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Calamities: An Islamic Perspective
A Muslim scholar once said: “There is a blessing in calamity that the wise man should not ignore, for it erases sins, gives one the opportunity to attain the reward for patience, dispels negligence, reminds one of blessings at the time of health, calls one to repent and encourages one to give charity.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for all his affairs are good, and that is for no one except the believer. If something good happens to him, he gives thanks, and that is good for him, and if something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.” And Almighty God - Allah says in His final testament, the Qur'an, “… but give glad tidings to As Saabiroon (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to God we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’” [Qur'an 2:155-156]
Islam and Suicide
If you follow any of the 3 main monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam you will know that suicide is a big sin. Remember, this world and its troubles are only temporary whereas Hell lasts forever.
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever kills himself with something in this world will be punished with it on the Day of Resurrection.”
The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Among those who came before you there was a man who was wounded and he panicked, so he took a knife and cut his hand with it, and the blood did not stop flowing until he died. Allaah said: ‘My slave hastened to bring about his demise; I have forbidden Paradise to him.”
He should have been patient as Allaah says in the Qur’an (interpretation of the meaning): “but give glad tidings to As Saabiroon (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.'They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” [Qur’an 2:155-157]
Trust in God and Do Nothing?
In Islam it is not permitted to put your trust in God (Allah) without also taking appropriate measures, rather part of putting one’s trust in God is taking appropriate measures and striving to do so.
One day Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it. He asked the Bedouin, "Why don't you tie down your camel?" The Bedouin answered, "I put my trust in Allah." The Prophet then said, "Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah."
He the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) also said: “Strive to do that which will benefit you and seek the help of Allaah, and do not feel helpless.”
In Almighty God's final testament, the Qur'an, it is mentioned that when Mary was about to give birth to Jesus (may peace be upon them) Allah said to her (interpretation of the meaning): “And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you” [Qur'an 19:25]. So she shook the palm tree and took appropriate measures until the dates fell. Her action is not contrary to taking measures and the fact that she found provision with her and that Allah honoured her and gave her some provision does not indicate that she refrained from taking appropriate measures; rather she devoted herself to worship and also took appropriate measures.
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