Christchurch: Hit Again and This Time it's Deadly

Some of you may have seen footages of the heart-wrenching Christchurch earthquake which claimed the lives of dozens of New Zealanders and tourists yesterday. They say lightning never strikes the same place twice but this is proof that we can never be too sure of that. We should have seen the stranding of 107 pilot whales in Stewart Island the day prior to the earthquake as a sign

My heart and prayers goes out to the victims and their loved ones who are facing quite possibly the most devastating tragedy in their lives. They are still experiencing many aftershocks after the earthquake. When an earthquake happened in Christchurch in September 2010 I remember thinking how surreal it is to be in a city that's only a 5-hour away drive from Christchurch and escape a terrifying natural disaster. 


Just a few days ago I was contemplating on how we, as humans, sometimes feel mighty and powerful with our chest puffed up with pride and arrogance, yet if the Earth were to swallow us up there would be no way for us to stop it from happening. We'd like to think that we have ultimate control of our lives but the reality is we're very fragile and to a certain extent absolutely helpless. 

I am scheduled to fly to Christchurch on the 2nd of March but I am now making arrangements to go back to Dunedin via Wellington instead. I wasn't planning on blogging for a while because there's a lot that needs to be done before I leave but I just had to. Christchurch is just too close to home. 

Comments

Feda said…
Omg how surreal. My prayers go out to all those affected! The world is experiencing many frightening events these days. Scary when it's so close to home though. I often think about things like this sitting in my comfortable environment (especially with the recent uprisings around the world). Sha,thanks for the sharing as always!
RS said…
yeah, I heard this on the radio. the mayor or chrischurch and everything were on it.

I hope they'll be alright. My prayers go out to them as well.

Be safe, Sha Elaiza!
Yunne Osman said…
OMG my prayers go out to them as well, all of them in christchurch and anywhere in the world with catastrophe for that matter. i hope non of those you know (your friends) are affected by this.
Elisa said…
There are so many scary things happening around the world these days, or so it seems. It gives me goosebumps! It's like just about all the signs of the end are here! May Allah grant the believers peace and guide the non believers to the straight path before it's too late. Ameen.
Anonymous said…
It is amazing to realize how vulnerable we all really are
Amalia said…
I have been watching the news. Absolutely terrifying and so sad:( Praying for everyone there.
Laila said…
I'm so sad for what happend, It is very sureal.
My prayers, InshaAllah, will go to the victims
Shahirah Elaiza said…
Thank you for your thoughtful and insightful comments ladies. I am a little worried about going back but the general feeling is that I'll be ok inshaAllah.

Yes Elisa it's happening everywhere. As if the Earth is rebelling! InshaAllah Allah swt will continue to guide the Ummah towards righteousness and remove the veils from the hearts and eyes of the unbelievers.
Anonymous said…
Sha, you're going back to Dunedin? See you soon!
Anonymous said…
Shahirah says
"guide the Ummah towards righteousness and remove the veils from the hearts and eyes of the unbelievers"
What does this mean?
Shahirah Elaiza said…
Anon:

Surah Fussilat verses 2-8

A Revelation from (Allah) Most Gracious, Most Merciful―

A Book, whereof the verses are explained in detail― a Qur'an in Arabic, for people who understand―
Giving Good News and Admonition: yet most of them turn away, and so they hear not.

They say: "Our hearts are under veils, (concealed) from that to which thou dost invite us, and in ours ears in a deafness, and between us and thee is a screen: so do thou (what thou wilt); for us, we shall do (what we will!)."

Say thou : "I am but a man like you: it is revealed to me by inspiration, that your God is One God: so stand true to Him and ask for His forgiveness." And woe to those who join gods with Allah―

Those who pay not Regular Charity, and who even deny the Hereafter.

For those who believe and work deeds of righteousness is a reward that will never fail.

Say: Is it that ye Deny Him Who created the earth in two Days? And do ye join equals with Him? He is the Lord of (all) the Worlds.


Surah Jathiya verse 23

Then seest thou such a one as takes as his god his own vain desire? Allah has, knowing (him as such), left him astray, and sealed his hearing and his heart (and understanding), and put a cover on his sight. Who, then, will guide him after Allah (has withdrawn Guidance)? Will ye not then receive admonition?