Several factors have been identified by American researchers as causes for the spreading wildfires, such as:
1. Climate change
2. Dry weather
3. Santa Ana Winds
Santa Ana Winds: An Analysis
This specific type of wind dries out the environment and carries no moisture. It is this dry air that causes wildfires to spread rapidly and take on a catastrophic form.
Now, let's compare this with what Allah says about wind in the Quran. Allah mentions three types of winds:
1. Mercy Winds (Carrying rain): Verse: "It is He who sends the winds as heralds of good news before His mercy (rain)..." — (Surah Ar-Rum: 48)
2. Punitive Winds: Some winds are sent by Allah as punishment, causing destruction and harm. Verse: "And We sent against ‘Aad the destructive wind." — (Surah Ha-Mim As-Sajdah: 16)
3. Testing Winds: Verse: "And We sent against them a strong wind, which destroyed their lives." — (Surah Az-Zariyat: 41)
Santa Ana Winds and Punitive Winds
The "Santa Ana Winds" are clearly a form of punitive wind, which spreads destructive wildfires and causes damage in American society. Hollywood, being a global center for immorality, may be experiencing this as a form of punishment.
Hollywood: The Hub of Immorality
Hollywood has long been promoting immorality, homosexuality, lesbianism, and the decay of family values. Their influence has been attempting to normalize these behaviors socially.
Allah says about those who spread immorality: "Indeed, those who want to spread immorality among the believers will have a painful punishment in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah knows, while you do not know." — (Surah An-Nur: 19)
Here, Allah promises them painful punishment in both this world and the next.
Question - Limited Loss of Life in Wildfires as Punishment
The loss of life in wildfires is relatively low, with only 16-20 people reported dead. However, the reality is that for those engrossed in worldly pleasures, losing their meticulously built homes and lands is a huge punishment. This is a type of suffering that causes one to feel as though they are dying even while still alive.
Wildfires in Turkey: Punishment or Test?
If the wildfires in America are a form of punishment, are the wildfires in Turkey also punishment? The answer is: What is punishment for the disbelievers is a test for the believers. Allah tests the faith of the believers to make it stronger.
"Allah intends to separate the believers from the disbelievers." — (Surah Al-Imran: 141)
Wildfires are not just natural disasters; they are a message. For those who transgress the boundaries set by Allah, it serves as a warning. Believers should take a lesson from these disasters and strengthen their faith.
Mufti Mahdi Hasan Rahmani