In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful,

the Most Compassionate

Praise be to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon Muhammad,

and upon his family and companions, and all those who follow him



Before

Know the following terms:
- Flood Watch—Flooding possible in a certain designated area.
- Flood Warning—Flooding imminent or already reported.


Learn to recognize environmental clues such as heavy rains, topography and flood history of the region.

Know your elevation above flood stage and the history regarding flooding of your location.

Learn first aid and CPR at your local Red Cross chapter or community organization.


Keep on hand a battery-operated flashlight and radio.


Learn evacuation routes.


Keep vehicle fueled since power failure may render service stations inoperable.


During


Avoid areas subject to sudden flooding.


Do not attempt to cross a stream where water is above your knees. When in doubt, don't try it.


Do not try to drive over a flooded road. The water can be much deeper than it appears and you could be stranded or trapped.


Do not try to drive around police barricades.


Stay away from drains and ditches.
 

After

Do not eat fresh food that has come in contact with flood waters.


Boil drinking water before using.


Report broken gas, electrical and water lines immediately.


Do not handle electrical equipment in wet areas.



Do not sightsee. Your presence could impede relief efforts as well as endanger yourself.


Cooperate with local officials. Respond to requests for assistance from local police, firefighters and relief workers.


Community participation is critical to effective disaster relief.



source: http://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/PDFS/CHAP09/D09-06.PDF  

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

When you feel an earthquake, duck under a desk or sturdy table. Stay away from windows, bookcases, file cabinets, heavy mirrors, hanging plants, and other heavy objects that could fall. Watch out for falling plaster and ceiling tiles. Stay undercover until the shaking stops, and hold onto your cover. If it moves, move with it. Below are some additional tips for specific locations:


  • If you are in a HIGH-RISE BUILDING, and not near a desk or table, move against an interior wall and protect your head with your arms. Do not use the elevators. Do not be surprised if the alarm or sprinkler systems come on. Stay indoors. Glass windows can dislodge during the quake and sail for hundreds of feet.
  • If you're OUTDOORS, move to a clear area away from trees, signs, buildings, electrical wires, and poles.
  • If you're on a SIDEWALK NEAR BUILDINGS, duck into a doorway to protect yourself from falling bricks, glass, plaster, and other debris.
  • If you're DRIVING, pull over to the side of the road and stop. Avoid overpasses, power lines, and other hazards. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking is over.
  • If you're in a CROWDED STORE OR OTHER PUBLIC PLACE, do not rush for exits. Move away from display shelves containing objects that could fall.
  • If you're in a WHEELCHAIR, stay in it. Move to cover, if possible, lock your wheels, and protect your head with your arms.
  • If you're in the KITCHEN, move away from the refrigerator, stove, and overhead cupboards. (Take time NOW to anchor appliances, and install security latches on cupboard doors to reduce hazards.)
  • If you're in a STADIUM OR THEATER, stay in your seat and protect your head with your arms. Do not try to leave until the shaking is over, then leave in a calm, orderly manner. Avoid rushing toward exits.
Āmir ibn 'Abdullāh ibn al-Jarrāh (583-638) (Arabic: أبو عبيدة عامر بن عبدالله بن الجراح), more commonly known as Abū 'Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrāh RA, was one of the ten companions of the Prophet Mohammad SAW (pbuh) who were promised Paradise as mentioned in early Islamic historical accounts and records. He remained commander of a large section of Muslim armies during the time of Caliph Umar ('Umar ibn al-Khattab) and was on the list of Umar's appointed successors to the Caliphate.

Legacy

He was extremely courteous and humble and quite shy. Yet in a tough situation he would become strikingly serious and alert. He was given the title Amin or Custodian of Muhammad's community (Ummah). `Abd Allah ibn `Umar once said about him:

  
He chose to live a simple way of life, opting for the most modest of garments when compared to some of the other sahaba (companions of Rasulullah SAW). 

When, during the conquest of Jerusalem, Caliph Umar had come to Syria, he was met by Khalid ibn al-Walid and Yazid bin abu Sufyan; Caliph Umar dismounted from his camel and threw sand at them while admonishing them that "it has not been even a year since you have came out of the hunger and hard life of Arabia and you have forgotten all the simplicity when you saw the glamour of Syria's Emperors?" 

Both men were incidentally wearing better garments then they were previously accustomed; Khalid ibn al-Walid noted that beneath their clothes they were still sufficiently armed, indicating they were still accustomed to the practical ways of hard desert life, bringing some relief to the Caliph. 

Comparatively, Abu Ubaidah (RA) was also present, but had always maintained his humble dressing and way of life; Umar was pleased to see him, and that very evening, when Umar arrived at his home, he saw that Abu Ubaidah, a man made successful in the art of battle (earning him rights to much booty), had no possessions at home except one bed, a sword and a shield.

