The Approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs about Natural Disasters

Cenksu Üçer; Büşra Zoba; Abdülkadir Çiftçi

Article Details

The Approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs about Natural Disasters

Authors:

Cenksu Üçer | Büşra Zoba | Abdülkadir Çiftçi

Publisher:

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Main Topics:

İslam Mezhepleri

Journal:

ULUM Vol.6 Issue 2, pp.191-253

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307708

pISSN:

2645-9132

Keywords:

Abstract:

 This study deals with the approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs on natural disasters. In our country, it is known that there have been religious debates about earthquakes, floods, forest fires etc. Natural disasters have been brought to the agenda not only in the Islamic world but also by members of other religions. This issue has been discussed in different dimensions, especially whether disasters are a divine punishment or not. Sects and schools of thought in the History of Islamic Sects and KalamTheology have made different evaluations of natural disasters and calamities. The Presidency is mandated by law to carry out affairs related to the beliefs, worship and ethical principles of the Islamic religion and to enlighten society on religion. The Presidency carries out its duty of enlightening the society on religion through sermons, khutbahs, printed and periodical publications, radio, television and digital platforms and similar means inside and outside mosques. It is important to analyze the information provided by the Presidency on natural disasters. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the information provided by the Presidency, which closely follows the agenda, on natural disasters. In this qualitative study, the information provided by the Presidency on the subject is analyzed in the sample of Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermonskhutbahs. Some of the natural disasters and calamities earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, floods, etc. are not caused by the human element but occur within the scope of sunnatullah way of Allah. Others, such as mine collapse, biological and chemical waste dispersion, may be caused by human factors defects. Therefore, the main hypothesis of the study is that the Presidencys information on natural disasters will be within a framework that takes this phenomenon into account. In the context of the pattern shaped within the framework of the objectives of the study, a general framework has been drawn about the history of Islamic sects and the views put forward on natural disasters in theology. The treatment of natural disasters in the Presidencys Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermons was examined and the obtained data was analyzed. In this regard, it is seen that the Presidency primarily takes into consideration the dual nature of disasters and calamities, namely those arising from the sunnatullahway of Allah and those resulting from the human element fault. It is noteworthy that it provides information about what attitude should be taken before and after each of them, focusing on the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions and organizations. The Presidency emphasized that all natural events, including natural disasters, occur within the framework of cause and effect, depending on the laws and order set by Allah. It has been stated that in the face of natural disasters, one should trust in Allah after fulfilling material and spiritual responsibilities and taking all kinds of precautions, based on the reasons. It was stated that without taking the necessary precautions, the approach of Allahs will happens would be easy. It has been emphasized that some natural disasters are caused by peoples practices that do not take into account the sunnatullah Allahs way and therefore, these issues should be acted with a sense of trust. It has been stated that when exposed to natural disasters, they should be met with patience and endurance and approached with test, awareness of servitude and prayer. In such situations, it is seen that the Presidency takes an approach that emphasizes that one of the most indispensable characteristics of Muslims is that they should be in solidarity and cooperation.

 This study deals with the approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs on natural disasters. In our country, it is known that there have been religious debates about earthquakes, floods, forest fires etc. Natural disasters have been brought to the agenda not only in the Islamic world but also by members of other religions. This issue has been discussed in different dimensions, especially whether disasters are a divine punishment or not. Sects and schools of thought in the History of Islamic Sects and KalamTheology have made different evaluations of natural disasters and calamities. The Presidency is mandated by law to carry out affairs related to the beliefs, worship and ethical principles of the Islamic religion and to enlighten society on religion. The Presidency carries out its duty of enlightening the society on religion through sermons, khutbahs, printed and periodical publications, radio, television and digital platforms and similar means inside and outside mosques. It is important to analyze the information provided by the Presidency on natural disasters. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the information provided by the Presidency, which closely follows the agenda, on natural disasters. In this qualitative study, the information provided by the Presidency on the subject is analyzed in the sample of Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermonskhutbahs. Some of the natural disasters and calamities earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, floods, etc. are not caused by the human element but occur within the scope of sunnatullah way of Allah. Others, such as mine collapse, biological and chemical waste dispersion, may be caused by human factors defects. Therefore, the main hypothesis of the study is that the Presidencys information on natural disasters will be within a framework that takes this phenomenon into account. In the context of the pattern shaped within the framework of the objectives of the study, a general framework has been drawn about the history of Islamic sects and the views put forward on natural disasters in theology. The treatment of natural disasters in the Presidencys Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermons was examined and the obtained data was analyzed. In this regard, it is seen that the Presidency primarily takes into consideration the dual nature of disasters and calamities, namely those arising from the sunnatullahway of Allah and those resulting from the human element fault. It is noteworthy that it provides information about what attitude should be taken before and after each of them, focusing on the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions and organizations. The Presidency emphasized that all natural events, including natural disasters, occur within the framework of cause and effect, depending on the laws and order set by Allah. It has been stated that in the face of natural disasters, one should trust in Allah after fulfilling material and spiritual responsibilities and taking all kinds of precautions, based on the reasons. It was stated that without taking the necessary precautions, the approach of Allahs will happens would be easy. It has been emphasized that some natural disasters are caused by peoples practices that do not take into account the sunnatullah Allahs way and therefore, these issues should be acted with a sense of trust. It has been stated that when exposed to natural disasters, they should be met with patience and endurance and approached with test, awareness of servitude and prayer. In such situations, it is seen that the Presidency takes an approach that emphasizes that one of the most indispensable characteristics of Muslims is that they should be in solidarity and cooperation.

