RUMINATING OVER THE RUINS OF BEIRUT AND OUR DISOBEDIENCE TO ALLAH.
— Aladodo Abdus-Salam
On the 4th of August 2020, an explosion at the port of Beirut, brought the Lebanese capital to its ruins. According to The New York Times, “the blast, so powerful it could be felt more than 150 miles away in Cyprus, leveled whole sections of the city near the port of Beirut on Tuesday evening, leaving nothing but twisted metal and debris for blocks in Beirut’s downtown business district. The death toll rose to more than 100, but with an untold number still missing, officials expected that figure to rise. More than 4,000 people were injured, overwhelming the city’s hospitals”. You can read a detailed reportage of the explosion HERE.
With 300,000 people been displaced from their homes, this is but a reminder to us all that Allah is in charge of our affairs, and that he can choose to afflict us with what He deems fit in the twinkle of an eye. Those who died in the explosion would never have thought of ending their lives that way, the injured wouldn’t have probably thought of this happening, those who lost their homes might have never for once stopped to think that all their possessions would one day be reduced to dust.
The Qur’an says it beautifully that there are reminders within ourselves, in our day-to-day strives, if only we think deep. Amidst all the horrors happening in the world, we still find more than enough time to sin, as against the commandment of Allah. When our country reeks of corruption, obscenities, and disobedience to Allah in all forms, we should live in fear. It would be wise to know that the punishment of Allah would come at a time we’d least expect, the only way out is to turn back to him in repentance this very moment and immerse ourselves in His worship.
If perhaps an explosion (whatever might have caused it) from a port can bring such a vast land to its ruins, then what do you think will happen when the barrier between us and Yajūj and Majūj is made to fall? What do you think will happen when Dajjal arrives with his armies? What do you think will happen when creatures from the earth will speak to us about the certainty of our faiths? What do you think will happen when Isrāfīl blows into the trumpet by the commandment of Allah? Indeed, the words of Allah will forever be relevant, for:
“Never will Allah delay a soul when its time has come. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do. -Surah Al-Munafiqun, Ayah 11.
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