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Sunday Open Thread | Earthquake, Tsunami strike Japan

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The finite and unpredictable nature of life became obvious once again in the tragic news that emerged from Japan on March 11. A powerful earthquake, currently estimated at 8.9-9.0 on the Richter scale with its epicenter a short distance off Japan’s eastern coast, struck the region and generated devastating tsunami waves. The scale of the disaster is just beginning to unfold, as search and rescue teams strive to estimate the damage and save as many lives as possible.

The memory of the Indonesian earthquake in 2004 is still fresh in our minds, when tsunami waves wreaked havoc in many countries and the loss of life and property was colossal. This is one reason why there is an urgency in the effort to generate  and mobilize aid, minimizing damage and promote early rehabilitation. Japan’s problems are also much compounded by malfunctioning and an explosion at a major nuclear reactor.

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You can find out more about the unfolding events on the following links:

While it is most important to focus on helping the people in need at this time, we should also pause a moment to think about the lessons that emerge from such tragic incidents, as well as make dua for the survivors. For me, watching the video of tsunami waves lashing the shores and water making its way deep inland, destroying everything that came it came across, brought on the realization that you can never assume you’re all secure from Allah(swt)’s Plan. Instead, we need to realize and fully appreciate His Might, submit to Him, seek forgiveness for the wrongs we have done and hope for the best from Him.

Sheikh AbdulNasir Jangda also spoke on this recently.

What lessons have you learned? How has news of the quake and tsunami affected you? Share here, as well as any other way you know to help the victims.

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Alhamdulillah, we're at over 850 supporters. Help us get to 900 supporters this month. All it takes is a small gift from a reader like you to keep us going, for just $2 / month.

The Prophet (SAW) has taught us the best of deeds are those that done consistently, even if they are small. Click here to support MuslimMatters with a monthly donation of $2 per month. Set it and collect blessings from Allah (swt) for the khayr you're supporting without thinking about it.

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Ameera is a final-year medical student and blogger based in Karachi, Pakistan. Having been born and raised in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, her approach towards her Deen has always been rooted in a basic understanding from authentic sources, which was further polished during a three-year weekend course at Al Huda Institute. Her interests, though, seem to know no bounds and range from a passion for the culinary arts and travelling, as well as following current affairs and global happenings. She feels being able to be part of MuslimMatters is one of the major blessings of Allah(swt) upon her, for it has given her a chance to learn and grow. She also maintains her personal blog at http://duskanddawn.wordpress.com.

15 Comments

15 Comments

  1. Slave of AllahSWT

    March 13, 2011 at 2:20 PM

    Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh..

    La Hawla Walaqu Wata Illa Billah…
    Today me and my friends were trying to reflect and draw lessons from this mighty warning from Allah Azzawajjal
    1. People have in mind that japan is technologically advanced, it’s infrastructure is built in a manner that can withstand earthquakes. Maybe this made people feel secure but subhanAllah look at this verse:

    Surah Al A’raaf
    95.Then We changed the evil for the good, until they increased in number and in wealth, and said: “Our fathers were touched with evil (loss of health and calamities) and with good (prosperity, etc.).” So We seized them of a sudden while they were unaware.
    96. And if the people of the towns had believed and had the Taqwa (piety), certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heaven and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes, etc.).
    97. Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment by night while they are asleep?
    98. Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our Punishment in the forenoon while they play?
    99. Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allah. None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers.

    2. I find people especially on some social networking sites still continuing to openly sin though they comment on the recent happenings this indicates a state where our hearts are dead and deep inside feel like “that’s for them that’s not going to happen to me” (may AllahSWT protect us from feeling safe!)

    3. Allah, the Most High, the Most Wise made people around the world to see this great signs thru videos and pictures. WE ALL ARE WARNED NO MATTER WHERE WE ARE.

    4. If this is just a warning, subhanAllah, we cannot imagine the terror of the day of judgment… no wonder a child’s hair will turn white!!!!..may AllahSWT protect us from His Wrath and may HeSWT Pardon us all!

    5. Nothing of this dunya will save us and indeed this world is a quick passing phase.

    With His Mercy He warns and if that doesnt work then with His Justice He warns….So Turn to Him before you will be dragged to Him!

    may AllahSWT help the ummah! there’s much bloodshed and fitnah going on..

    we have to spend more time with the Quran and stand in Qiyam/ tahajjud….

    signs of the hour as predicted by our beloved ProphetSAW is what we are witnessing…. so let’s take care of our imaan and do good deeds…especially in secret, so that no one knows about that good deed except you and AllahSWT (even if it’s reciting Quran or anything)

    Reply

    • Slave of AllahSWT

      March 13, 2011 at 2:29 PM

      And Allah Knows Best!

      Reply

      • Nayeem uddin Mohammed

        March 13, 2011 at 3:36 PM

        This was very well written -Alhamdulillah. On a side note I would like you to please add Surah Yunus Ayat 06 and Surah Mulk Ayat 02 to the list of Ayats to ponder upon, as we deal with such situations.

        May Allah protect us.

        Nayeem (Riyadh)

        Reply

    • Ameera Khan

      March 15, 2011 at 11:10 AM

      JazaakAllah khayr for sharing these! This is a very helpful list Masha’Allah and truly, we need all the reminders we can get!

      Reply

  2. Pingback: Sunday Open Thread | Earthquake, Tsunami strike Japan | ISLAMIC SPOTLIGHT: ISLAMIC NEWS, STORIES, HADITH, DOCUMENTARIES, LECTURES, NASHEED AND MORE DEEN RELATED ARTICLES

  3. murat

    March 14, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    Zakat Foundation Team is in Japan for relief efforts. You can visit http://www.zakat.org to help and get update about the relief.

    murat

    Reply

  4. Mona Adam

    March 14, 2011 at 1:08 AM

    Indeed we will all going back to al hayou al kayoum. I am so sorry this has happened to Japan. my prayers and my heart are with you.
    Stay strong!
    peace.

    Reply

  5. The Critically Cognitive

    March 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    We need to have an article on the Hearings about the radicalization of Muslims.

    Reply

    • Amad

      March 15, 2011 at 1:58 AM

      Sure… send us something :)

      Reply

  6. Learn how to speak Arabic

    March 15, 2011 at 6:57 AM

    Such a sad loss of life :(

    Reply

  7. Muslim Stranger

    March 15, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Very sad indeed :’-(

    May Allah have mercy on us all and may Allah guide us all to the straight path. Aameen.

    Reply

  8. Ameera Khan

    March 15, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    JazaakAllah khayr for sharing your thoughts! It is a tragic incident that is becoming increasingly complicated because of the radiation leak. Reminders and Signs from Allah(swt)…

    Reply

  9. Cartoon M

    March 16, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    I think its important that we are not passive about the situation in Japan, just because it isn’t a Muslim country (although, there is a small population of Muslims there). As Muslims we should be at the forefront of every field, such as humanitarian efforts, the environment and etc. Who has a better incentive to do good than the Muslim? Islamic Relief is accepting donations for the Japan earthquake, so thats a good place for us to start.

    Reply

  10. Hassan

    March 17, 2011 at 3:54 PM

    Article about Sh Yasir Qadhi in New York Times

    http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/magazine/mag-20Salafis-t.html?_r=1

    Reply

  11. AbdulAziz

    March 18, 2011 at 12:58 AM

    Muslims in other parts of Japan that are safe have already shipped out halal instant noodles, diapers, biscuits,etc to the Sendai-area which is closest to the epicenter of the earthquake. Masha Allah.

    I hate how pundits talk about economic impacts only-let’s worry about the affected people first and worry about the economics of all this later.

    Reply

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