Search In Fatwa

Question

What are the causes of earthquakes in the view of Sharee'ah and science?

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Earthquakes have causes based on Shar‘i (legislative) and geological reasons. In the view of Sharee'ah (Islamic law), they may occur as a punishment for sins and wrongdoings. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is for what your hands have earned.} [Quran 42:30]

They may also be a trial to raise the ranks of those who are patient. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We test you with evil and with good as trial.} [Quran 21:35]

If you would like to know more about the geological reasons for earthquakes, you should ask specialists as they are the people of knowledge in this field.

Allaah Knows best.

Related Fatwa