Natural hazards a punishment from Allah is always likely

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Assalaam Alaikum folks.  I don't know if I've put my question at the right board, if not, please transfer it to the appropriate one sister zeynab.  It's been in my mind since long.  I was reminded of it again today after watching those devastating bush fires in South Australia that destroyed hundreds of homes and killed 125 people (and this number may rise).  Like all forest fires, it started as a natural disaster which it apparently is.  Now they're calling it 'arson' and have made it a 'crime scene.'  This has always been the case with all bush fires in the past in America, Australia, Europe and Canada.  However, uptil now no one has been caught with any plausible motive for purposely starting a fire in the woods.  As a natural occurence, it's a common phenomenon in hot dry summers and very possible to happen.  Yet, neither the community nor the authorities feel comfortable looking upon it as a natural disaster.

Therefore in all such cases - bush fires, tsunamis, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes etc., the element of test is certainly there for us by the Divine Power.  At the same time, I think the possibility in some such hazards or for some people in such hazards of retribution must also be there.  After all, the Noble Quran tells us of many communities where disobedience to the commandments of Allah was rife were destroyed by His will as punishment. 

But I've noticed, that if at present in the so-called "modern era" any natural disaster is even indirectly hinted as a possible retribution from Allah Almighty, people get annoyed and label this thought as "fundamentalism" or simply being "unsympathetic." 

Any comments?

[Zainab_M]

Walaikum Salaam sister.  I think you've posted this topic at the right board.  No need to move it elsewhere.  This topic is also a very thoughtful one.  I understand what you mean.  You are right that nowadays looking upon a natural disaster as a retribution from Allah makes those with the label of 'modernists' uncomfortable.  And yes, they do think it to be an unsympathetic gesture.  But in reality there's nothing unsympathetic about it.  It's just being realistic without any cover-ups on the truth.  In my opinion, whether or not people like to be told this, the fact is that one of the reasons of natural disasters may well be Divine Retribution as a result of a disobedient trend followed by many of that community.  This doesn't mean that only the disobedient ones will perish.  Some obedient and believing ones may also die.  But for a believing person, death is never a punishment.  Death is to be feared only by the disbelievers.  Similarly some believing as well as disbelieving people might not face death but may face loss of their loved ones and and loss of property.  This for a believer is a test, and for a disbeliever another punishment like death. 

[Ruhi_Rose]

I would say, a natural hazard causing widespread death, injury and destruction can bring different messages for different individuals of that community.  It can be a punishment for some, a test for some and a means for some to keep them away from a greater disaster. 

If such a natural hazard hits a community that has a lot of sinful people (and only Allah can have this information) then it can largely be called a punishment. 

But it's only Allah Who decides and carries out the punishment.  We as humans are expected to be focused on elevating our own iman and conduct, and when we see someone suffer -- whether it's from a natural disaster or any other source -- we must do all we can to offer practical help like donating money, food, medicines, clothes or whatever might be needed at such a time.

[Heba E. Husseyn]

Thanks for enlightening me with your wise contributions sisters.

But it's only Allah Who decides and carries out the punishment.  We as humans are expected to be focused on elevating our own iman and conduct, and when we see someone suffer -- whether it's from a natural disaster or any other source -- we must do all we can to offer practical help like donating money, food, medicines, clothes or whatever might be needed at such a time.

This is absolutely correct.

[Zainab_M]

Yes .. that last bit from sister rose is right on.