Questions & Answers – Why We Suffer Series
“Why We Suffer” is a series that explores why there is suffering in the world, and how we should respond to evil according to Allah’s teachings. This segments answers come common questions about the subject.
If Allah created everything, then did He also create evil?
Allah created absolutely everything, even our own actions. Good and evil are relative to what they bring us.
What’s the Islamic term for evil?
In the Qur’an, the words khayr and share are not used to mean absolute good or absolute bad. We believe that Allah creates everything with wisdom, for a very specific reason. For example, a fancy house and car could be a very good thing for one person, but an evil thing for another person what takes it with pride and arrogance.
What is the purpose of difficulty? Are we being punished?
All difficulties are an automatic erasure of our sins if we deal with them properly. We should pray to Allah for well-being, and should not seek out difficulties. However, if we do experience them, we should not be negative and feel that we are being punished. Rather, we should remain positive and see the good in the situation and appreciate the good.
What should we do if dealing with difficulty and trials?
The Prophet, Allah bless him and give him peace, said, “Be with the group, and beware of remaining alone, for the Shaitan is close to the one who is alone and is distant from two people. Whoever seeks the fragrance of Paradise let them hold fast to the group.”
About the Series
Shaykh Hamza Karamali (Dean of Academics at SeekersGuidance Global) and our founder Shaykh Faraz Rabbani explain the Islamic understanding of why there are tests, trials, evil and suffering in this life. They address questions such as: What is the wisdom and purpose behind evil and suffering in this life? How should we respond to evil, suffering, tests, and trials? What are the spiritual teachings of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) to respond with trials?
