As the UK braces itself for Stormy Weather

[ummtaalib]

Words of advice by Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat (Hafizahullah)

 

As the UK braces itself for stormy weather and potential flooding in different regions, many will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather forecasts and many will be listening attentively to the radio broadcasts.

As Muslims, our focus should always be towards the life and practices of our beloved Rasool Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam & his noble Sahaabah radiallahu anhum.

 

Before anything we should be re-affirming our belief that Allāh ta‘ālā is the Hāākim (The Supreme Ruler) and the Hakīīm (The Most Wise). This means that whatever happens, whether good or bad in appearance, is according to the Wish of Allāh ta‘ālā. He has Power over everything. Every single particle in the whole universe is under His Control.

 

***What Should We Do At Times Like This?***

 

Every person, during such times should turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā with humbleness, faith and genuine repentance. According to the Sharī‘ah, common and open disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā is one of the many reasons for the cause of calamities like earthquakes. When the land is overloaded with the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, earthquakes from beneath and violent storms from above are commonplace. There are various scientific explanations as to why natural disasters occur, however the underlying facts point towards ‘how’ they happen and not ‘why’ they happen. The answer to ‘why’ and ‘when’ and even to ‘how’, in reality, remains with Allāh ta‘ālā. An answer to ‘why’ has been revealed in the Qur’ān:

 

(Corruption and) Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have earned, that He (Allāh) may give them a taste of some of their deeds in order that they may turn back (from evil). (30:41)

 

Incidents like these are, as it were, ‘wakeup’ alarm calls from Allāh ta‘ālā. Allāh ta‘ālā in His Infinite Mercy is

jolting us through such incidents, so that we may mend our ways and reflect on our transgressions and as a result rectify ourselves before it is too late. Allāh ta‘ālā has revealed to his beloved Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, that as long as this Ummah continues to repent for their wrong-doings, He will not punish them through calamities. Incidents like these should not be viewed with some momentary sympathy or investigated out of curiosity, but treated strictly as a reminder to wake up and reflect on our lives of disobedience. The way Allāh has the Power to cause calamities in any part of the world, He also has the Power to cause a catastrophe here, in this very city, in the very vicinity of our homes.

 

Hence it is absolutely essential for Muslims, not just from the affected regions, but from all over the world, to turn towards Allāh ta‘ālā. They must direct all their attention towards Him and reflect on their lives to find out where the Commands of Allāh ta‘ālā are being violated, then sincerely repent and resolve to adorn their future lives with taqwā, abstain from the disobedience of Allāh ta‘ālā, and observe His Commands.