Natural disasters do not only occur naturally or originate from natural factors, but can also be caused by human actions. One example is flooding. Littering, excessive logging, and construction in water catchment areas are some of the causes of flooding, which automatically results in significant losses.
Apart from floods, earthquakes, which seem to occur only due to natural movements, can also be caused by human actions. According to data on the Induced Earthquakes website, earthquakes can be caused by human mining activities. In mining, materials are excavated from the ground, and this can trigger collapses that can cause earthquakes.
Apart from the explanation above, there are many other scientific explanations related to the causes of natural disasters. However, how are the causes of natural disasters explained in the Quran? What are the causes of natural disasters according to the Quran? Check out the following explanation.
Read also: Quranic Verses About Earthquakes and Their Meanings
Causes of Natural Disasters According to the Quran
What you sow, you shall reap. This proverb explains that whatever a person does today will have an impact on them in the future, whether it is good or bad. In line with this, natural disasters that occur today must also have a cause that preceded them, whether it is aging natural factors or human actions in the past.
As a guide for Muslims, the Quran has recorded past events related to natural disasters as lessons for humanity. Through the Quran, Allah SWT explains various factors that caused natural disasters in the time of the prophets. The following are four causes of natural disasters according to the Quran:
Human Actions
“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of men have wrought, that Allah may make them taste a part of that which they have done, so that they may return (to the right path).”
(QS. Ar-Rum: 41)
In accordance with the above verse, Allah explains that the cause of natural disasters is human actions themselves. In fact, in this day and age, this can be proven scientifically. Deforestation, excessive burning of fossil fuels, and the reduction of water catchment areas are all human actions that cause natural disasters.
Read also: Quranic Verses About Natural Disasters
Such human actions certainly disregard Allah SWT’s commandment to not be excessive and not to exceed limits, causing nature to lose its function.
This also includes sinful and unjust actions. Where a handful of people act beyond limits in order to live luxuriously from the results of exploiting nature. They destroy the Earth for their own wealth, without thinking about others who will be affected by the disaster.
Many Sins
The passage from Surah Al-An’am verse 6 of the Quran, which reads, “…and We destroyed them because of their sins…”, shows that the disasters that befall a people are caused by the accumulation of sins committed by humans.
As we know, nowadays there is a lot of tolerance for the sins committed by humans, especially among the younger generation. The terms “one night stand” and “friends with benefits (FWB)” which are now rampant among the younger generation show that there is tolerance for the sin of adultery. In fact, nowadays those who do such things do not feel ashamed, and some of them even feel proud.
Read also: The Story of the Disobedient People of the Prophet Who Were Struck by an Earthquake
Not only that, drinking haram drinks has also become a lifestyle in this era. In fact, this act is a sin, because it violates Allah SWT’s prohibition against drinking intoxicating beverages. However, nowadays this tends to be justified on the grounds of seeking entertainment when tired. As long as these acts continue to occur in society, Allah will gradually bring down disasters upon mankind as stated in the verse above.
Denying the Religion of Allah
“Then We said to them both, ‘Go to the people who deny Our signs. ’ So We destroyed them completely. And (We destroyed) the people of Noah when they denied the messengers. We drowned them and made their story a lesson for mankind. And We have prepared a painful punishment for the wrongdoers.”
(QS. Al-Furqan: 36-37)
The above verse shows that Allah SWT will inflict calamities, in any form, upon people who deny religion and His messengers. In this verse, Allah gives the example of the people of Prophet Noah who ignored the teachings of Prophet Noah, even openly rejecting the teachings of the prophet and challenging him to bring down punishment.
Although this happened long ago in the time of the prophets, the denial of Allah’s religion still continues today. This denial takes many forms, such as transgression, corruption, adultery and immorality, murder, and so on. All of these are acts of denying Allah’s religion, because it is clear in the Quran that these things are prohibited.
Read also: Early Disaster Mitigation Efforts Through Play and Learning
Allah’s Love
Many people interpret natural disasters as a form of God’s wrath for the evil deeds of humans. On the contrary, these disasters are a form of God’s love for His people. Disasters are also calamities, and they are a warning from Allah for humans to return to His path. Through calamities, Allah makes us aware that His power exceeds all else, so that humans need to return to Him. The goodness of the disasters brought by Allah can be found in the Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 155-157.
Instead of wrath, disasters are a form of Allah’s love for humans. He creates, punishes, and judges humans based on His nature of love and compassion, which can overcome His wrath.
From the above descriptions of verses in the Quran, it can be concluded that natural disasters are not entirely a natural phenomenon. If we introspect wisely, we need to admit that the disasters that befall us are actually invited by ourselves. Therefore, let us reflect and pray to Him so that we are given ease and strength in facing the calamities that befall us.
