Disaster management and religious insight: a comprehensive analysis

WHO defines disaster as a sudden ecological phenomenon of sufficient magnitude to require external assistance; thus they have a greater impact on habitat, usually changing the landscape of an area. Disaster management deals with the human, material, economic or environmental impacts of said disaster in the form of grim distraction to the operative part of a community that surpasses its capability to cope with. Disasters affect the substantial numbers of people who are exposed to life-threatening events to which they are susceptible, causing injury and loss of life, frequently pooled with destruction to property and livelihoods. Hazards brings about the emergency situation leading disastrous impact cannot be controlled but their impacts may be reduced. The present study is based on descriptive research analysis of disaster management with the help of published material on the subject matter as well as religious text especially Islamic treatise Holy Quran and Hadith. It also aims to explore the role of religious thoughts and public opinion based these established religious opinions to manage these disasters. The study reveals that the religious knowledge and are not solely responsible to control the though making process and have limitations as compared to scientific explanations pertaining to the genesis and warning of occurrence of disasters, however these religious writings and explanations can be of much importance to provide the strong base to the scientists for further exploration. It has also been revealed that all kinds of occurrence of natural disasters have hidden scientific systems to be reconnoitred. The most important components being the preparedness followed by response, recovery and rehabilitation would be optimally and rationally managed with the inspiration and inducement of religious leaders, institutions and organisations irrespective of their location. It is suggested that the society and community should be prepared in such a way that can represent the resilience whether using top-to-bottom or bottom-to-top approach in dealing with the impact on these natural disasters considering an integrated approach keeping in view the knowledge and expertise of local indigenous traditions, perception, rituals, religious education besides government policies and framework to entrust with the scientific temperament of the subject matter.