We must pay heed to the warnings of Allah (SWT), reflect on our actions and return to the values of compassion, spirituality and unity to avert further calamities
Kashmir, known as the paradise on earth, is the land of saints and spiritually enlightened people. It is the dwelling place of eminent scholars and preachers like Abdul Rehman Bulbul, Ameer-e-Kabeer Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), and Alamdar-e-Kashmir Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali (RA), who dedicated their lives to nurturing and enriching this part of the world. Many others have contributed to the intellectual and spiritual life of the community over the years, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Unfortunately, this part of the world is currently undergoing tough challenges. The youth of Kashmir are destroying their lives by playing various online games. Orthodox, outdated customs and traditions that were practised by earlier generations are somehow still prevalent. Fanaticism and superstitions are being revived day by day. Money is being spent extravagantly and unnecessarily, often without regard to whether the source of income is legal or illegal. People have become merciless; loyalty and sympathy have become relics of the past. Domestic violence is at its peak, and education has turned into a business.
When such conditions prevail, earthquakes and other calamities are not unusual. This is undoubtedly an alarm from the Exalted Lord. We must abandon the paths that invoke Allah’s (SWT) anger, or we must be ready for unprecedented calamities. As Muslims, it is our belief that just as this planet and universe are dependent on Allah (SWT) for their creation, they are also under His complete control. Everything belongs to Allah (SWT), and everything is dependent on Him. Allah (SWT) is the ultimate source of creation. The universe operates according to His divine plan, meticulously crafted and overseen by Him alone. Nothing can overpower His divine control, and everything functions according to His will and command.
Allah (SWT) sends down calamities when sins and disobedience become widespread, and people persist in their wrongdoings. Last month, the Kashmir region experienced a series of earthquakes. The most recent occurred on December 27, 2024, with its epicentre in Baramulla at a depth of 10 km, according to the National Centre for Seismology. Since that day, earthquakes have been occurring frequently.
I was deeply engaged with my assignments when my 6-year-old daughter, Soliha, drew my attention to this critical issue. Over the last few days, she has repeatedly spoken about earthquakes and preventive measures, showing intense fear. She even makes us stay silent at night to “listen” for an impending earthquake.
History bears witness to the fate of those who disobeyed Allah (SWT). They were destroyed, their names and marks erased, serving as eternal lessons for humanity. When injustice prevails and no one stands against oppression, the earth loses its resistance and casts out its burden. These earthquakes are warnings for us all to improve ourselves. Our deeds, actions, and secrets are closely monitored and will soon be brought to light. Allah (SWT) sends these calamities to frighten us and remind us of our duties, obligations, and responsibilities.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When property given in trust is treated as spoil, Zakat is treated as a tax, learning is acquired for purposes other than religious, a man obeys his wife and is unkind toward his mother, friends are brought closer while the father is driven away, voices are raised in the Masjid, the most wicked person of a tribe becomes its ruler, a worthless member becomes its leader, a man is honoured out of fear of the harm he may do, singing girls and stringed instruments make their appearance, wine is drunk, and the last members of the people curse the first ones—at that time, look for violent wind, earthquakes,the transformation of people, pelting rain, and signs following one another like beads of a necklace falling one after another when its string is cut.”
We must not forget what happened to the people of Hazrat Lut (AS), Hazrat Salih (AS), and Hazrat Shuaib (AS). Some were buried under stones that fell from the sky, while others were reduced to ashes. This is how Allah (SWT) dealt with oppressors.
Disasters and calamities are the results of our increasing evil deeds and disobedience to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) warns us in the Holy Quran:
“Whatever calamity befalls you is because of what your hands have earned.” (Surah Ash-Shura, 42:30). At another place, He says: “Whatever good reaches you, O listeners, is from Allah (SWT), and whatever ill reaches you is from yourselves.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:79)
We are responsible for all these happenings. If we change ourselves, the whole universe will change. Everything inflicted from the skies is good, but human interference destroys it. There is a great lesson in these earthquakes for us to mend our ways. Let peace, prosperity, and tranquillity prevail.
To achieve this, we must protect Kashmir and avoid creating problems for ourselves and future generations by indulging in obscene activities that invite Allah’s (SWT) anger. The people of Kashmir must engage in self-introspection. While there are generous and noble individuals among us who protect society through their goodness, their numbers are minimal. Many remain reluctant to transform and improve themselves.
Let us all pray to Allah (SWT) for the progress and prosperity of Kashmir.
The writer is a teacher at Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS) Halmatpora
Mohd Maqbool Dar
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