WORDS OF WISDOM
In Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah ’s (RA) last days, he made the following statement to the Muslims:
“Today, I am giving you some advice. If you accept it, you will find peace and security to be your companions:
  • Establish ‘Salaah’, be regular in your prayer
  • Fast during the month of Ramadhan
  • Give sacrifices and be charitable often
  • Perform the Hajj
  • Perform the Umrah
  • Encourage and instruct each other to do good actions
  • Wish your fair and just rulers well and be loyal to them
  • Never deceive your just rulers
  • Be careful that you perform your duties and not be lost in worldly pursuits
Listen carefully to what I have to say next: ‘Even if a man gets to live a thousand years, one day he will be in the same position in which you see me today, no one can escape death.’ 

“My greetings of peace to all of you. May there be countless blessings of Allah the merciful on you all.” 




THE  DEAD SEA
  


The people of Lut rejected (his) warning. We sent against them a violent Tornado with showers of stones, (which destroyed them), except Lut’s household: them We delivered by early Dawn,- As a Grace from Us: thus do We reward those who give thanks. And (Lut) did warn them of Our Punishment, but they disputed about the Warning. (Surat al-Qamar: 33-36 )

Lut lived at the same time as Ibrahim. Lut was sent as a messenger to one of Ibrahim’s neighbouring communities. These people, as the Qur’an tells us, practiced a perversion unknown to the world up to then, namely sodomy. When Lut told them to give up this perversion and brought them Allah’s warning, they denied him, refused his prophethood, and carried on with their perversion. In the end, these people were destroyed by a dreadful disaster.

The city where Lut resided is referred to as Sodom in the Old Testament. Being situated at the north of the Red Sea, this community is understood to have been destroyed just as it is written in the Qur’an. Archaeological studies reveal that the city is located in the area of the Dead Sea which stretches along the Israel-Jordan border. 

Before examining the remains of this disaster, let’s see why the people of Lut were punished in this fashion. The Qur’an tells how Lut warned his people and what they said in reply; 

The people of Lut rejected the messengers. Behold, their brother Lut said to them: “Will ye not fear (Allah)? I am to you a messenger worthy of all trust. So fear Allah and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it: my reward is only from the lord of the Worlds. Of all the creatures in the world, will ye approach males, And leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your mates? Nay, ye are a people transgressing (all limits)!” They said: “If thou desist not, O Lut! thou wilt assuredly be cast out!” He said: “I do detest your doings.” (Surat ash-Shuara: 160-168 )

The people of Lut threatened him in response to his inviting them to the right way. His people detested him because of his showing them the right way, and wanted to banish both him and the other believers beside him. In other verses, the event is told as follows; 

We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you? For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.” And his people gave no answer but this: they said, “Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!” (Surat al-Araf: 80-82 ) 

Lut called his people to an obvious truth and warned them explicitly, but his people did not heed any warnings whatsoever and continued to reject Lut and to deny the penalty of which he told them.
And (remember) Lut: “Behold” he said to his people: “Ye do commit lewdness, such as no people in Creation (ever) committed before you. Do ye indeed approach men, and cut off the highway? And practise wickedness (even) in your councils?” But his people gave no answer but this: they said: “Bring us the Wrath of Allah if thou tellest the truth.” (Surat al-Ankaboot: 28-29 )

Receiving the above answer from his people, Lut asked for the help of Allah,
He said: “O my Lord! help Thou me against people who do mischief!” (Surat al-Ankaboot: 30 )
“O my Lord! deliver me and my family from such things as they do!” (Surat ash-Shuara: 169 )
Upon Lut’s prayer, Allah sent two angels in the form of men. These angels visited Ibrahim before coming to Lut. Giving Ibrahim the good news that his wife would give birth to an infant, the messengers explained the reason of their being sent: the insolent people of Lut were to be destroyed. 

(Ibrahim) said: “And what, O ye Messengers, is your errand (now)?” They said, “We have been sent to a people (deep) in sin; To bring on, on them, (a shower of) stones of clay (brimstone), Marked as from thy Lord for those who trespass beyond bounds.” (Surat adh-Dhariyat: 31-34  )

Excepting the adherents of Lut: them we are certainly (charged) to save (from harm) – All – Except his wife, who, We have ascertained, will be among those who will lag behind. (Surat al-Hijr: 59-60  )

After leaving Ibrahim’s company, the angels, who were sent as messengers, came to Lut. Not having met the messengers before, Lut first became anxious, but then calmed down after talking to them;
When Our messengers came to Lut, he was grieved on their account and felt himself powerless (to protect) them. He said: “This is a distressful day.” (Surah Hud: 77  )

