Third Question: What is the reason for this disaster? If it arises from the wrongdoing of a few individuals, why does it occur somewhat generally throughout the country?

The Answer: The general disaster results from the wrongdoing of the majority: most people in effect participate in the actions of those tyrannical individuals by supporting them either actively or morally or in some connection.

Fourth Question: Since the earthquake disaster results from wrongdoing and is atonement for sins, why are the innocent and those not at fault struck by it? How does divine justice permit this?

The Answer, again in regard to its meaning: This matter concerns the mystery of divine determining, so we refer you to the Twenty-Sixth Word of the Risale-i Nur and here say only this:

And fear tumult or oppression, which affects not in particular [only] those of you who do wrong.(8:25)

That is, beware of the calamity or disaster which when it occurs is not restricted to wrongdoers but strikes the innocent as well. The meaning of the above verse is as follows: this world is a field of trial and examination and a place of striving where man is accountable for his actions. Accountability and examination require that reality remains veiled so that through competition and striving the Abu Bakrs may rise to the highest of the high and the Abu Jahls may enter among the lowest of the low. If the innocent remained untouched by such disasters, the Abu Jahls would submit just like the Abu Bakrs, and the door of spiritual and moral progress through striving would be closed and the mystery of accountability spoiled.

Since divine wisdom requires that oppressed and oppressor are together afflicted by disaster, what share of divine mercy and justice then falls to the wretched oppressed?

In reply to this question it was said: for them there is a manifestation of mercy within the wrath and anger in the disaster. For just as the transient property of the innocent becomes like alms and gains permanence, so too the relatively minor, temporary difficulty and suffering is a form of martyrdom for them which also gains for their transient lives a permanent life. The earthquake earns for them a huge, perpetual profit, so for them is an instance of divine mercy within the wrath.