Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Baaz (رحمه الله تعالى ورحمة واسعة) said:
“All the signs that happen in this universe that arouse sympathy like thunderbolts, fierce wind, floods that destroy everything, earthquakes that cause great destruction to lofty buildings, great trees, properties and mankind, volcanoes that destroy all that surrounds them, solar and lunar eclipses and other things with which Allah (عز وجل) tries His servant,
are but means of frightening and warning them to give up aggression.
This also may urge them to fear Allah (عز وجل) and return to Him.
These signs also try their patience for what Allah (عز وجل) predestines.
Moreover, the punishment of the hereafter is greater and the command of Allah (عز وجل) is superior.”
[Majmoo ‘al-Fataawa Ibn Baaz, Vol.: 9; pg. 157]
