Surahs in Holy Quran to seek protection from Earthquakes

by Taha Ali AlQuranClasses

Earthquakes are natural disasters that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. Islam sees earthquakes as a sign of the power and majesty of God, and the Quran and the Hadith contain many references to them.

This article will explore the Islamic view of earthquakes and how they have been understood and interpreted throughout Islamic history.

Theological Perspective

From an Islamic theological perspective, people consider earthquakes as one of the signs of Allah's power and might, and the Quran mentions them several times as a warning to those who do not obey Allah's commandments.

For example, in Surah Al-Zumar, Allah says, "And if Allah should touch you with adversity, there is no remover except Him. And if He touches you with good, then He is competent. He is the subjugator over His servants. And He is the Wise, the Acquainted [with all things]."

(Quran, 39: 38-39).

This verse highlights that Allah has power over everything and that people should fear Him and obey His commandments.

In another verse, Allah warns people that earthquakes can happen anytime, and they should be prepared for them. "And do not let those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so they may increase in sin, which is a humiliating punishment. Allah would not leave the believers in that [state] you are in [presently] until He separates the evil from the good.

Nor would Allah reveal to you the unseen. But [instead], Allah chooses His messengers whom He wills, so believe in Allah and His messengers. And if you believe and fear Him, then for you is a great reward. Those who greedily withhold what Allah has given them of His bounty should never think it is better for them. Rather, it is worse for them. Their necks will be encircled by what they withheld on the Day of Resurrection. And to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. And Allah, with what you do, is [fully] Acquainted."

(Quran, 3: 178-180).

The above verse highlights that earthquakes can occur anytime and people should be prepared for them. Allah also emphasizes the importance of believing in Him and His messengers and following His commandments. If people do so, they will be rewarded in the Hereafter. However, if they disobey Allah and do not follow His commandments, they will be punished on the Day of Judgment.

Quranic Perspective

The Quranic View of Earthquakes The Quran is the central religious text of Islam and contains numerous references to earthquakes. One of the most well-known references is in Surah al-Zilzal, which describes the Day of Judgment and the earth being shaken by a great earthquake:
"When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake and the earth discharges its burdens, And the man says, "What is wrong with it?" - That Day, it will report its news."

(Quran 99:1-4).

This verse describes the end of the world and the judgment that will occur on that day. The earthquake is seen as a sign of the power of God and a warning to humanity of the coming judgment.

Al Quran Classes is the best online platform for reading, reciting and memorizing the Quran efficiently. Its valuable and experienced Quranic teachers offer online lessons at flexible times. One can easily extract beneficial knowledge through Online Quran Classes for kids and adults.

Other verses in the Quran also mention earthquakes, such as Surah al-Hajj, which describes the punishment of those who reject God's message:

"And when We intend to destroy a city, We command it is affluent, but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it, and We destroy it with [complete] destruction. And how many have We destroyed from the generations after Noah. Sufficient is your Lord, concerning the sins of His servants, as Acquainted and Seeing."

(Quran 22:45-46).

This verse describes how God destroys cities and civilizations that have rejected His message, often through natural disasters such as earthquakes. It emphasizes the power of God and the consequences of disobedience to His commands. In the Quran, earthquakes also signify God's mercy and power to save those who believe in Him. Many Hadiths mention earthquakes, providing further insight into how Muslims should understand and respond to these events. Online Quran Classes in USA

In Surah al-Ankabut, it is mentioned:

"And we had certainly sent Noah to his people, and he said, "O my people worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day." Said the eminent among his people, "Indeed, we see you in clear error." [Noah] said, "O my people, there is no error in me, but I am a messenger from the Lord of the worlds." I convey to you the messages of my Lord and advise you, and I know from Allah what you do not know. Then do you wonder that there has come to you a reminder from your Lord through a man from among you, that he may warn you? And remember when He made you successors after the people of Noah and increased you in stature extensively. So remember the favors of Allah that you might succeed." Dua for Parents

(Quran 29:14-18).

This verse describes how God saved Noah and his followers from the flood and how He can save those who believe in Him from any disaster, including earthquakes.

The Hadith on Earthquakes The Hadith are the recorded sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad, which guide Muslims on how to live their lives according to Islamic teachings. Many Hadiths mention earthquakes, providing further insight into how Muslims should understand and respond to these events.

Du'a at the time of the earthquake

One should offer du'a which inspires Allah, and ask for mercy and help from Allah. May He be exalted and glorified to divert this calamity from the people?

Shaykh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him) said:

"What must be done at the time of an earthquake or other calamity, or an eclipse, strong wind or flood is to repent to Allah, may He be glorified, and to beseech Him and ask Him for well-being, and to remember Him a great deal and ask Him for forgiveness, as the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said at the time of an eclipse: "When you see that, then turn to the remembrance of Allah and call upon Him and ask for His forgiveness." Agreed upon.

It is also mustahabb to show compassion to the poor and needy and give them charity because the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: "Show mercy, you will be shown mercy."

(Narrated by Ahmad)

And he said: "Those who show mercy will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Show mercy to those on earth, and the One in heaven will show mercy to you."

Narrated by al-Tirmidhi.

And he (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said. "The one who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy."

Narrated by al-Bukhari.

It was related to 'Umar ibn 'Abd al-‘Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him). That he used to write to his emirs when earthquakes took place, telling them to give charity.

One of the means of being safe and sound from all evils is for those in authority to hasten to restrain the foolish. Compel them to adhere to the truth, and to implement the laws of Allah among them, and to enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"The believers, men and women, are Awliya (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islam has forbidden); they perform As-Salah (Iqamat-as-Salah), and give the Zakah, and obey Allah and His Messenger. Allah will have His Mercy on them. Surely, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."

[al-Tawbah 9:71]

"Verily, Allah will help those who help His (Cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-Mighty. Those (Muslim rulers) who, if We give them power in the land, (they) enjoin Iqamat-as-Salah (to perform the five compulsory congregational Salah (prayers) (the males in mosques)], to pay the Zakah and they enjoin Al-Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid Al-Munkar (disbelief, polytheism and all that Islam has forbidden) [they make the Quran as the law of their country in all the spheres of life]. And with Allah rests the end of (all) matters (of creatures)."

[al-Hajj 22:40-41]

"And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make way for him to get out (from every difficulty). He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. Whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things."