Setting aside the disastrous political turmoil we are entrenched in, the worry “Mother Nature” has stirred is enough to make one ask, “What on earth is going on?”
Devastating Australian bushfires, a new lethal strand of coronavirus that is spreading across the world, worrying volcanoes in the Philippines, unforgiving earthquakes in Turkey and the Caribbean and floods sweeping across Indonesia are only a taste of recent world disasters. These disasters are not stopping any time soon, with forecasts of further epidemics, earthquakes and bushfires.
These instances ignite our passion, as Ahmadi Muslims, to off er whatever services we can, whether in the form of monetary donations to alleviate the suffering or send our best men through schemes like Humanity First to disaster-stricken areas.
Regardless of faith, colour or region, our deepest sympathies are always with those affected and we continue to pray for those who are suffering. Over 110 years ago, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, who claimed to be the Promised Messiah, foretold further pestilences, earthquakes and world disasters that would be reminders for humanity to come back to the One God. The Bible, referring to the advent of Jesus in the latter days also refers to “famines and earthquakes in various places”. (Mathew 24:4)
It is certainly not a coincidence that the world of spirituality is also drowning; the commandments of God are being ignored, rights are being violated, atheism is on the rise and indecency is customary. As the general population of the world draws further away from God and world disasters rise, it is vital that we listen to what the saviour of our time had to say. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias made countless prophecies about disasters and epidemics that would be signs from God and would occur during and aft er his arrival.
Arguably, the most infamous epidemic during his time was the plague that claimed the lives of tens of millions, while providing immunity to Ahmadi Muslims. Regarding his prophecies of world disasters that were to manifest aft er him, the Promised Messiahas said:
“If these prophecies create a panic in the world at the time of their fulfilment, and their severity leads people to the verge of insanity, and there is widespread loss of life or property, then fear God Who made all this happen for my sake. How can man run away from God, Who has control over every speck and particle.” (Tajalliyat-e-Ilahiyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, pp. 395-404)
Surely, these catastrophes prophesied by the Promised Messiahas have caused severe “panic” and “widespread loss of life and property” that should jolt humanity to question the reason behind the chaos.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has continuously echoed the voice of the Promised Messiahas and emphasised the need for the world to recognise its Creator. His Holiness, at the 2019 Annual Convention in Germany said:
“The Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, called on mankind to seek refuge under the shade of God Almighty, in order to be saved from all forms of warfare and danger. However, he also warned that if mankind failed in its duties to recognise its Creator then it would be at grave risk. He said that despite their might, wealth and power, neither Europe, nor America would be safe from destruction; nor would Asia, Australia or Islands or any other part of the world.”
Without a doubt, already, it is crystal clear that no part of the world is safe. The coronavirus threat, sprouting from China, has spread fear across every country of the world, while predictions about its advancement are still a bit uncertain. Such a backdrop begs for a lasting solution that will move God to show His mercy towards humanity. Th e solution is on the table, but will humanity take heed?