 This study deals with the approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs on natural disasters. In our country, it is known that there have been religious debates about earthquakes, floods, forest fires etc. Natural disasters have been brought to the agenda not only in the Islamic world but also by members of other religions. This issue has been discussed in different dimensions, especially whether disasters are a divine punishment or not. Sects and schools of thought in the History of Islamic Sects and KalamTheology have made different evaluations of natural disasters and calamities. The Presidency is mandated by law to carry out affairs related to the beliefs, worship and ethical principles of the Islamic religion and to enlighten society on religion. The Presidency carries out its duty of enlightening the society on religion through sermons, khutbahs, printed and periodical publications, radio, television and digital platforms and similar means inside and outside mosques. It is important to analyze the information provided by the Presidency on natural disasters. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the information provided by the Presidency, which closely follows the agenda, on natural disasters. In this qualitative study, the information provided by the Presidency on the subject is analyzed in the sample of Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermonskhutbahs. Some of the natural disasters and calamities earthquakes, tornados, tsunamis, floods, etc. are not caused by the human element but occur within the scope of sunnatullah way of Allah. Others, such as mine collapse, biological and chemical waste dispersion, may be caused by human factors defects. Therefore, the main hypothesis of the study is that the Presidencys information on natural disasters will be within a framework that takes this phenomenon into account. In the context of the pattern shaped within the framework of the objectives of the study, a general framework has been drawn about the history of Islamic sects and the views put forward on natural disasters in theology. The treatment of natural disasters in the Presidencys Diyanet Newspaper, Diyanet Monthly Magazine and sermons was examined and the obtained data was analyzed. In this regard, it is seen that the Presidency primarily takes into consideration the dual nature of disasters and calamities, namely those arising from the sunnatullahway of Allah and those resulting from the human element fault. It is noteworthy that it provides information about what attitude should be taken before and after each of them, focusing on the responsibilities of both individuals and institutions and organizations. The Presidency emphasized that all natural events, including natural disasters, occur within the framework of cause and effect, depending on the laws and order set by Allah. It has been stated that in the face of natural disasters, one should trust in Allah after fulfilling material and spiritual responsibilities and taking all kinds of precautions, based on the reasons. It was stated that without taking the necessary precautions, the approach of Allahs will happens would be easy. It has been emphasized that some natural disasters are caused by peoples practices that do not take into account the sunnatullah Allahs way and therefore, these issues should be acted with a sense of trust. It has been stated that when exposed to natural disasters, they should be met with patience and endurance and approached with test, awareness of servitude and prayer. In such situations, it is seen that the Presidency takes an approach that emphasizes that one of the most indispensable characteristics of Muslims is that they should be in solidarity and cooperation.

