Religions and natural disasters

When a natural disaster happens, the first question often asked by religious people is: “Where was God?” both regarding the suffering that such natural disasters cause, as well as the role God in the unfolding of reality: did God cause the earthquake and everything else that followed?

There are two major opinions about analyzing natural disasters and how to react against it between believers. The first one is a traditional perspective considering natural disasters. This view connects with the concept of fatalistic view. This concept refers to belief that because natural disaster is God’s will so people can do nothing. The most common messages received by residents are that disaster is God’s wrath, warning and test, human sins, accepting disaster as a fact from God and the need for returning to God’s way to avoid next disaster. However, they agreed to take any action to cope with natural disaster supported by making ask to God.

The second view emphasizes the priority and importance of science. There are believers that natural disaster is a natural phenomenon instead of God’s will. They argue that religions acknowledge the importance of science and to encourage humankind to study about scientific phenomena.

In Islam, the religion-natural disaster relationship messages are focused on the stories of natural disaster in the Holy Quran, accepting natural disaster as God's will and the importance to ask protection to God.

However, today we can claim that it is possible to get together these two views. Rebuilding and reconstructing buildings applying modern science, is the way believers do these days and it is logical. Indeed, there is no contradiction between religious concept and using modern science to reduce casualties.

Besides, the important role of religion is after occurring natural disaster.

The role of religion in post-disaster such as reducing psychological its impact, religious-based organizations relief and assistance have been widely acknowledged.

In fact, every disaster always causes the feeling of worry, uncertainty, sadness and distress of the survivors especially those who lost their lovely family members.

Religious-based relief organizations have been playing important role both in assisting survivors socially and psychologically in building their life. In Islam, the Masjid is a sacred place preparing for such disasters to help people. It is not only a physical edifice, it is also a community-based religious institution which historically has been a focal point where political, social and religious activities are organized for the community. In many Muslim countries, during natural disasters masjid played important roles in collecting charity in the form of money and goods, organizing the community or as a place of refuge among others. Similarly, in Christianity we have Church that accomplish this duty and help people in post-disaster. For instance, in Texas hurricane the Church done her part to bring hope and aid to the victims. In addition, Archbishop José H. Gómez of Los Angeles called on bishops to take up a collection to support the victims and to rebuild impacted dioceses.

However, faith and religion can raise humanitarian activities to help people specially after disasters.