Is it prescribed for the people of a land to pray when an earthquake or other signs occur?
Prayer is recommended upon the occurrence of a sign (ayaat), such as eclipses, earthquakes, severe storms, and devastating floods. This is based on what was authentically narrated from Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, that he prayed in Basra during an earthquake a prayer similar to the eclipse prayer, and he said: "This is how the prayer for signs (ayat) is performed." This is the view adopted by Al-Kasani, Ibn Taymiyyah, and Ibn Uthaymeen. The Hanbalis restricted the recommendation to the earthquake prayer only. Imam Shafi'i, however, was of the opinion that the prayer for signs (ayat) is legislated for each individual occurrence.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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