 Bu çalışmada Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığının doğal afetler konusundaki yaklaşımı ele alınmaktadır. Ülkemizde deprem, sel, orman yangınları vb. doğal afetler hakkında dinî alanda tartışmalar yaşandığı bilinmektedir. Doğal afetler sadece İslam dünyasında değil, farklı din mensupları tarafından da gündeme taşınıp başta afetlerin ilahî bir ceza olup olmadığı hususu olmak üzere farklı boyutlarıyla tartışılmıştır. İslam Mezhepleri Tarihi ve Kelâm içerisinde incelenen mezhep ve ekoller, doğal afetler ve musibetler hakkında farklı değerlendirmelerde bulunmuştur. Kanunla İslam Dininin inançları, ibadet ve ahlak esasları ile ilgili işleri yürütmek, din konusunda toplumu aydınlatmakla görevlendirilen Başkanlık, toplumu din konusunda aydınlatma görevini cami içi ve cami dışında vaaz, hutbe, basılı ve süreli yayınlar, radyo, televizyon ve dijital platformlar vb. aracılığıyla yürütmektedir. Başkanlığın doğal afetler hakkında yapmış olduğu bilgilendirmenin incelenmesi önemli görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada gündemi yakından takip eden Başkanlığın doğal afetler konusunda yapmış olduğu bilgilendirmenin ortaya konulması amaçlanmaktadır. Nitel araştırma hüviyetindeki çalışmada Başkanlığın konu hakkında yaptığı bilgilendirme Diyanet Gazetesi, Diyanet Aylık Dergi ve hutbeler örnekleminde incelenmektedir. Doğal afet ve musibetlerin deprem, hortum, tsunami, sel vb. bir kısmı insan unsurundan kaynaklanmayıp sünnetullah kapsamında gerçekleşmekte; maden göçüğü, biyolojik ve kimyasal atık yayılması gibi diğer bir kısmı ise insan unsurundan kusurlar kaynaklanabilmektedir. Dolayısıyla çalışmanın temel hipotezi, Başkanlığın doğal afetler konusundaki bilgilendirmesinin bu olguyu dikkate alan bir çerçevede olacağı şeklindedir. Çalışmanın hedefleri çerçevesinde şekillendirilen deseni bağlamında İslam Mezhepleri Tarihi ve Kelâmda doğal afetler konusunda ortaya konulan görüşler hakkında genel bir çerçeve çizilmiş, Başkanlığın Diyanet Gazetesi, Diyanet Aylık Dergi ve hutbelerde doğal afetleri ele alışı incelenmiş, elde edilen veriler analiz edilmiştir. Başkanlığın bu konuda, öncelikle afet ve musibetlerin sünnetullahtan ve insan unsurundan kusurundan kaynaklananlar şeklindeki ikili yapısını dikkate alıp her biriyle ilgili öncesi ve sonrasında nasıl bir tavır takınılması gerektiği hakkında gerek şahısların gerek kurum ve kuruluşların sorumluluklarını merkeze alan bir bilgilendirme yaptığı dikkat çekmektedir. Doğal afetler dâhil bütün tabiat olaylarının Allahın koyduğu kanunlara ve düzene bağlı olarak sebep-sonuç çerçevesinde gerçekleştiğini vurgulayan Başkanlığın, doğal afetler karşısında sebeplere sarılarak maddî ve manevî sorumlulukların yerine getirilip her türlü tedbirin alınmasından sonra Allaha tevekkül edilmesi gerektiği, gerekli tedbirlerin alınmadan Allahın dediği olur yaklaşımının kolaycılık olacağı; bazı doğal afetlerin insanların sünnetullahı dikkate almayan uygulamalarından kaynaklandığı, dolayısıyla bu hususlarda emanet bilinciyle hareket edilmesi gerektiği; doğal afetlere maruz kalındığında bunların sabır ve sebatla karşılanması ve bunlara imtihan, kulluk bilinci ve dua ile yaklaşılması gerektiği; bu tür durumlarda dayanışma ve yardımlaşma içinde olmanın Müslümanların en vazgeçilmez hasletlerinden olduğu hususlarını vurgulayan bir yaklaşım sergilediği görülmektedir.

Article Details

The Approach of the Presidency of Religious Affairs about Natural Disasters

Authors:

Cenksu Üçer | Büşra Zoba | Abdülkadir Çiftçi

Publisher:

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Main Topics:

İslam Mezhepleri

Journal:

ULUM Vol.6 Issue 2, pp.191-253

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307708

pISSN:

2645-9132

History of Islamic Sects

Natural Disasters

Presidency of Religious Affairs

Diyanet Gazetesi / Newspaper

Diyanet Aylık Dergi / Monthly Magazine

Khutbahsİslam Mezhepleri Tarihi

Doğal Afetler

Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı

Diyanet Gazetesi

Diyanet Aylık Dergi

Hutbeler

Issues

Article Details

Authors: Cenksu Üçer | Büşra Zoba | Abdülkadir Çiftçi

Publisher: Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Main Topics: İslam Mezhepleri

Journal: ULUM Vol.6 Issue 2, pp.191-253

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 12/2023

Document Language: Turkish

Document ID (Org No.): 2001307708

pISSN: 2645-9132

Issues

Authors:

Cenksu Üçer | Büşra Zoba | Abdülkadir Çiftçi

Publisher:

Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University

Main Topics:

İslam Mezhepleri

Journal:

ULUM Vol.6 Issue 2, pp.191-253

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2023

Document Language:

Turkish

Document ID (Org No.):

2001307708

pISSN:

2645-9132