Your mother just died from cancer. She prayed five times a day for forty years. She fasted. She gave charity. She never harmed anyone. Why did Allah ﷻ let her suffer?
Or maybe it’s you. You’ve been making dua for a job for two years. You’re drowning in debt. You’re doing everything right religiously. But nothing changes. Meanwhile, your non-practicing cousin just got a promotion. Your atheist coworker bought a new house. Where’s Allah ﷻ’s justice?
Or perhaps it’s worse—innocent children dying of starvation, entire Muslim communities being bombed, natural disasters killing thousands. If Allah ﷻ is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-merciful, why does He allow suffering—especially for believers?
This is called the problem of evil in philosophy. Atheists use it as their strongest argument against God’s existence. Many Muslims struggle with it silently, afraid to voice the question: “If Allah loves me, why is He letting this happen?”
Here’s what changes everything: According to Islamic theology, suffering and evil aren’t problems—they’re purposeful elements of divine wisdom that human beings, with their limited knowledge, cannot fully comprehend. Islam provides a multi-faceted response that addresses suffering intellectually, spiritually, and practically.
This article presents Islam’s complete answer to the problem of evil, addressing why Allah ﷻ allows suffering, what purpose it serves, and how Muslims should respond when tragedy strikes.
Understanding the Question: The Logical Problem of Evil
According to philosophical formulation, the problem of evil is structured as follows:
Premise 1: God is all-powerful (omnipotent)
Premise 2: God is all-knowing (omniscient)
Premise 3: God is all-good/merciful (omnibenevolent)
Premise 4: Evil and suffering exist
Conclusion: Therefore, God doesn’t exist (or lacks one of these attributes)
The atheist argues: If God is all-powerful, He can prevent evil. If He’s all-knowing, He knows about evil. If He’s all-merciful, He wants to prevent evil. Yet evil exists. Therefore, no such God exists.
This argument has caused doubt for countless Muslims when they experience or witness suffering.
The Islamic Response: A Multi-Faceted Solution
According to Islamic theology documented by scholars including Dr. Suleiman Hani of Yaqeen Institute and Hamza Tzortzis, Islam’s response involves multiple perspectives that work together:
1. The Misunderstanding of “Evil”
According to Islamic philosophy, “evil” as an independent entity doesn’t exist.
Evil is the absence or privation of good—like darkness is the absence of light or cold is the absence of heat. According to this view, Allah ﷻ created goodness and being. What humans perceive as “evil” is the absence of good in various degrees.
The Quran states:
[Surah Ash-Shams, Ayah 7-10]
“And [by] the soul and He who proportioned it, and inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness, he has succeeded who purifies it, and he has failed who corrupts it.”
Wickedness exists as a corruption or absence of righteousness, not as a creation in itself.
2. This Life Is a Test, Not Paradise
According to fundamental Islamic belief, this worldly life (dunya) was never meant to be a place of pure happiness.
The Quran explicitly states:
[Surah Al-Mulk, Ayah 2]
“Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.”
[Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 155-157]
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.’ Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.”
According to this understanding:
- Earth is a testing ground, not the final destination
- Difficulty is inherent to the test—without challenges, there’s no test
- Paradise is the place of perfect happiness; expecting it here is misunderstanding the purpose of life
3. Free Will Requires the Possibility of Evil
According to Islamic theology, Allah ﷻ gave humans free will (ikhtiyar). Free will is meaningless without genuine choice between good and evil.
If humans couldn’t choose evil:
- No moral choice would exist
- No moral responsibility would exist
- No basis for reward or punishment would exist
The suffering caused by human evil (murder, theft, oppression, war) is a consequence of free will, not Allah ﷻ’s lack of mercy.
The Quran addresses this:
[Surah Ar-Rum, Ayah 41]
“Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] what they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness].”
Much of human suffering is directly caused by human choices, not divine cruelty.
4. Limited Human Knowledge vs. Infinite Divine Wisdom
According to Islamic belief, humans see a tiny fragment of reality while Allah ﷻ sees all.
The Quran illustrates this in Surah Al-Kahf (18:60-82): When Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) traveled with Al-Khidr (peace be upon him), Al-Khidr did three things that seemed unjust:
- Damaged a boat belonging to poor fishermen
- Killed a young boy
- Repaired a wall for ungrateful townspeople without payment
Musa (peace be upon him) objected each time. Finally, Al-Khidr explained:
- The boat: A tyrant king was seizing every boat. By damaging it, he saved the boat from seizure.
- The boy: He would have grown to cause his righteous parents grief and disbelief. Allah ﷻ would grant them a better child.
- The wall: Beneath it was treasure belonging to orphans. Repairing it preserved their inheritance until they matured.
The lesson: What appears unjust from limited human perspective often contains hidden divine wisdom.
