Can Muslims and Christians Have Hope During Disaster?

Much of Indonesia is mourning due to several recent natural disasters. There has been a plane crash, earthquakes, flooding, landslides, volcanoes erupting, and more.

Since the beginning of mankind, Prophet Adam and Eve have been tempted by Satan. Sin has destroyed both humans and the earth. These recent disasters might have been caused by sin and human error. Now we are experiencing the impact.

The recent events have brought much suffering including the taking of many lives. Many people are filled with sadness and feel like giving up because they feel hopeless. Maybe you have felt that way, too.

Allah The Most Merciful is able to provide hope and answers for us during disaster. How can we have that hope?

Allah Is All-Powerful

Muslims and Christians agree that Allah is All-Powerful. He’s in control of the heavens and earth, including natural disasters. He could stop them at any time.

But, you might still be asking, “why did Allah allow these natural disasters? Does Allah really love us?”

Are Natural Disasters a Sign of Allah’s Wrath?

In general, Muslims and Christians agree that natural disasters happen for one of three reasons:

1. Punishment for sin (Qs 17:16)
2. A warning for sinners to repent (Qs 32:21)
3. A trial for Allah’s followers (Qs 27:88)

Not all natural disasters are the result of Allah’s wrath. We may never know why earthquakes and floods happen.

Allah’s Word says, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him . . .” (Injil, Romans 8:28). If we truly love Allah, we can be certain he always has our best in mind. Including when tragedy strikes.

How Can Muslims and Christians Have Hope During Disasters?

The burning question everyone has is how we can overcome suffering. We will all face difficulties and challenges in this life. So, we need to know how to face them.

We can only overcome difficulties if we have hope. That hope comes from knowing Allah loves us and promises to give us peace.

Does Allah promise peace, joy, hope and love to all of his followers? Or do we need to pray the salat prayers, read the Quran, give alms, fast, or go on the Hajj first? Email us your answer here.

There’s an interesting story in Allah’s Word that talks about hope in the midst of disaster. The Apostle Paul was thrown into prison one time even though he hadn’t done anything wrong. In prison, he and another man “. . . were praying and singing hymns to God . . . suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose” (Injil, Acts 16:25-26).

Paul had joy in prison because he had hope. And it was actually a disaster sent by Allah that freed him!

Who Gives Us Hope?

Even when there’s suffering everywhere, Isa Al-Masih’s followers have hope, peace, and joy because they know they are loved by Allah.

Isa Al-Masih promises His followers: “. . . And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Gospels, Matthew 28:20). “. . . Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you . . .” (Gospels, John 14:27).

Because of these promises, Paul, despite much suffering, could say: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope . . .” (Injil, Romans 15:13).

Isa Al-Masih Promises Peace with Allah

Isa Al-Masih’s followers have true hope because He guarantees it. And not only that, but Isa also promises eternal peace with Allah for everyone that believes in Him. Since Isa took the punishment for our sins when He died, we can be reconciled to Allah.

Every person that believes in Isa Al-Masih can have assurance of heaven. Even when we’re surrounded by suffering, we can still have hope. Email us if you want to experience this peace and hope from Isa!

---

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW 

We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:

1. Do you agree with the three reasons above about why natural disasters happen? Can you name any other reasons?
2. How can Muslims have hope and peace during disaster?
3. Do you have peace with Allah? How can you know?
   

[We invite you to visit us at http://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Jesus clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Jesus, we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]