Issue No: 72
18th March 2011
13th Rabi' al Thaani, 1432 A.H
Salamun alaykum,
Are we the ones in charge?
Land is reclaimed from the oceans to build vast expanses of pleasure homes like the magnificent Palm Islands. Deep wells are drilled on land and offshore sites to pump out the valuable oil for man’s insatiable demand for energy resource. The appetite for unnecessary consumer goods is ever increasing. The race to conquer outer space is at a high. Sovereign Nations are dominated by foreign forces to rip the country of its mineral resources. Morality has been perverted……
The responsibility of man being a steward of Allah SWT has been abandoned. The human race has developed over confidence that we are the ones in charge.
The biggest earthquake in Japan's history:
Last week Japan, one of the most advanced nations on Earth, was innocently going about its business when on Friday 11th March, 2011 the 8.9-magnitude quake struck. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami. The huge mass of waves measuring more than 10m high appeared like a gigantic marine bulldozer sweeping away large tracts of the country's north eastern coastline and drowning settlements on its way. According to Officials the death toll has risen to more than 5000 people.
The occurrences of natural events such as Earthquakes, Tsunamis, Volcanic eruptions, Eclipses, Hurricanes, Typhoons and other events on our planet have been explained by man on basis of his knowledge of sciences like geology and meteorology. Armed with advanced knowledge man has developed early warning systems and damage proof construction methods. Man continues to live on the Earth with greater confidence that he is in charge. All the while he chooses to continue to ignore the inner call in his self to submit to his Lord- the Creator.
Against this background a greater force comes into play. Certainly such terrible occurrence as the recent disaster in Japan makes man realize how vulnerable and insignificant the human race is.
It is incidents such as this calamity which remind people that indeed there is a Mighty Power that is Incharge – The Creator, The Master of the Universe.
These occurrences are signs of Majesty of Allah SWT.
“We will soon show them Our signs in the Universe and in their own souls, until it will become quite clear to them that it is the truth. Is it not sufficient as regards your Lord that He is a witness over all things?” Sura Al Fussilat 41:53
How long will man continue to deny the Great Authority that is In charge?
It is with great anguish that we follow news of the aftermath of this catastrophic event in Japan. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims of the massive earthquake and tsunami.
During these moments of affliction let us continue doing fervent prayers to Allah SWT to alleviate their suffering and remove their pains.
Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah
Fazle Abbas Datoo
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Resident Alim
Wessex Shia Ithna Asheri Jamaat