Floods and Natural Calamities* : *Our Responsibility* *Especially in Pakistan*
by Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com
*Floods and Natural Calamities* :*
*Our Responsibility*
*Especially in Pakistan*
✒️ Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
🌐 www.rachughtai.com
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـٰنِ الرَّحِيمِ
Floods and natural calamities are not merely events of nature — they are also profound reminders of our fragility, our dependence upon Allah (SWT), and our duty towards one another. Pakistan, with its rivers, monsoon rains, and vulnerable infrastructure, has faced such trials repeatedly. Each calamity is both a test of our صبر (patience) and a call to عمل (action): to stand together, to show mercy, to provide for the needy, and to purify our own hearts by returning to Allah.
*The Current Situation*
In recent times, heavy rainfall has caused severe flooding in Pakistan. Entire villages have been submerged, homes destroyed, livelihoods washed away, and thousands displaced. Women, children, and the elderly are suffering most, in desperate need of:
*Shelter against the harsh climate.*
*Food and clean water to survive.*
*Medical care to prevent epidemics.*
Psychological support to heal from trauma.
These crises remind us of our sacred responsibility to act with solidarity, mercy, and justice. Every rupee donated, every blanket given, every heartfelt prayer, and every hand extended towards the distressed is a step closer to divine mercy.
*Guidance from the Qur’an*
> وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تُسِرُّونَ وَمَا تُعْلِنُونَ
“And Allah knows what you conceal and what you declare.”
— (Surah An-Nahl 16:19)
> فَصَبْرٌ جَمِيلٌ ۖ وَٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُسْتَعَانُ عَلَىٰ مَا تَصِفُونَ
“So patience is most fitting. And Allah is the One sought for help against that which you describe.”
— (Surah Yusuf 12:18)
> وَإِذَا مَسَّ ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ ٱلضُّرُّ دَعَانَا لِجَنبِهِۦۤ أَوْ قَاعِدًا أَوْ قَآئِمًۭا
“And when adversity touches man, he calls upon Us—lying on his side, or sitting, or standing.”
— (Surah Yunus 10:12)
The Qur’an reminds us that calamities awaken us from heedlessness, calling us to reflect, repent, and rely fully on Allah’s help.
Sayings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
> “مَن لا يَرحَم لا يُرحَم”
“Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari)
> “مثل المؤمنين في توادّهم وتراحمهم وتعاطفهم مثل الجسد إذا اشتكى منه عضوٌ تداعى له سائر الجسد بالسهر والحمّى”
“The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one part suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”
— (Sahih Muslim)
Thus, indifference to the suffering of others is not an option for a true believer.
*Wisdom from Imam Ali (AS)*
> “كُونُوا قُرَّاءَ الْقُلُوبِ لا قُرَّاءَ اللِّسَانِ، وَانْظُرُوا إِلَى كَيْفِيَّةِ الْبَلَاءِ، وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ، فَإِنَّهُ مِفْتَاحُ الْفَرَجِ.”
“Be the readers of hearts, not just of tongues. Reflect upon the nature of trial, and seek help through patience — for indeed, patience is the key to relief.”
Imam Ali (AS) teaches us that calamities are lessons, and patience coupled with righteous action unlocks the doors of divine relief.
*A Supplication in Times of Trial*
دُعَاء فِي وَقْتِ الْبَلَاءِ وَالْفِتَنِ
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَسْتَغْفِرُكَ وَنَتُوبُ إِلَيْكَ، نَسْأَلُكَ بِاسْمِكَ الْأَعْظَمِ، وَبِرَحْمَتِكَ الَّتِي وَسِعَتْ كُلَّ شَيْءٍ، أَنْ تَكْشِفَ عَنَّا الْبَلَاءَ وَالضَّرَّ وَالْفِتَنَ، مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ،
اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْ أَهْلَنَا وَبِلَادَنَا، وَارْزُقْنَا الْعَافِيَةَ وَالسَّلَامَةَ، وَكُنْ مَعَ الْمُتَضَرِّرِينَ وَالْمُشَرَّدِينَ وَالْمُفْتَقِرِينَ، يَا أَرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِينَ.
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِفْتَاحًا لِلْخَيْرِ، وَمِغْلَاقًا لِلشَّرِّ، وَقَوِّنَا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالثَّبَاتِ، وَارْزُقْنَا التَّوَكُّلَ عَلَيْكَ وَالثِّقَةَ فِي وَعْدِكَ، وَاخْتِمْ لَنَا بِخَيْرٍ، يَا أَكْرَمَ الْأَكْرَمِينَ.
Final Reflection
Floods and natural disasters are not punishments alone — they are awakenings. They call us to strengthen our infrastructure, purify our intentions, and rise together as a compassionate Ummah. Pakistan has seen immense suffering, but it has also shown resilience and generosity. Let us be among those who transform trials into opportunities for mercy, unity, and service.
> “وَتَعَاوَنُوا عَلَى الْبِرِّ وَالتَّقْوَىٰ”
“And cooperate with one another in goodness and piety.”
— (Surah al-Ma’idah 5:2)
May Allah protect our land, heal the wounded, shelter the displaced, and accept our service as worship.
Rasheed Ahmad Chughtai
www.rachughtai.com