Are earthquakes considered divine punishments? Some claim that the earthquakes that strike some countries is a punishment from Allah Almighty inflicted on their people because of their disobedience and sins. To what extent is this true?

The occurrence of earthquakes in certain countries does not constitute evidence of divine punishment from Allah Almighty against the people of those countries due to their disobedience and sins. It is important to note that both the righteous and the sinful may experience such disasters. In times of hardship such as earthquakes, believers are encouraged to turn to Allah in prayer and increase their good deeds.

Earthquakes are signs from Allah

It is categorically established in Islam that all occurrences in our universe are solely attributed to the power of Allah Almighty Who says, “And it is He who created the heavens and earth in truth. And the day He says, "Be," and it is, His word is the truth. And His is the dominion [on] the Day the Horn is blown. [He is] Knower of the unseen and the witnessed; and He is the Wise, the Acquainted” (Quran, 6:73).

Earthquakes are mentioned in the Holy Quran, as in the verse, “When the earth is shaken with its [final] earthquake, and the earth discharges its burdens” (Quran, 99:1-2). Considered major events, earthquakes prompt individuals to pray to Allah Almighty and seek His repentance. Those who remain patient in the midst of the devastation and distress caused by earthquakes will be rewarded and recompensed by Allah Almighty; He says, “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided” (Quran, 2:155-157). Calamities can also be a form of punishment, a warning, or a deterrent for those who disobey, urging them to refrain from engaging in prohibited actions. Allah Almighty says, “We only send the Signs by way of terror (and warning from evil)” (Quran, 17:59).

The validity of the claim that earthquakes are a form of divine retribution

The claim that earthquakes are indicative of the disobedience and sinfulness of people who deserve to be punished is erroneous. The texts of Islamic law demonstrate that both the righteous and the disobedient may experience calamity. However, these afflictions are seen as a means of mercy and elevation for the righteous; they are rewarded and compensated by Allah Almighty. Islamic law considers those who die from earthquakes and similar calamities as worthy of the great status of martyrdom, a reward unparalleled by any other. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) spoke of five categories of martyrs; he said, “The martyrs are of five kinds: Those who succumb to the plague, those who pass away due to abdominal disease, those who drown, those who perish under debris, and those who are martyred for the sake of Allah Almighty” (Bukhari and Muslim).

When an earthquake strikes, it is necessary for believers to remember the power of Allah Almighty, humbly beseech their Lord, and increase their virtuous deeds for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “A hidden sadaqah extinguishes the wrath of Allah, doing good to others protects one from misfortune, and maintaining ties of kinship increases one’s lifespan. And say ‘There is no might or power except with Allah’ in abundance for it is one of the treasures of Paradise and a cure for ninety-nine ailments, the least of which is distress” (Al-Tabarani).

And God Almighty knows best