The Quran states:
[Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 216]
“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.”
5. Suffering Serves Multiple Divine Purposes
According to Islamic teachings documented in the Quran and hadith, suffering serves at least seven purposes:
Purpose #1: Expiation of Sins
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in a hadith documented in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5641, Book 75, Hadith 1) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2572, Book 45, Hadith 53): “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, except that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
Every moment of suffering removes sins. According to this principle, what appears as punishment might actually be divine mercy—cleansing you for the afterlife.
Purpose #2: Elevation of Ranks
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in a hadith documented in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 5645, Book 75, Hadith 5): “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”
According to Islamic belief, those who patiently endure suffering receive elevated ranks in Paradise that couldn’t be earned through ease alone.
Purpose #3: Testing Faith
The Quran states:
[Surah Al-Ankabut, Ayah 2-3]
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried? But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.”
Faith untested isn’t true faith. Suffering reveals who genuinely believes versus who only practices during ease.
Purpose #4: Spiritual Growth
According to Islamic wisdom, ease can make people arrogant, forgetful, and distant from Allah ﷻ. Hardship:
- Humbles the human soul
- Makes people turn to Allah ﷻ in sincere supplication
- Develops patience, gratitude, and resilience
- Strengthens reliance on Allah ﷻ (tawakkul)
The Quran notes:
[Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 94]
“And We sent to no city a prophet except that We seized its people with poverty and hardship that they might humble themselves.”
Purpose #5: Reminder of the Temporary Nature of This World
Suffering reminds humans that this world isn’t paradise, encouraging them to work for the eternal life.
If everyone had perfect lives, people would become attached to dunya and forget the akhirah (hereafter).
Purpose #6: Catalyst for Positive Change
According to the Quran and historical reality:
- Suffering motivates people to develop medicine, technology, and systems to prevent future suffering
- Personal tragedy often inspires charity, advocacy, and social reform
- Collective suffering unites communities
Purpose #7: Divine Love and Selection
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in a hadith documented in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2398, Book 36, Hadith 95): “The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”
According to this hadith, intense trials can indicate Allah ﷻ’s love—He tests those He intends to elevate.
Why Specifically Do “Good” Muslims Suffer?
The question assumes good Muslims should be exempt from trials. Islamic theology refutes this:
1. The Prophets Suffered Most
According to authentic hadith documented in Jami’ at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2398): A man asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “Who among people are most severely tested?” He replied: “The prophets, then the next best and the next best. A person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is firm in his religious commitment, he will be tested more severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, his test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.”
The most righteous suffer most severely. Consider:
Prophet Ayyub (Job, peace be upon him): Lost his wealth, children, and health. Suffered for years.
Prophet Yaqub (Jacob, peace be upon him): Lost his son Yusuf (peace be upon him) for decades, cried until he went blind.
Prophet Musa (Moses, peace be upon him): Faced Pharaoh’s oppression and his people’s repeated rebellion.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself: Lost his mother at age 6, his grandfather at 8, his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and uncle Abu Talib in the same year (called the Year of Sorrow), faced extreme persecution, lost children, was poisoned, witnessed beloved Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) tortured and killed.
According to Seerah (prophetic biography), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ suffered immensely despite being the most beloved to Allah ﷻ.
2. Suffering Isn’t Punishment for Believers
According to Islamic teaching, believers’ suffering is:
- A test (to elevate rank)
- Purification (to remove sins)
- Reminder (to stay close to Allah ﷻ)
Punishment (‘adhab) is different—it’s the consequence disbelievers face in the afterlife.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in hadith documented in Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2572): “Amazing is the affair of the believer, verily all of his affairs are good and this is not for no one except the believer. If something of good happens to him, he is grateful and that is good for him. If something of harm befalls him, he is patient and that is good for him.”
For believers, even tragedy is transformed into spiritual benefit through proper response.
3. Immediate Gratification Isn’t the Promise
Many Muslims expect: “I’m good, therefore I should have wealth, health, and happiness.”
Islamic teaching states: Your reward is primarily in the akhirah (afterlife), not dunya.
The Quran warns:
[Surah Hud, Ayah 15-16]
“Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments—We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they therein will not be deprived. It is those for whom there is not in the Hereafter but the Fire. And lost is what they did therein, and worthless is what they used to do.”
Allah ﷻ sometimes gives worldly ease to disbelievers as their only reward. Believers get better—eternal Paradise.
The Islamic Expectation: How to Respond to Suffering
According to Islamic teaching, when calamity strikes:
Step 1: Say Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un
The Quran commands (2:156): “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.”
This statement acknowledges:
- Everything belongs to Allah ﷻ (including your health, wealth, loved ones)
- Everything returns to Him
- You’re just a temporary steward, not the owner
Step 2: Practice Sabr (Patience)
The Quran promises:
[Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah 10]
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.”
