«
3
Helpful
»
0
Unhelpful
in category Fate and Destiny

Are calamities, tribulations and disasters in a nation as a consequence of sin in Islam?

1 Answer
1 Answer
by
( 4.4k points):

Thinker, writer, interested in Islamic history and ustaadh of tajweed ... seeker of truth
1 Helpful
0 Unhelpful
In a Nutshell: Sins have negative consequences for individuals and communities and can lead to the affliction of calamities. There should be no doubt about this. But not every calamity or adversity is a punishment for sin. There are many other reasons for which a calamity may befall.

Calamities and adversities can befall individuals and communities for various reasons, and not every calamity is a punishment for sin. Allah (swt) uses tribulations and trials as a means of testing and purifying believers.

When one reviews the sources, we see calamities and catastrophes can be a means by which Allah tests people to see how they will respond (2:155; 21:35), to see who will persevere and fight and who will falter (47:4,31), to examine the sabr and taqwa of the believers (3:186), to scrutinise the state of our hearts (3:154), to make distinct the good from the evil (3:179, 8:37), the believers from the hypocrites (33:11), or to choose people for the high rank of shaheed (3:139).

The common thread of all these is Allah putting people through a trial or tribulation for one end or another, not because they are doing the wrong thing but because this it is part of the point of the worldly life. Indeed, it can be because you’re doing the right thing since, as per the hadith, the most tried people are the prophets, then the next best and the next best:

“A person is tested according to his adherence to the deen. If he is steadfast, he will be tested more severely…” (Ibn Majah)

Indeed, many a calamity hit the Prophet (saw), the Sahaba and the Salaf.

Are calamities due to their sins? Surely not.

One verse in the Quran that speaks to this is 2:155

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to al-Sabirin (the patient)." This verse makes it clear that trials and tribulations are a means of testing the patience and faith of believers.

Similarly, in 21:35, it states:

"And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give glad tidings to those who are patient."

Another verse, 47:4, states:

"Therefore, when you meet the disbelievers, strike their necks, and when you have killed many of them, then take them as captives. And afterwards, either release them as a favor or by taking ransom, until the war lays down its burden."

Additionally, in 3:186, it states:

"And you shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in yourselves, and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you from those who received the scripture before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere patiently and guard against evil, then that will be a determining factor in all affairs."

Hadith also attest to the idea trials and tribulations are a means of testing and purifying believers.

"A person is tested according to his adherence to the deen. If he is steadfast, he will be tested more severely, and if he is weak, his test will be lessened." This hadith emphasizes that the severity of a trial is often tied to an individual's level of faith and adherence to the religion." (Ibn Majah)

Another narration states:

"The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, and there is good in everyone, but cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart." This hadith highlights that Allah tests people according to their level of faith, and that the strong believer will be tested more severely than the weak believer. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Conclusion

Calamities and adversities can befall individuals and communities for various reasons, and not every calamity is a punishment for sin. Allah (swt) uses tribulations and trials as a means of testing and purifying believers.

It is clear from the Quran and ahadith trials and tribulations are not solely a punishment for sin, but rather a means of testing and purifying believers. These trials can serve various purposes, such as examining the sabr and taqwa of believers, making distinct the good from the evil, and scrutinizing the state of our hearts.


User Settings


What we provide!

Vote Content

Great answers start with great insights. Content becomes intriguing when it is voted up or down - ensuring the best answers are always at the top.

Multiple Perspectives

Questions are answered by people with a deep interest in the subject. People from around the world review questions, post answers and add comments.

An authoritative community

Be part of and influence the most important global discussion that is defining our generation and generations to come

Join Now !

Update chat message

Message

Delete chat message

Are you sure you want to delete this message?

...