The Floods of 2025: A Trial and Our Responsibilities

Writer: Dr. Muhammad Tayyab Khan Singhanvi, Ph.D.

Across the expanse of Pakistan, the catastrophic floods of recent weeks have once again underscored how powerless and fragile humanity is before the might of nature. The floods of 2025 have not only caused immense loss of life and property, but they have also shaken the collective conscience of the nation. At such a critical juncture, the pressing question arises: what are our individual and collective responsibilities? The answer lies within our religious injunctions, moral obligations, and national awareness.

This year’s torrential rains and floods have engulfed vast portions of the country. Hundreds have lost their lives, thousands lie injured, and millions have been forced to relocate to safer grounds. Hundreds of thousands of homes, vast tracts of farmland, and vital infrastructure have been destroyed. Agriculture, the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, has been dealt a crushing blow, as millions of acres of cultivated land lie submerged. Crops of rice, cotton, sugarcane, and other staples have been devastated, robbing countless families of their livelihoods. These are not mere figures but grim human tragedies, tales of shattered households and lives uprooted.

The floods are not solely a natural calamity. There is no doubt that climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of such rains, and while Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions, it bears a disproportionate share of climate impacts. Yet natural causes alone cannot be blamed. Human errors and governmental negligence have magnified the destruction. Unsustainable development, illegal encroachments along riverbanks, rampant deforestation, and urban planning that disregards flood risks are glaring examples. Projects such as the Ravi Riverfront Development in Lahore disrupted the river’s natural flow, heightening flood dangers. Weak infrastructure, decaying embankments, poor drainage systems, and the absence of effective early warning mechanisms worsened the catastrophe. Moreover, the lack of international cooperation must not be overlooked; sudden water releases across the border, despite the Indus Waters Treaty, further aggravated the crisis.

Islam, being a complete code of life, elevates service to humanity in times of hardship to the status of worship. The Qur’an declares:

“Righteousness is not that you turn your faces towards the east or the west, but true righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets, and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves…”

(Surah Al-Baqarah, 177)

In this light, our responsibilities amid this crisis span several dimensions:

Immediate relief and solidarity. Helping the victims is both a moral and religious duty. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself” (Bukhari). Within our capacity, we must provide financial support, food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. Donating through organizations such as Alkhidmat Foundation, Rescue 1122, and Islamic Relief is a practical and effective means.

Justice and transparency. It is our obligation to demand complete honesty and fairness from authorities in relief operations. Aid distribution must remain free of regional, linguistic, or sectarian bias.

Knowledge and research. We must promote scientific inquiry to better understand the causes and consequences of floods. Young scientists, engineers, and environmental experts must devise strategies that can serve as safeguards against future disasters.

Prayer and repentance. Supplication and seeking forgiveness cannot be neglected in times of trial. The Qur’an reminds us:

“And I said, ‘Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver.’”

(Surah Nuh, 10)

Environmental adaptation. Our agriculture, population settlements, and infrastructure must be aligned with the realities of climate change. This demands long-term planning and resilience.

International cooperation. Combating climate change is impossible without global solidarity. Developed nations, chiefly responsible for carbon emissions, owe a moral obligation to assist vulnerable states like Pakistan.

Rehabilitation. Post-flood reconstruction must extend beyond rebuilding structures; it requires investment in livelihoods, healthcare, and education.

The floods of 2025 have thrust Pakistan into one of the gravest trials of its history. Overcoming it is possible only through collective resolve, compassion, and faith-driven wisdom. The time has come to recognize our responsibilities and stand shoulder to shoulder with our affected brothers and sisters. With certainty, we believe that Allah Almighty will bless our joint efforts and deliver this nation from its distress. Let us confront this trial with patience, empathy, and justice so that future generations may remember our conduct in golden words.

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