thanks for your idea, it is really debatable issue and it is difficult to be explained by words but still i believe in God, i can not deny this fact that for regulating universe being a creator is a must , but i think the major problem should be about the way people depict it

i am a late comer but i found this one intersting to comment on coz it's probably the only place i can do it whith no fear of prosecution. Talknig of earthquake,most of religiously swayed minds tend to attribute it to God' want that's totaly unacceptable given their own description of the God's deep affection for human. “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” that's a really wise exression yet so cunning. What was the fault of 300 Iraninan who perished in the most appauling way folowing the recent earthquake in Tabriz. what was their sin that this misery befell them. if i agree that God decides whree on Earth should be shaken, then i'll have to say that Bam's quake was a massacre ,worst than any other inhuman actions becuase it took place when they were all asleep and they had no chance to defend themselvs. you did Physics at university and i'm sure you know what Plates and Faults are. north-west of Iran is very close to eurasian and arabian tectonic plates which are moving twards one another each year by a few milimeters . some countries are predisposed to suffer from seismic activities, some prepare themselves with science and some(we) just blame their actions for the befallen anger of the god. I'm so surprise at an educated person like you saying that. God is a simulation. it has been created in your mind or better say you have made it in your mind because his absense will leave you in such a darkness that you cant help yourself out. it was good back in high school when we had our exams looming upon us but that was then. now we are grown ups and we need to be more realistic about the world we are living in.

“Say: ‘He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another.’” [al-An’aam 6:65] “Did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment by night while they were asleep? Or, did the people of the towns then feel secure against the coming of Our punishment in the forenoon while they were playing? Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allaah? None feels secure from the Plan of Allaah except the people who are the losers.” [al-A’raaf 7:97-99] “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much” [al-Shoora 42:30] “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allaah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” [al-Nisaa’ 4:79] And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him.” [al-Talaaq 65:2-3] …and from hadith “Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5/75), Muslim (4/1809)). And he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a believer of some of the distress of this world, Allaah will relieve him of some of the distress of the Day of Resurrection. Whoever makes things easier for one who is suffering hardship, Allaah will make things easier for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals a Muslim’s faults, Allaah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allaah will help a person so long as he helps his brother.” (Narrated by Muslim, 4/2074).

From an Islamic perspective, God or Allah as we know in Arabic, is the All-wise and All-knowing in what he wills and decrees of matters. He creates and decrees different signs as He wills, he can do this to petrify his creation and remind them of their duties and obligations towards Him – God has rights but most of mankind are negligent. When a major disaster like an earthquake occurs, you see the people sincere in supplication towards their Lord (alone), begging for help, but as soon as that disaster leaves many revert back to being unthankful and are heedless in their actions. They also turn to worshiping other than their creator or associating partners with him. These disasters are therefore sent as warnings against associating partners with their Lord e.g., worshipping idols, using intermediates instead of praying directly to him, or attributing the qualities and attributes of God to other people or things. The disasters also come as warnings against other types of forbidden sins. In this respect, earthquakes and other types of affliction provide us with opportunities to repent and to reflect upon our actions, avoid and give up on any sins, and to remember the one who created and sustains us with much remembrance. It is from the mercy of Allah that he is continuously warning us and showing us his signs at the same time he is powerful and severe in penalty. Disasters also give us an opportunity to give in charity and show mercy towards those who are afflicted by disasters. You will find lots of evidence in the Qur’an here are a few examples “And We sent not the signs except to warn” [al-Israa’ 17:59] “We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’aan) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?” [Fussilat 41:53] “Say: ‘He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in part

In my humble opinion, earth quick is an nature happens in which unfortunately people hurt, Due to some reasons which are acceptable by human logic and due to some unreasonable reasons which are not known by our logic. Furthermore, everyone has a different destination so it should be accepted and get in accordance in a proper way!