Measuring the Impact of Understanding Precaution and Trust (Tawakkul) in the Face of Natural Disasters on the Consciousness of Responsibility: The Case of Türkiye

Hüseyin Okur; Melek Çelik İnce; Ali  Cançelik

doi:10.32350/jitc.151.04

Hüseyin Okur Faculty of Theology, Department of Islamic Law, Kocaeli University, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4285-7478
Melek Çelik İnce Faculty of Theology, Department of Islamic Law, Kocaeli University, Turkey https://orcid.org/0009-0008-3025-5449
Ali Cançelik Faculty of Theology, Department of Islamic History and Arts, Kocaeli University, Turkey https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6058-826X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32350/jitc.151.04

Keywords: awareness of responsibility, caution, natural disasters, tawakkul, Türkiye

Abstract

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This study aims to explore how the concepts of precaution, reliance on Allah (tawakkul), and a sense of responsibility, as understood in Islamic belief, are reflected in individuals’ lives when faced with natural disasters. The study, conducted using a scale with individuals from various regions of Türkiye who have experienced earthquakes, seeks to determine the impact of these concepts on their sense of responsibility. A quantitative method was used to assess how precaution and tawakkul influence the sense of responsibility during natural disasters. Data were collected from 405 participants using the Responsibility Sense and Behavior Scale, Disaster Preparedness Scale and Reliance on Allah (Tawakkul) Scale, which included 53 questions. Participants were also asked about their experiences with natural disasters to analyze their attitudes toward precaution, tawakkul, and responsibility. The results show that while individuals in Türkiye demonstrate high levels of tawakkul—entrusting outcomes to Allah after fulfilling their responsibilities—their disaster preparedness and precautionary measures remain low, regardless of personal experience with disasters. This study is one of the first to empirically examine the intersection of Islamic concepts and disaster preparedness. It contributes to the literature by evaluating whether reliance on Allah enhances or hinders disaster readiness. The findings highlight the need for educational initiatives that align religious teachings with risk mitigation strategies.

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