On Monday afternoon I was busy working at my computer when I felt my desk moving. I thought I had been studying my computer screen for too long and was becoming dizzy, when I saw my water glass was shaking.
I ran out of my office into the corridor and started yelling to my co-workers, “Come out! Come out! An earthquake is occurring.”
I felt dizzy and weak. Later I called my brother and he was okay but he also was frightened by it. The earthquake was not serious in my province but later on I found from the news that the earthquake was felt in India and Pakistan and that in Afghanistan it took the lives of people in Badakhshan, Kabul, Baghlan, Balkh, and some other provinces. The total number of victims killed or injured in Afghanistan is not yet known.
Not everyone agrees on what causes an earthquake. If we look to the scientists, they say that usually an earthquake happens when high pressure builds up between underground rocks.
But if we look to our religion, most of our people say that the earthquake is a sign from Almighty God. Almighty God is able to destroy or change the whole world back to a garden in seconds. An earthquake reminds sinners that if they do not repent, God reminds them that one day they must go to the other world, which we call “Akherat,” and so we should pray and repent our bad actions.
I agree with both of these ideas. We live only for a short time on earth before we die and again go under the ground. In this short time we should try to be useful to others and to ourselves.
If we are honest, truthful, faithful, and useful people, then people and God both will love us, and earthquakes will not happen.
By Sharifa
Photo by Mardetanha
Great work Sharifa!!
Thanks Sharifa Jan. It is a nice article, and you are right, this earthquake reminds us that it was possible we would have lost our lives and everything in one second. It is therefore important that we love other people and be useful for ourselves and others.
Sharifa — You have written a thought provoking essay and found some good in this tragedy by using it to encourage all of us to spend our short time on earth being useful to others. You have spread goodness with your essay. Thanks for sharing your well thought out ideas with us. All best wishes, Nancy
Dear Sharifa,
Thank you for sharing your story. It is definitely true that earthquakes and other natural disasters remind us that life is brief and not permanent. Life is not something to be taken for granted. I’ve never been through natural disasters that have affected my life significantly, but I have heard about various instances where they have affected people greatly all over the world. I really appreciate how you acknowledge the science behind earthquakes but also embrace your religious beliefs. This article resonates with me since I am very religious myself, and I too believe that while sometimes the world may seem out of control, God is always in control. The earthquake was definitely a tragedy considering how many people lost their lives. However, I appreciate how you are able to find the good in the situation and that you are thankful for your life being saved. I also agree with your view that in the short time we have on earth, we should focus on being useful to ourselves and others by being honest, truthful, and faithful people. The world needs more kindness, love, and understanding, especially to people like you who have been through so many tough experiences. God loves us all! Continue to share your stories, and keep being who you are. Thank you again for this article.