Monday, April 6, 2009

Not Divine Punishment this Time?


When lightning struck the Island of Kanditheemu in North Miladhunmadulu Atoll on the morning of 5th April, mercifully this time no one has labeled it a divine punishment. The twister observed the same morning in Hulhule (see picture above) also escaped the label. Lightning, tsunamis and earth quakes are often attributed to a punishment from God, not just in the Maldives but also in Western countries like the UK and the US. This is perhaps because of the sudden onset of unforeseen destruction.

Lightning is a particularly favorite for this type of labeling. This could be because it has a way of pinpointing individuals instead of a large population. In the Maldives lightning strikes are often labeled as punishment for false oaths and misappropriation of property belonging to others.

It is remarkable that more than 200 years after the scientific discovery of the explanation behind lightening and Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning conductor, people should still continue with their age old superstitions.

Dhiraagu must be happy that in this particular instance no such negative association was made. After all, it was the Dhiraagu antenna that was the prime target of the strike. Other installations struck were the cable TV and electric supply. They could also consider themselves lucky to escape the blame

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

why do people always associate God's punishment with natural disasters? why not with industrial accidents or even heart attacks?

Anonymous said...

This may be the punishment to Dhiraagu becasue they charge very high rates.

Anonymous said...

It could also be because cable TV shows uncensored films.

Anonymous said...

Everything that happens, happen by the will of Allah.

Anonymous said...

Let's not waste our time on useless superstitions like this. Man, this is the 21st centruy.

Anonymous said...

can anyone tell me why the innocent get punishment?

Anonymous said...

Good that Dhiraagu antenna was there to take the strike otherwise it may have hit on someone's house.
Dhiraagu was very fast in getting back their service. Surely they do what they say as in their advertisements :)

Anonymous said...

to anon 3.03, the innocent who get punished will get thier compensation in heaven. palestinians who don't get justice here also will get their reward in heaven.

Anonymous said...

all anti islam peoples ar coming out

Anonymous said...

the innocent who get "punished"? why exactly are they getting punished on earth?

Anonymous said...

i never heard of the superstition that you mentioned about the thunder strike. It all depends on the family, mine wasn't that superstitious