He said: “Ye appear to be uncommon folk.” They said: “Yea, we have come to thee to accomplish that of which they doubt. We have brought to thee that which is inevitably due, and assuredly we tell the truth. Then travel by night with thy household, when a portion of the night (yet remains), and do thou bring up the rear: let no one amongst you look back, but pass on whither ye are ordered.” And We made known this decree to him, that the last remnants of those (sinners) should be cut off by the morning. (Surat al-Hijr: 62-66  )

Meanwhile, his people had learned that Lut had visitors. They did not hesitate to approach these visitors perversely as they had approached others before. They encircled the house. Being afraid for his visitors, Lut addressed his people as follows; 

Lut said: “These are my guests: disgrace me not: But fear Allah, and shame me not.” (Surat al-Hijr: 68-69 )
The people of Lut retorted;They said: “Did we not forbid thee (to speak) for all and sundry?” (Surat al-Hijr: 70 )

Thinking that he and his visitors subjected to evil treatment, Lut said:
“Would that I had power to suppress you or that I could betake myself to some powerful support.” (Surah Hud: 80 )

His “visitors” reminded him that they were the messengers of Allah and said;
(The Messengers) said: “O Lut! We are Messengers from thy Lord! By no means shall they reach thee! now travel with thy family while yet a part of the night remains, and let not any of you look back: but thy wife (will remain behind): To her will happen what happens to the people. Morning is their time appointed: Is not the morning nigh?” (Surah Hud:81 )

When the perversity of the city people reached its fullest extent, Allah saved Lut by means of the angels. In the morning, his people were destroyed by the disaster of which Lut had informed them in advance. 

And they even sought to snatch away his guests from him, but We blinded their eyes. {They heard: } “Now taste ye My Wrath and My Warning.” Early on the morrow an abiding Punishment seized them. (Surat al-Qamar: 37-38 )

The verses describe the destruction of this people as follows;
But the (mighty) Blast overtook them before morning, And We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay. Behold! in this are Signs for those who by tokens do understand. And the (cities were) right on the high-road. (Surat al-Hijr: 73-76 )

When Our Decree issued, We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer,-Marked as from thy Lord: Nor are they ever far from those who do wrong! (Surah Hud: 82-83 )

But the rest We destroyed utterly. We rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): and evil was the shower on those who were admonished (but heeded not)! : Verily in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe. And verily thy Lord is He, the Exalted in Might, Most Merciful.(Surat ash-Shuara: 172-175 )

When the people were destroyed, only Lut and the believers, who were only as many as one “household”, were saved. Lut’s wife did not believe either and she was also destroyed. 

We also (sent) Lut: He said to his people: “Do ye commit lewdness such as no people in creation (ever) committed before you?
“For ye practise your lusts on men in preference to women : ye are indeed a people transgressing beyond bounds.”
And his people gave no answer but this: they said, “Drive them out of your city: these are indeed men who want to be clean and pure!”
But we saved him and his family, except his wife: she was of those who legged behind.
And we rained down on them a shower (of brimstone): Then see what was the end of those who indulged in sin and crime! (Surat al-Araf: 80-84 )

Thus, Prophet Lut was saved along with the believers and his family with the exception of his wife. As described in the Old Testament, he emigrated with Ibrahim. As for the perverted people, they were destroyed and their dwellings were razed to the ground. 






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DON'T DELAY GIVING IN CHARITY

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once had several coins that he asked his wife to distribute in charity. But due to the Prophet's illness at the time, she did not have an opportunity to give out the coins. When the Prophet learned of this, he asked for the coins, placed them in his hand, and then said: "What would God's Prophet think if he were to meet God, who is Great and Glorious, while (still) possessing these?" - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 586
 
The Prophet also said: "Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 589

THE IMPORTANCE OF CHARITY

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The believer's shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity." - Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 604
The Prophet also said: "Every act of goodness is charity." - Sahih Muslim, Hadith 496

EVERY MUSLIM MUST GIVE IN CHARITY

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Every Muslim has to give in charity." The people then asked: "(But what) if someone has nothing to give, what should he do?" The Prophet replied: "He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns)." The people further asked: "If he cannot find even that?" He replied: "He should help the needy who appeal for help." Then the people asked: "If he cannot do (even) that?" The Prophet said finally: "Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds, and that will be regarded as charitable deeds." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 524

SPEND IN CHARITY

"Spend (in charity) out of the sustenance that We have bestowed on you before that time when death will come to someone, and he shall say: "O my Lord! If only you would grant me reprieve for a little while, then I would give in charity, and be among the righteous." - The Holy Quran, 63:10

CHARITY SAVES

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity." - Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498

CHARITY IS A PURIFIER

A man once said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): "I have plenty of property, a large family, a great deal of money, and I am a gracious host to my guests. Tell me how to conduct my life and how to spend (my money)." The Prophet replied: "Give (regular charity) out of your property, for truly it is a purifier, and be kind to your relatives and acknowledge the rights of the poor, neighbors and (those in need who seek your help)." - Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 3


