Reader’s View
MOHAMED ZAHRAN
COLOMBO : The destruction caused by the Ditwah cyclone and the resulting floods across several parts of Sri Lanka should compel us to pause, reflect, and reform—rather than engage in endless blame games. While attention is often directed at institutions, forecasts, or those in authority, Islam invites us to look inward and recognize our collective moral responsibility.
God reminds humanity that widespread disorder and calamities are closely linked to human conduct:
“Corruption has appeared on land and sea because of what the hands of people have earned, so that He may let them taste part of what they have done, that perhaps they will return [to righteousness’’.
(Surah Ar-Rūm 30:41)
In the Sri Lankan context, recurring floods, blocked drainage systems, encroachment on waterways, environmental neglect, corruption, injustice, and indifference to the rights of others are realities we can no longer ignore. These actions—whether committed by individuals or collectively tolerated—have consequences that affect the entire nation, including the innocent.
This understanding is further clarified in an authentic Prophetic narration. ʿA’ishah (May God be pleased with her ) asked the Prophet Muḥammad (Pbuh)whether people would be punished while righteous individuals were still among them. He replied:“Yes, when evil becomes widespread.”
(Source :Sahih al-Bukhari ; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
This Hadith serves as a sobering reminder for Sri Lanka: when wrongdoing becomes normalised and reform is neglected, calamities may descend upon society as a whole—regardless of personal piety.
The Islamic remedy is clear. Relief does not begin solely with policy changes or disaster-response mechanisms, but with sincere repentance, moral reform, and a collective return to God. The Qur’an assures us:“And Allah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.”
(Source :Surah Al-Anfaal 8:33)
With regard to meteorological forecasts and early warnings, Islam acknowledges the value of human effort while affirming the limits of human certainty. Ultimate knowledge rests only with God.
“Indeed, Allah alone has knowledge of the Hour, sends down the rain, knows what is in the wombs, and no soul knows what it will earn tomorrow, and no soul knows in which land it will die.”(Source -Surah Luqmaan 31:34)
Hence, while Sri Lanka’s governments—past, present, or future—can take steps to mitigate damage, improve preparedness, and strengthen infrastructure, no authority can prevent what God has decreed. What is destined will occur, though its impact may be lessened through responsible planning and ethical governance.
Ultimately, the Ditwah cyclone should unite Sri Lankans—across faiths and communities—in humility and introspection. Instead of asking “Who failed?”, we should ask “How do we reform ourselves and our society?”
Only through justice, accountability, environmental responsibility, and sincere repentance can calamities become lessons rather than repeated tragedies.
