5 Mustajab Prayer when Disaster Occurs – and its Meaning

Have you ever wondered about prayer when a disaster occurs? Most Muslims believe if a disaster occurs for some reason. That is why it is better to recite some prayers. It looks similar to reciting some prayers to avoid the disease ‘Ain in Islam, which horribly exists.

Prayer when a disaster occurs, is commonly recited in the Quran surah Al-Baqarah verse 156. Some of them recite from the Quran, and sometimes, they recite it together such as having a prayer to avoid the Coronavirus.

اَلَّذِيْنَ اِذَآ اَصَابَتْهُمْ مُّصِيْبَةٌ ۗ قَالُوْٓا اِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَيْهِ رٰجِعُوْنَۗ

“(Namely) people who when disaster strikes, say “Innā lillāhi wa innā Ilaihi raji’ūn” (indeed we belong to Allah and indeed only to Him we will return).” (QS 2:156)

Muslims believe that prayer when a disaster occurs, would help them calm their mind and soul. That is because a disaster can influence the most horrible feeling among the victims.

Are you wondering what kind of prayer when a disaster occurs? Here we have some of them based on the Quran, which can be recited regularly as the morning habits in the Islamic way. Check them out!

1. Recite the Quran surah Ar-Rum verse 41

The Quran surah Ar-Rum verse 41 can be recited for the prayer when a disaster occurs. The verse mentions the disaster then happen on Earth and the ocean. It also mentions that the disaster happened by humans that destroy nature.

By reciting the Quran surah Ar-Rum verse 41 has a specific meaning, which brings many benefits for Muslims. The meaning is indeed a wise reminder for Muslims that disaster leads them to get a righteous way. It is similar to some benefits of Dhikr in the heart that are recited by Muslims regularly.

ظَهَرَ الْفَسَادُ فِى الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ اَيْدِى النَّاسِ لِيُذِيْقَهُمْ بَعْضَ الَّذِيْ عَمِلُوْا لَعَلَّهُمْ يَرْجِعُوْنَ

“Destruction has been seen on land and at sea caused by human hands. (Through that) Allah makes them feel some of the (results of) their actions so that they return (to the right path).” (QS 30:41)

2. Recite the Quran surah As-Syu’ara verses 169-174

The Quran surah As-Syu’ara verses 169-174 can be recited as the Quran surah to recite in the morning for a prayer when a disaster occurs. These verses explain how Allah destroyed the people in the prophet Lut era because they spilled over their faith towards Allah.

The meaning of the Quran surah As-Syu’ara verses 169-174 explains that disaster happens because people avoid the warning of the truth from Allah. By reciting these verses, Muslims will increase their faith in Allah.

رَبِّ نَجِّنِيْ وَاَهْلِيْ مِمَّا يَعْمَلُوْنَ

فَنَجَّيْنٰهُ وَاَهْلَهٗٓ اَجْمَعِيْنَ ۙ

اِلَّا عَجُوْزًا فِى الْغٰبِرِيْنَ ۚ

ثُمَّ دَمَّرْنَا الْاٰخَرِيْنَ ۚ

وَاَمْطَرْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ مَّطَرًاۚ فَسَاۤءَ مَطَرُ الْمُنْذَرِيْنَ

اِنَّ فِيْ ذٰلِكَ لَاٰيَةً ۗوَمَا كَانَ اَكْثَرُهُمْ مُّؤْمِنِيْنَ

“(Lut prayed,) “O my Lord, save me and my family from what they are doing.” So, We saved him and all of his family, except for an old woman (his wife) who was among the group (of the disbelievers) who were left behind. Then We destroyed the others. We showered them (with stones). How bad the rain fell on those who had been warned. Indeed, in that, there is a sign (of Allah’s power), but most of them do not believe.” (QS 26:168-174)

3. Recite the Quran surah Al-A’raf verse 130

The Quran surah Al-A’raf verse 130 can be recited as a prayer when a disaster occurs. The verse explains how Allah give the longer dry season with no fruits in the pharaoh’s era to punish him and his people.

Reciting the Quran surah Al-A’raf verse 130 brings the meaning that Muslims should take the lesson learned from the disaster that occur in the pharaoh’s era. During the era, people followed the pharaoh to avoid putting their faith in Allah.

وَلَقَدْ اَخَذْنَآ اٰلَ فِرْعَوْنَ بِالسِّنِيْنَ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الثَّمَرٰتِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُوْنَ

“Indeed, We have punished Pharaoh and his people by (bringing) a long drought and lack of fruit so that they take lessons.” (QS 7:130)

4. Recite the Quran surah Fussilat verse 16

The Quran surah Fussilat verse 16 can be recited as the prayer when a disaster occurs. The verse explains the terrible typhoon to torment some people that disobey Allah’s rule.

Reciting the Quran surah Fussilat verse 16 brings Muslims to realize the wise meaning behind it. They will realize that the torment from Allah in the hereafter can be way more horrible than the disaster in the world.

فَاَرْسَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ رِيْحًا صَرْصَرًا فِيْٓ اَيَّامٍ نَّحِسَاتٍ لِّنُذِيْقَهُمْ عَذَابَ الْخِزْيِ فِى الْحَيٰوةِ الدُّنْيَا ۗوَلَعَذَابُ الْاٰخِرَةِ اَخْزٰى وَهُمْ لَا يُنْصَرُوْنَ

“So, We sent a very cold and thunderous wind on them for several fateful days because We wanted them to experience humiliating torments in this worldly life. Indeed, the punishment of the hereafter is more humiliating and they are not given any help.” (QS 14:16)

5. Recite the Quran surah An-Nahl verse 112

Recite the Quran surah An-Nahl verse 112 can be recited as the prayer when a disaster occurs. The verse explains how Allah punishes the people who disavow the favor from Allah by bringing disaster towards them.

The Quran surah An-Nahl verse 112 also brings a wise meaning which brings some benefits for Muslims. They will increase their faith in Allah and be grateful for every favor from Allah.

وَضَرَبَ اللّٰهُ مَثَلًا قَرْيَةً كَانَتْ اٰمِنَةً مُّطْمَىِٕنَّةً يَّأْتِيْهَا رِزْقُهَا رَغَدًا مِّنْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَكَفَرَتْ بِاَنْعُمِ اللّٰهِ فَاَذَاقَهَا اللّٰهُ لِبَاسَ الْجُوْعِ وَالْخَوْفِ بِمَا كَانُوْا يَصْنَعُوْنَ

“Allah has made a parable of a country that used to be safe and peaceful whose sustenance came to it in abundance from every place, but (its inhabitants) denied Allah’s favors. Therefore, Allah inflicted on them hunger and fear because of what they always do.” (QS 16:112)

All of those verses from the Quran can be recited as a prayer when a disaster occurs. Those verses would bring a peaceful in mind and soul, which could lead Muslims to increase their faith in Allah. May Allah give His blessing and mercy to us.