Spirit of Islam, Sept-Oct 2022

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S DESK Prof Farida Khanam is an author, editor, translator, public speaker and former professor of Islamic Studies at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Among her books are ‘A Simple Guide to Islam’ and ‘A Study of World’s Major Religions’. She has translated into English many books authored by Maulana Wahiduddin Khan. Currently the chairperson of CPS International, she is a regular contributor of articles to various publications. Prof Khanam has edited Maulana’s English translation of the Quran and has also translated his Urdu commentary on the Quran into English. She can be reached at spiritofislamperiodical@gmail.com CALAMITIES AND AFFLICTIONS T HE last few years have seen a tremendous rise in the number and gravity of natural and man-made disasters. Swine flu, Covid-19, and now Monkey-Pox have changed how we live and interact with people. Climate change has become a reality. Desert areas that would see rain rarely are now being flooded due to incessant rain, and the areas known to harbour cold conditions throughout the year are experiencing heat waves. Armed confrontations between countries in many parts of the world have severely impacted the world population while at the same time displacing millions of people from their homes. Historical records show that throughout human history, natural disasters and calamities have been affecting the human population in different parts of the world. Here, we will examine such events in the light of the Scriptures. The book of Exodus in the Old Testament describes the ten disasters inflicted on Egypt by God. These disasters are known as the Plagues of Egypt. They serve as signs and marvels given by God so that the rebellious people of Egypt and their head, the Pharaoh, might realize the greatness and glory of Almighty God. The Bible says: When I raise my mighty hand and bring out the Israelites, the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord”. (Exodus 7:5)