Earthquake phenomenon in the Qur'ân al-Kerîm in the context of the Sûrah of Zilzâl and seismology

Human beings have faced various disasters throughout history according to the characteristics of their geography. Undoubtedly, one of the most important of these is the earthquake phenomenon, which is unknown where, when and how it will occur. Technically, an earthquake is the sudden discharge of the potential energy accumulated in the depths of the earth along fault fractures, shaking the earth. This earthquake phenomenon, which takes place within the framework of the measures and laws set by Allah Almighty for this universe that he created in a perfect way, is a natural geological event that cannot be prevented from occurring scientifically. In this study, the earthquake phenomenon is first briefly investigated from a technical point of view, and then the Qur'an's perspective on the subject is evaluated on the axis of Surah al-Zilzal. In the last section, the social dimension of the subject is touched upon. As far as it has been analyzed, although the earthquake phenomenon is mentioned in different words in the Qur'an, it is explained within the framework of the earthquake of doomsday that will bring the end of the world, a disaster that brings the destruction of sinful tribes, or metaphorically sociologically shaking the society.In the historical perspective, earthquake phenomenon, which was attributed to creatures, animals and supernatural forces by people when earth science was not yet sufficiently developed, started to be seen as a punishment of God for sins committed with the celestial religions. In parallel with the developments in science and technology, there have been changes in the traditional interpretations of earthquake perception and protection methods. In order to reduce the destruction of this phenomenon, which started as a natural process, the responsibility of human beings has also been emphasized within the understanding of tawakkul. As a result, this study aims to explain the concept of earthquake in the Qur'an on the axis of Sūrah Zilzāl, to touch upon the subject from technical and sociological aspects, to correct erroneous perceptions about all disasters in particular, and to increase disaster awareness and consciousness. Key Words : Qur'ân, Tafsîr, Zilzâl, Society, Earthquake, Awareness