Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Islam’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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LESSONS FROM THE VOLCANIC ERUPTIONS

VOLCANOES are hot matter emanating from the earth or any other planet or planet’s surface. It emits molten rock, hot pieces of rock, and hot gases. The US space agency NASA website defines volcano in these words:

A volcano is an opening on the surface of a planet or moon that allows material warmer than its surroundings to escape from its interior. When this material escapes, it causes an eruption. An eruption can be explosive, sending material high into the sky. (Accessed on 15.11.21) According to Encyclopedia Britannica, volcanic eruption is a dangerous manifestation of earth’s power.

Volcanoes are one of the natural disasters. Some other natural disasters are: forest fire, dust storms, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.

These natural disasters affect the environment in such a way that they cause loss of natural resources, economy and precious life. In the face of natural disasters, man and all his developments become helpless. These natural experiences teach that man is not the master of this world. In this world man must lead a life of modesty and humility so that he can keep learning lessons from these experiences.

Volcanic eruptions and the accompanying earthquakes are mentioned as one of the signs of the Doom’s Day in the Quran.

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The earthquake on Doomsday will be the announcement of the end of the testing period for man. This would mean that the freedom which was theirs on account of their being on trial, has now been taken away from them

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When the earth is shaken with its violent shaking, when the earth shakes off her burdens, when man asks, ‘What is happening to her? (99: 1-3)

Earth brings out its loads by volcanic eruptions. In the Quran, earthquakes precede volcanic eruptions. The earthquake on Doomsday will be the announcement of the end of the testing period for man. This would mean that the freedom which was theirs on account of their being on trial, has now been taken away from them. Now the time has come when human beings will be recompensed for their deeds.

Prof Farida Khanam

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This beautiful world of nature created by God is well on its way to being ruined by man. Widespread violence, ecological disturbance and global warming are the biggest threats we are facing today. We have to work unitedly and sincerely to save nature in the interest of all of humanity