There are no limits to our technological advances.  Humans have explored space, invented all types of gadgets and gizmos, and created devices that help us monitor the weather, storms and other disasters. Yet, with all our advances we are like dust in the wind when it comes to Allah’s power.  As Allah says in the Quran:

- Did the people of the towns feel secure against the coming of Our wrath by night while they were asleep? (007.097)

- Or else did they feel secure against its coming in broad daylight while they played about (care-free)? (007.098)

- Do they then feel secure from Allah’s plan? But none feels secure from Allah’s plan except the people who shall perish. (007.099)

In the face of such calamities, there is nothing one can do but turn to

Allah in humility and ask for his mercy because we never know when this type of natural disaster can befall us.  You have to feel for the victims regardless of their creed and race that are affected by disaster of such magnitude.  These types of events should remind us all of the power of Allah’s wrath and pray for those brothers and sisters that may have been affected by these calamities.

You can never prepare for such events but it is always good to make a disaster plan (where to meet, what to do) in event we need to ever deal with such situations.  As we all believe, this world will come to end with some massive earthquakes (not suggesting this is one of them), thus this should be a reminder that our life is short and at an moments notice we will have to depart the comfort of this world for the trials of next. 

Ibn Umar used to say, “If you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive in the morning, and if you survive till the morning, do not expect to be alive in the evening, and take from your health for your sickness, and (take) from your life for your death.”

Take this moment not only to make dua for the victims but also to make dua for protection from Allah’s trials and tribulations.  One of shaytan’s (devils) biggest tricks is make us think that we have plenty of time to slack and waste and put aside our affairs pertaining to the Deen.

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Contact Islamic Relief and find out the rules and regulations from them.

The Devastation:

http://www.npr.org/news/images/2008/may/12/earthquake/gallery/index.html