Patience doesn’t mean passive acceptance—it means:
- Not complaining about Allah ﷻ’s decree
- Continuing to worship despite hardship
- Trusting Allah ﷻ’s wisdom
- Taking action to improve your situation while accepting outcomes
Step 3: Increase in Dua and Worship
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in hadith: When distressed, turn to Allah ﷻ. This increases your connection during difficulty.
Step 4: Seek the Hidden Wisdom
Ask yourself:
- Is this removing my sins?
- Is this teaching me something?
- Is this redirecting my path?
- Is this testing my faith?
- Will this story inspire others when I overcome it?
Step 5: Remember the Temporary Nature
The Quran states:
[Surah Al-Inshirah, Ayah 5-6]
“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”
Hardship is temporary. Ease follows. Even if not in this life, definitely in the next.
Practical Answers to Specific Questions
“Why Do Children Suffer? They Haven’t Sinned.”
According to Islamic theology:
1. Children who die young enter Paradise automatically without accountability, according to hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 1358, Book 23, Hadith 115).
2. Their suffering in this brief life is temporary and will be compensated with eternal bliss.
3. Their parents are tested through their child’s suffering—the child’s suffering serves the parents’ spiritual development.
4. Allah ﷻ knows what would have happened had the child lived. Some scholars reference the story in Surah Al-Kahf where Al-Khidr killed the boy—Allah ﷻ knew his future would be harmful.
“Why Do Oppressors Prosper?”
According to Islamic teaching:
1. Temporary worldly success isn’t true prosperity. Their eternal destination matters more.
2. Allah ﷻ gives them time to repent. According to hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari (Hadith 7316, Book 96, Hadith 48) and Sahih Muslim (Hadith 2583, Book 45, Hadith 62), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “Allah gives respite to the wrongdoer until, when He seizes him, He does not let him go.” Then he recited: “Such is the seizure of your Lord when He seizes the cities while they are committing wrong. Indeed, His seizure is painful and severe” (11:102).
3. Their punishment is coming—either in this life, the grave, or the Day of Judgment.
“Why Natural Disasters That Kill Innocents?”
According to Islamic understanding:
1. Collective tests for communities.
2. Those killed as “innocents” die as martyrs and enter Paradise according to Islamic teaching.
3. Disasters remind humanity of their powerlessness and Allah ﷻ’s absolute control.
4. They motivate human development of warning systems, better construction, disaster relief, etc.
When the Answer Doesn’t Satisfy
Some people read all this and still struggle. That’s honest.
According to Islamic teaching:
You don’t have to understand to accept. Sometimes, the proper response is: “I don’t understand Allah ﷻ’s wisdom fully, but I trust that He is Just, Merciful, and All-Wise.”
The Quran addresses Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him):
[Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 260]
When Ibrahim asked Allah how He gives life to the dead, Allah asked: “Do you not believe?” Ibrahim said: “Yes, but [I ask] only that my heart may be satisfied.”
Even prophets sought understanding while maintaining belief.
Ultimate certainty will come on the Day of Judgment when all divine wisdom is revealed.
Until then, trust Allah ﷻ even when you don’t understand.
Your Next Move
Someone you love just died. Or you’re sick. Or you’re in financial crisis. You’re asking: “Why me?”
Tomorrow:
1. Pray two rakahs and make sincere dua: “O Allah, I don’t understand Your wisdom, but I trust You. Help me be patient. Use this trial to purify me. Make this a means of my elevation in Paradise.”
2. Say: Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un with full consciousness of its meaning.
3. Remember: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ suffered more than you. He remained patient. You can too.
4. Look for the hidden purpose. What is Allah ﷻ teaching you through this?
5. Know that it’s temporary. According to Islamic belief, this suffering will end—and if you’re patient, Paradise awaits where no suffering exists.
The Quran promises:
[Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah 10]
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.”
You’ll stand before Allah ﷻ one day. He’ll show you every moment of suffering—and the divine wisdom behind each one. You’ll see how that tragedy led to guidance. How that loss brought you closer to Him. How that pain removed sins that would have delayed your entry to Paradise.
And you’ll say: “SubhanAllah. It was all worth it.”
Trust the process. Trust Allah ﷻ. Your suffering isn’t meaningless—it’s purposeful, temporary, and if you respond correctly, it’s your pathway to eternal bliss.
Disclaimer: This article addresses the problem of evil from an Islamic theological perspective. It is not intended to minimize anyone’s pain or suffering. If you’re experiencing severe emotional distress, depression, or thoughts of self-harm due to trials in your life, please seek professional mental health support in addition to spiritual guidance. Islam encourages seeking both spiritual and medical help during times of crisis.