, seeking His protection and refuge, for He never sleeps or fails.
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