‘Allah has welcomed us to Mina with his mercy!' exclaimed a relative performing Haj, over the phone, as they arrived in their tents on 8th Dhul Hijjah this year. “As soon as we left for Mina in the bus, Allah sent clouds over us; as we entered Mina, it started to rain!” However, this rain, which thankfully evaded the pilgrims with its full might in Mina, definitely did not come as mercy for other people in some parts of Jeddah. It soon caused intensely strong flash floods, which literally swept people, shops, houses, stock and cars away in its torrent. Horrifying accounts of a rising death toll and an even higher count of people missing broke across news headlines in the mornings following the start of Haj. The pilgrims suffered only minor problems in Mina, with some of their tents and carpets getting wet due to the rainwater. However, in and around Jeddah, scores of others were swept away, never to be seen again. A disaster of this type comes unexpectedly, causes enormous damage to life and property within hours, and results in a deep-rooted, psychological impact of depression and anxiety among those who witnessed it but survived. They survive either as stunned witnesses of destruction that eliminated lives, livelihoods and communities before their eyes within hours, or as ones who stared death in the face but were miraculously saved at the last moment. They live on, but with fear, post-traumatic stress and grief. Those who lose family members (in particular, young children or husbands or wives) are on top of the list of those who suffer from the post-disaster, mental torture of denial, sorrow and helplessness. There are a few narrations of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that can come as genuine consolation to the grieving family members of those who lost their lives: Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), said: “Whom do you reckon to be martyr amongst you?” The Companions replied: “The one who is killed in Allah's way.” He said, “In that case, the martyrs among my people would be few.” The Companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Then who are the martyrs?” He replied, “He who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr; he who dies naturally in the cause of Allah is a martyr; he who dies of plague is a martyr; he who dies of a stomach disease is a martyr; and he who is drowned is a martyr.” (Sahih Muslim) Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Five are regarded as martyrs: They are those who die because of plague, abdominal disease, drowning, a falling building, and the martyrs in Allah's Cause.” (Al-Bukhari, 4/52, no. 282) These Ahadith bring glad tidings to the loved ones of those who drowned. It could be that they think that they were “prematurely taken back” by their Creator, or that what happened to them was “cruel” and “unfortunate”, particularly about those among the dead who were young and strong. Some might even be impatiently questioning the Decree of Allah or the wisdom behind this destruction that His decree had caused. Such thoughts are dangerous as they amount to neglecting Allah's attributes of justice and wisdom, and that one should completely trust Him. Victims should bear in mind that, as long as the drowning person was a Muslim who was not on his way to intentionally commit a sin or transgression when he drowned, Insha Allah, it is hoped that Allah granted him (or her) martyrdom – an extremely exalted and special status. Those who are facing this disaster with patience and restraint will be highly rewarded for passing this trial. We should also remember that the brave ones who put their own lives at risk to save others during the floods, will also be rewarded amply by Allah, both in this life and the next. As for those who drowned while trying to save others' lives, they are the supreme martyrs, Insha Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Nobody who dies and finds Paradise would wish to come back to this life even if he were given the whole world and whatever is in it, except the martyr who, on seeing the superiority of martyrdom, would like to come back to get killed again in Allah's Cause.” (Al-Bukhari, 4/52, no. 53) We should believe that the martyrs are happy with their Lord, and that they would not want to come back to live in this world, except just to be martyred again, so that they can re-live the superiority of their status! Why wallow in sorrow and grief then, if we know they are better off and happier? Lastly, we should keep in mind that, even though we can hope for those who drowned to have achieved the status of martyrdom in the sight of Allah, we cannot assert it with unwavering surety when we discuss them in this world. Instead, we should consistently pray for their forgiveness and for the betterment of those left behind, who are facing severe loss, both financial and emotional, by the devastation caused by the floods.
