Page 85 - The Truth of the Life of This World

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are the most devastating natural forces on earth. The worst
loss of life occurs during earthquakes. Research reveals that every two min-
utes somewhere the surface of the earth cracks. According to statistics, the
earth shakes hundreds of thousands of times a year. Twenty of them are
powerful earthquakes which convulse the land. Yet since they often do not
hit densely populated areas, they kill few people, if any, and cause little
economic loss. Only five of these earthquakes reduce buildings to heaps
of rubble.
This information shows that people do not frequently encounter earth-
quakes. No doubt, this is Allah's special protection against disasters for
humankind.
In our day, only a city or a province becomes subject to damaging
earthquakes. Yet, by the will of Allah, an earthquake affecting the whole
planet could happen at any time. This type of shaking of the ground could
end life on earth. The structure of the earth is quite vulnerable to quakes;
a sudden movement or rupture of large masses of rock within the earth's
crust or upper mantle would make catastrophe inescapable.
An earthquake has no relation with the type of soil that amplifies the
effects of seismic waves travelling through it. An earthquake may still occur
even when the natural conditions for an earthquake do not exist. By the

will of Allah, an earthquake may happen at any time. Yet, Allah specially
creates insecurity and instability in some parts of the land. This is to remind
people that, at any time, an unexpected incident may place their lives in
jeopardy. In the Qur'an, Allah warns people against a possible calamity:
Do those who plot evil actions feel secure that Allah will not cause the earth
to swallow them up or that a punishment will not come upon them from
where they least expect? Or that He will not seize them on their travels,
something they are powerless to prevent? Or that He will not seize them lit-
tle by little? For your Lord is All-Compassionate, Most Merciful. (Surat an-
Nahl: 45-47)
These earthquakes shaking the earth for only seconds can last for
hours, even days. While recovering from a devastating disaster, people can
suffer another. This is surely easy for Allah. However, by His mercy, Allah

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