Some of us may think that disasters are a form of punishment or torture from Allah Swt. While others consider disasters as a form of test as well as Allah Swt’s love for His servants. Large or small, no one knows or can choose to avoid disasters. Everything is the decree of Allah Swt. However, are we actually able to be optimistic when facing disasters?
Being Optimistic in the Face of Disasters
As the third most disaster-prone country in the world according to the World Risk Index score, Indonesia has faced various disasters. Indonesian Disaster Information Data (DIBI) notes that from 2015 to 2024, the most common disasters are floods, floods and landslides, abrasion, tornadoes, drought, and forest and land fires.
Of course, any type of disaster must cause grief for us, ranging from loss of property to life. However, as Muslims we must always try to foster a positive and optimistic attitude when facing disasters. This is the only option for us to be wise, self-reflective, and trust in Allah SWT. As mentioned in the following QS Al-Hadid:
“Every calamity that befalls the earth and that befalls yourselves was written in the Book before we brought it to pass. Indeed, such is easy for Allah. So that you may not grieve for what has escaped you, nor be overjoyed for what has escaped you, nor be overjoyed for what He has given you. And Allah does not like anyone who is proud and boasts.” (QS. Al-Hadid: 22-23)
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The link between religion and disaster has also attracted academic attention. In this case, Koenig mentioned in the journal of disaster meaning studies that the Qur’an mentions that religion plays a big role in the disaster mitigation process. One of the reasons found in his research is because the belief system in religion is able to make a person ready to face bad events in life. Also, as in Islam, Allah Swt has provided role models for dealing with disasters.
The story of Noah is an example for Muslims to be optimistic when facing disasters. Allah chose Noah to invite his people to believe in Him. With God’s command, Noah then built an ark. This ark was intended to save him and his obedient people from the great flood that would come. However, some actually rejected Noah’s invitation and opposed his preaching.
Until the time came, a great flood occurred and the ark floated on the great flood that destroyed the disobedient people. This story contains lessons that we can take when facing disasters. Among the most important attitudes in facing His decree is to obey, have good prejudice, and repent to Allah Swt. In addition, by cultivating an optimistic attitude when facing disasters, we will always be able to find various lessons that can bring us closer to Allah.
Reasons why Allah sends disasters
Through the Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the possible reasons why Allah sends disasters upon His people are revealed. Here are some of the reasons why Allah sends disasters:
1.Disasters happen because God loves His people
“Whenever Allah loves a group of people, Allah will give them trials.” (HR. At-Tirmidhi)
Imposing disasters can be a way for Allah to show His love for a servant. Through these trials, Allah wants to separate those who truly believe and obey, from those who do not. Those who survive and remain strong in their faith will make it through the disaster, while others will not.
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2. Disasters happen because Allah wants to raise the status of His people
“If the religion is strong, calamities will be added to it.” (HR. At-Tirmidhi)
When Allah inflicts disaster on a servant, it could be a sign that the servant has a meaningful and meaningful life with Him. When a person faces trials with patience and faith, it shows that they are a servant who is loved and cared for by Allah Swt.
3. Disasters occur so that God’s people will not be arrogant and conceited
“The unbelievers are constantly afflicted with calamities because of their own actions or the calamities occur near their homes, so that Allah’s promise is proven. Allah does not break promises.” (QS. Ar-Ra’d: 31)
4. Disasters occur in order for man to get closer to His Rabb
“It is He who sends tranquility into the hearts of the believers so that their faith may increase in addition to their existing faith. To Allah belong the armies of the heavens and the earth, and Allah is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.” (QS. Al-Fath: 4)
5. Disasters happen to let people know that Allah is powerful
“No calamity befalls anyone except by Allah’s permission.” (QS. At-Tagabun: 11)
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6. Disasters happen so that people know their position in the sight of Allah
“Allah will never leave the believers in the state you are in now, so that He weeds out the bad (hypocrites) from the good (believers). Allah will never show you things unseen.” (QS. Ali Imran: 179)
7. Disasters happen to make people yearn for Allah’s Paradise
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise, when it has not become evident to Allah those who strive among you, and it has not become evident those who are patient.” (QS. Ali Imran: 142)
Being optimistic in a downturn is not easy. However, one of the proofs of our faith in Allah Swt is to maintain good prejudice towards Him, even in times of disaster. Always make the Qur’an a guide to life, and take lessons from the stories of the Prophets and Messengers as a guide to our behavior in any condition. This can make us optimistic when facing disasters.