Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and Islam

Chester, David K. and Duncan, Angus M. and Dhanhani, Hamdan Al Ghasyah (2013) Volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and Islam. Disaster Prevention and Management, 22 (3). pp. 278-292. ISSN 0965-3562

Text islamcommanuscriptl.doc Download (132kB)

Abstract

Structured Abstract: Purpose - This research examines the extent to which eruptions and earthquakes are explained using religious terms of reference within Islamic countries, and those where Moslems constitutes a significant minority. Is the notion that disasters represent divine punishment so pervasive that the only reaction for the devout believer is passive acceptance of suffering or, alternatively, is the innovation of policies of disaster reduction acceptable theologically?
Design/methodology/approach - Information is derived from: bibliographic source materials; archives; questionnaires and interviews.
Findings - a. There is a distinctive theological perception of natural disasters within Islamic thought.
b. Although the inhabitants of Islamic countries may explain earthquake and eruption losses in religious terms, there is little evidence to suggest that this inhibits the introduction of programmes of planned loss reduction.
c. Relief is a generally acceptable response for both aid donors and recipients.
Research limitations/implications - The impacts of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes is not as well researched as those occurring in countries with a Christian ethos. Generalizations have had to be made from a more limited set of examples. More detailed research is required both within the countries affected and in the languages used in hazard exposed countries Islamic states (e.g. Arabic, Urdu and Farsi).
Practical implications - Introduction of programmes of hazard reduction is generally possible in Islamic countries, but requires theological justification.
Originality/value - In comparison with the study of earthquake and eruption impacts in countries with a Christian ethos, little has been published on disasters and Islam.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information and Comments:	This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here https://eprints.hope.ac.uk/. Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited." - See more at: http://www.emeraldgrouppublishing.com/authors/writing/author_rights.htm#sthash.Cg5zE2Wm.dpuf
Faculty / Department:	Faculty of Human and Digital Sciences > School of Computer Science and the Environment
Depositing User:	Anna Kirpichnikova
Date Deposited:	02 Nov 2015 18:38
Last Modified:	13 Jan 2025 10:26
URI:	https://hira.hope.ac.uk/id/eprint/459

Actions (login required)

View Item