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It is our belief that Allah SWT has sent a prophet to every nation and not necessarily to every generation. Allah has mentioned in the Qur'an, 

"Indeed, we sent in every community a messenger… "[2]
"There was not any community except a warner lived among them." [3]

As for the exact number of prophets the Prophet (aw) was asked by Abu Dharr (ra), "O Messenger of Allah! What was the total number of prophets?" the Prophet (aw) replied, "124,000 and from amongst them 315 messengers"[4] 

The difference between a prophet and a messenger, is that a messenger is a prophet to whom Allah reveals a new book or law, and orders them to propagate their new law. Whereas a prophet would merely upholds the law and scriptures of previous messengers. Therefore all messengers are prophets but not all prophets are messengers. 

We have only 25 prophets and messengers who are mentioned in the Qur'an by name. About other prophets and messengers Allah said, "We have told you the story of some Messengers and of others We have not …" (al-Nisa' 4;164) 

List of 25 prophets we must believe in:
 
1. Ādam (as) - He was the first human being to be created and is the father of all mankind.  Came down to the earth from jannah.
 
2. Idrīs/Enoch (as) - He was the first prophet to whom the angel Jibrā`īl came to with revelation to guide the children of Ādam (as). He came after the Prophet Shīth. 

3. /Noah (as) - He was the first messenger to be sent to the earth. He ordered his people stop worshipping idols and images and to worship Allah alone. He called them to Allah for 950 years, he was finally ordered to build the ark. Only a handful of people followed him and were saved the rest were drowned by the great flood even Nū's own son. 

4. Hūd (as) - It is said that Hūd (as) was the first person to speak Arabic. He was sent to the people of Ād in Yemen. His people were giants who lived in palaces with lofty pillars. His people were destroyed by a hurricane with fiercly cold winds. 

5. āli (as) - He was sent to the people of Thamūd who lived in Madyan. They came after the people of Ād and were given the ability to carve their homes out of mountains. They killed the she-camel of āli (as) and as a result were destroyed by an earthquake. 

6. Ibrāhīm/Abraham (as) - He is known as Khalīl al-Allah (the friend of Allah); the father of the prophet.

7. /Lot (as) - He was the nephew of Ibrāhīm (as). He was sent to the people of Sodom on the western shore of the Dead Sea. Their town was turned upside down due to their shameful ways.

8. Ismāīl/ Ishmael (as) - Was the son of Ibrāhīm (as) who was ordered to be given in sacrifice. And from his offspring's came the last and final prophet Muammad (aw). 

9. Isāq/Isaac (as) - He was also the son of the prophet Ibrāhīm (as) All the prophet after him were from his offspring's except for Muammad (aw). 

10. Yaqūb/Jacob (as) - Was the son of Ishāq (as). He is known as Isrā`īl and he had 12 children. The offspring's of these children are called Banū Isrā`īl. 

11. Yūsuf/Joseph (as) - Was the most beloved son of his father Yaʿqūb. There is a whole sūrah dedicated to his story. 

12. Shuaib (as) - He was sent to the people of the forest in Madyan. 

13. Mūsa /Moses (as) - Was sent to save the Banī Isrā`īl from Firʿaun. He was given many miracles e.g. splitting of the sea and turning his staff into snake. He was also given the Taurah. 

14. Hārun /Aaron (as) - Was sent to Firʿaun along with his brother as a spokesman. 

15. Dāwūd/David (as) - He was the person who killed Goliath and then became a ruler and a prophet. He was given the Zabūr/Psalms. 

16. Sulaymān/Solomon - Was a king who ruled the whole world and had the control of jinns. He was also able to understand the languages of the animals. 

17. Ayyūb/Job (as) - Was tested by Allah, he lost all his wealth and children. 

18. Dhul Kifl (as): Some mention he was the son of Ayyūb. 

19. Yūnus/Jonah (as) - The prophet who was swallowed by the whale after leaving his people fearing the punishment of Allah.

20. Ilyās/Elias (as) - He was sent to the people of Baalek, west Damscus. 

21. Al-Yasa/Elisha (as) - It is said that he was the cousin of Ilyās.
 
22. Zakariyyah/Zechariah (as) - He was granted a son at a very old age. 

23. Yaya/John (as) - Was the son of Zakariyyah, and he was killed by his people. 

24. Īsā ibn Maryam/Jesus the son of Mary - He was the Messiah sent to the Jews, he was granted many miracles, such as healing the ill, deaf, blind lepers and bringing the dead back to life by God's permission. 

25. Muammad (as) - The last and final prophet of Allah. The leader of all the prophets and the greatest of all creation. 

It is mentioned in the Quran in as clear as possible words that Muhammad(saw) is the last prophet:
“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (Quran 33:40)