By Shaykh Abdul Qayum
24 January 2025

﷽

In this week’s sermon, I wanted to reflect on the wildfires in California. Of course, our hearts and prayers go out to all those suffering from this devastating disaster. While this has become a divisive political issue in the United States, for us as Muslims, it should represent a different lesson, one that pushes us to think about our relationship with Allah The Almighty.

Allah, the Creator and Sustainer of all existence, has blessed us with tranquillity and countless blessings to cherish. However, at times, He tests humanity through natural events such as floods, earthquakes, wildfires, or pandemics. These events, occurring in the world we all share, should serve as reminders and a lesson for both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

In the Qur’an, Allah states in Surah Al-Isra:

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and our predecessors understood this verse to mean that Allah sends warnings to mankind through various natural disasters across the world, hoping people will reflect and return to their Creator.

This understanding was demonstrated by one of the companions when he was in Kufa. Upon feeling tremors in the earth, he immediately called out to the people, saying, “Your Lord is reminding you, giving you warning.” When the tremors occurred again, he urged the people to recognise this as a sign that they had engaged in corruption and needed to return to Allah’s path.

Such warnings remind us to reflect on two forms of corruption that plague our world today. First is the physical corruption of the planet, which occurs when we engage in exploitative practices that disrupt Allah’s natural creation. Entire mountains are removed for development, rivers are blocked, and forests are destroyed by human hands. While progress and development are necessary, they must be balanced with the responsibility of maintaining the harmony Allah has instilled in creation.

The second form of corruption is moral, when we distance ourselves from Allah’s guidance through sin and heedlessness. Both forms of corruption demand our urgent attention and sincere efforts at reform. As custodians of this Earth, it is our duty to safeguard both its physical and moral integrity, ensuring that we live in accordance with Allah's commands.

I was reminded of the hadith narrated by Aisha (RA), who described how our Prophet ﷺ would become visibly concerned whenever strong winds appeared in Madinah. He would enter and leave his home repeatedly, his face showing clear sings of anxiety until the storm passed. He would pray:

O Allah, I ask You for all the goodness in this wind and whatever it was sent with, and I seek refuge in You from all the evil in it and whatever it was sent with.

When asked why he showed such concern when others were happy to see clouds gathering, hoping for rain, the Prophet ﷺ replied by referencing the people of ‘Aad. He reminded them how that nation, when they saw clouds gathering, rejoiced, thinking it brought rain, but instead, it brought their destruction. This teaches us to approach natural phenomena with both hope and fear, always turning to Allah in supplication.

Similarly, when there was an eclipse during the Prophet’s ﷺ time, he rushed to the mosque, dragging his garment in haste. He then said:

The sun and moon are two of Allah’s signs. They do not become eclipsed for anyone’s death or birth. If you see either of them in eclipse, hasten to prayer.

These natural phenomena should remind us of our vulnerability despite our technological advancement. Even the most powerful nations, with all their scientific progress and development, cannot prevent such disasters. The California wildfires demonstrate this reality – despite all modern preparations and technology, we remain subject to Allah's decree.

As Allah mentions in Surah An-Nahl:

These verses remind us that Allah’s mercy prevails over His punishment. He doesn’t wish to punish people but rather to guide them back to His path. Natural disasters serve as warnings and reminders rather than punishment.

In our personal lives, we must reflect on how we maintain justice and honesty in our dealings. Are we truthful in our transactions? Do we uphold the rights of others? Are we mindful of our impact on the environment? These questions should occupy our thoughts when we witness such natural disasters.

Let these wildfires serve as a reminder for us to reflect on our actions, both in how we treat our environment and in our spiritual lives. We must strike a balance between development and preservation, between progress and protection of Allah’s creation. May Allah guide us to be better custodians of this beautiful planet and protect us all from natural disasters. May He grant safety and relief to those affected by the California wildfires and all those suffering from natural disasters worldwide.

Ameen.

Editor’s note: This blog was adapted from the Friday sermon delivered at our mosque on 24 January 2025

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