Question No. 3142 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

What Is the Difference Between Averting and Removing a Calamity?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3142

Peace be upon you, Ustadh.
What is the difference between averting a calamity and removing one?

Subject category: Theology and Creed Theology and creed

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Averting a calamity means preventing it from striking, while removing a calamity means bringing it to an end after it has occurred. In other words, averting a calamity is prevention; removing one means dispelling it or treating its effects after it has taken place. Averting a calamity can be compared to immunisation and vaccination, while removing one is like seeking medical care and treatment.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

Preventing a calamity means keeping it from occurring and taking hold; averting a calamity means removing it after it has occurred and taken hold. Prevention is warding off a calamity, while averting it means dispelling it or treating its effects after it has come to pass.

Preventing a calamity is like immunisation through vaccination and the creation of protective barriers. Averting one means trying to remedy it, much as through medication or surgery, and working to restore health.

Put simply, prevention means stopping a calamity from reaching us; averting it means removing it after it has arrived and affected us.

Of course, these meanings are not always assigned to the terms “prevention” and “aversion.” Sometimes they are used interchangeably, or even with the opposite meanings. Their interpretation depends on those who coin the terms and on how they are conventionally used.

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What Is the Difference Between Averting and Removing a Calamity?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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