ACROSS the broad spectrum of human emotions, grief and sorrow emerge as universal constants. Regardless of whether the loss is caused by a natural disaster or a human-made catastrophe, the pain remains equally profound. Recent events, such as the devastating fires in Los Angeles and the tragic destruction in Gaza, have once again highlighted these shared experiences. While the origins of these tragedies differ—Los Angeles being struck by a natural calamity and Gaza suffering the consequences of deliberate human actions—the anguish endured by those affected underscores the fragility and interconnectedness of human existence.
Natural disasters, like the Los Angeles fires, are often perceived as forces of nature, beyond human control. They wreak havoc, displacing families, shattering communities, and leaving behind trails of destruction. In the face of such crises, collective empathy and solidarity often emerge as a beacon of hope. People from diverse backgrounds unite to provide aid and support, transcending boundaries of race, religion, and geography. Yet, despite this outpouring of humanity, the sorrow remains deep. The loss of life, homes, and cherished memories cannot be quantified in material terms. When someone’s home is consumed by flames, the damage goes beyond physical possessions—it creates an irreplaceable void in the heart.
Contrastingly, the ongoing suffering in Gaza represents a tragedy of human making. This is not the result of unpredictable natural forces but deliberate actions stemming from political conflicts and power struggles.
The scale of destruction in Gaza is immense, and the human toll is staggering. Entire families are obliterated, homes reduced to rubble, and futures shattered. The sorrow in this instance is compounded by the realization that such tragedies are preventable. They reflect humanity’s capacity for cruelty and disregard for life when blinded by enmity and greed.
Both cases compel us to reflect on the nature of human suffering and our response to it. In moments of loss, the essence of shared humanity becomes evident. The Quran reminds us of this interconnectedness in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13): “O mankind, We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you.” This verse highlights the unity of the human race and calls for mutual understanding and compassion.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further emphasized the sanctity of human life and the need for empathy. In a well-known Hadith, he said, “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” This profound analogy underscores the importance of standing together in times of hardship, irrespective of the source of the calamity.
Christian teachings echo similar sentiments. In the Bible, Romans 12:15 urges believers to “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” This call for empathy underscores the shared nature of human suffering and the importance of supporting one another in times of grief. In Judaism, the Talmud teaches that “Whoever saves one life, it is as if they have saved the entire world” (Sanhedrin 37a). This powerful statement highlights the sanctity of every human life and the collective responsibility to protect and support one another.
Hindu philosophy emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, with the concept of “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” meaning “The world is one family,” promoting compassion, non-violence, and duty to help others in times of distress. Similarly, Buddhism’s core principle of “Karuna” (compassion) urges kindness and empathy toward all.
However, it is disheartening to see selective empathy today, where natural disasters often receive widespread sympathy, while man-made tragedies like those in Gaza are sometimes overshadowed by political biases, undermining the universal principle of valuing every human life.
Reflecting on the title, “Don’t rejoice when the enemy dies, Friends will also die,” we are reminded of the dangers of dehumanizing others. Celebrating the demise of an adversary can lead to a cycle of hatred and retaliation, perpetuating suffering. The Quran warns against such attitudes in Surah Al-Isra (17:33): “And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly — We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].” This verse stresses the sanctity of life and the importance of justice, urging restraint even in the face of conflict.
Tragedies like the Los Angeles fires and Gaza’s devastation urge us to reflect on our shared vulnerability. They remind us that suffering transcends boundaries, and human loss, regardless of its cause, wounds our collective soul. Only by internalizing this truth can we truly empathize and work toward a world that values life above all.
The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) guide us toward compassion and justice, urging us to rise above divisions and honour every life. In natural calamities, we must unite to support those in need; in human-made disasters, we must address root causes and advocate for peace and reconciliation.
Ultimately, the pain of losing a home, whether to fire or bomb, highlights life’s uncertainties, teaching us to cherish what we have and extend support to those who’ve lost everything.
The true test of humanity is not in how we respond to the suffering of loved ones but in how we react to the pain of strangers and even adversaries. Today, the world needs more compassion, understanding, and collective action. As individuals and as a global community, we must reject selective empathy and embrace the universal principle of valuing all lives equally. Only then can we build a world where sorrow is met with solace and suffering is alleviated by solidarity.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
(ememiqbal68@gmail.com)
