Inappropriate to link solar storms phenomenon with Day of Judgment - Mufti
GEORGE TOWN - Linking the phenomenon of a solar storm that is expected to hit the earth starting early next year with doomsday is inappropriate to the point of causing panic and anxiety among many.
Penang Mufti Datuk Seri Dr Wan Salim Wan Mohd Noor said the natural phenomenon of the earth being dark for certain periods was a common phenomenon that has not happened for the first time and could be predicted by astronomers in the future.
In fact, he said that it was clear that the phenomenon was part of the sun’s routine activity.
"Based on studies from related authoritative bodies both inside and outside the country, the impact of this phenomenon on the earth is expected to be minimal.
"The most affected is the hardware involving electricity and electronics.
"Therefore, associating this phenomenon of the earth being dark for certain periods with the Day of Judgment is not appropriate to the point of causing panic and public anxiety," he said in a statement on Saturday.
Wan Salim said that as a responsible society, we should refer to authoritative sources and not spread uncertain things.
He added that our belief in the Day of Judgment will happen is based on guidance from the Quran and As-Sunnah.
"Let us realise and appreciate the power of Allah SWT and His greatness behind this phenomenon.
"In Islam, the things that will happen in the future are not known to anyone but Allah SWT.
"Even the Prophet SAW himself knows about unseen things and the future based on the revelations delivered to him. Based on the guidance of the Quran and Al-Hadith, the occurrence of the earth being dark or the sun not being visible only occurs in three situations, namely at night, eclipse of the sun and before the sun rises from the west as one of the big signs of doomsday," he said.
Commenting further, Wan Salim said, in the narration of the hadith it was stated that the sun was not visible for two to three days before it reappeared from the west.
He said, the Prophet SAW also reminded that with the rising of the sun from the west, it means that the door of repentance for all mankind has been closed.
