Nepal’s Devastation Is a Warning Sign of the Day of Judgment for the World
Mufti Abdul Malek, Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, said in his pre-Jumu’ah sermon yesterday that Allah revealed the Holy Quran through the final Prophet, Hazrat Muhammad (S.). Therefore, Muslims must follow the Prophet’s life and teachings and embrace Islam wholeheartedly. He urged people to ensure that business and trade do not make them heedless of the remembrance of Allah. Shops should not become places that keep people away from worship. It is possible to conduct business while maintaining prayer and worship, provided there is sincere intention and determination. Businesses must also be conducted through halal means.
Mufti Abdur Rahim Qasemi, Khatib of the historic Baitul Mamur Jame Mosque in Mirpur, said the earthquake, landslides and devastating floods of mud and water in Nepal are a warning sign of the Day of Judgment for the people of the world. The devastation, which occurred within just one to one and a half minutes, reminds Muslims of the terrifying conditions of the Day of Judgment. The disaster struck suddenly, like a great catastrophe, before people could even understand what was happening. He said the disaster should strengthen the faith of Muslims and serve as a lesson for those who deny the reality of the Day of Judgment. Allah Almighty can turn the entire world into a scene of destruction within moments if He wills. Therefore, those immersed in sins, injustice, oppression and wrongdoing should abandon such activities and take this disaster as a warning. The Khatib said the Hadith mentions that the Day of Judgment will come suddenly while people are engaged in their daily activities. Some will be busy with business, some with eating and drinking, and others with walking or other activities, without realizing that the Day of Judgment has arrived. At that time, the sky will be torn apart and the mountains will fly through the air like scattered wool.
Referring to verses from the Holy Quran, he reminded people of the terrifying nature of the Day of Judgment. Allah says in Surah Al-Hajj: “O mankind, fear your Lord. Indeed, the earthquake of the Hour is a tremendous thing.” In Surah At-Takwir, Allah describes how the sun will lose its light, the stars will fall and the mountains will be set in motion. In Surah Al-Mulk, Allah asks: “Do you feel secure that He will not cause the earth to swallow you, and suddenly it will begin to shake?”
The Khatib also referred to a Hadith stating that before the Day of Judgment, three major landslides will occur– one in the east, one in the west and another in the Arabian Peninsula. According to Sahih Bukhari, the Day of Judgment will not come until knowledge is taken away, earthquakes increase, time passes rapidly, trials become widespread and killings increase.
Another Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (RA) mentions that several forms of wrongdoing will become widespread before the Day of Judgment. These include treating public wealth as personal property, betraying trusts, considering zakat a burden, seeking knowledge for worldly purposes rather than religion, disobeying parents, raising voices in mosques, allowing corrupt or unqualified people to assume leadership, the spread of singers and musical instruments, and widespread consumption of alcohol.
The Khatib urged everyone to abandon such wrongdoing and increase good deeds. He said no one knows when death will come or when the Day of Judgment will occur. Therefore, people should return to Allah while they still have time and refrain from sins. He prayed that Allah would grant everyone the ability to perform righteous deeds.
Meanwhile, Sheikhul Hadith Mufti Faizullah Jibanpuri, Khatib of Baitun Nur Jame Mosque in North Manda, Mugda, Dhaka, said the holy month of Rabi’ al-Awwal is a significant and blessed month for Muslims. It is during this month that the greatest teacher and guide of humanity, Prophet Muhammad (S.), came into this world. He said the Holy Quran instructs believers to hold firmly to what the Messenger has brought and to refrain from what he has prohibited. In Surah Al-Ahzab, Allah describes following Allah and His Messenger as the path to ultimate success. The Prophet Muhammad (S.) also said that he left two things for his followers– the Quran and the Hadith– and those who hold firmly to them will never go astray. The Khatib said the Companions once asked the Prophet Muhammad (S.) about fasting on Mondays. He explained that he was born on a Monday, received prophethood on that day and the Quran was revealed to him on that day. Therefore, he regularly fasted on Mondays. Muslims should follow this practice and strive to implement the Prophet’s teachings in their personal, family, social and national lives.
In conclusion, he urged Muslims to reject foreign or un-Islamic practices, follow the teachings of Allah and His Messenger, and stay away from religious innovations. He prayed that Allah would grant everyone the ability to live their lives according to the teachings and example of the Prophet Muhammad (S.). Ameen.
