Suffering is a part of life that has been sought to be understood by humankind throughout the ages by theologians, philosophers, scientists, atheists and even a layperson. If the world is viewed in a pessimistic manner or events are judged based on their ‘face value’, numerous unpleasant experiences can be identified everywhere, so oppression, famine, corruption, violation of rights, natural disasters and conflict become all that one sees in this world. In addition to the suffering at the communal level, it seems that individuals suffer within; suffering from the pain of separation when loved ones die, suffering from illnesses and other calamities experienced at the personal level. To understand the concept of suffering according to Islam, the belief that nothing happens without the will of Almighty Allah is fundamental. Believing that everything is predetermined by Almighty Allah is instrumental in seeing suffering as good. Since it comes from Allah, it must be good. This has been the common thinking among Muslim theologians throughout history, generating a vast amount of literature on the concepts of patience, contentment and even pleasure in relation to suffering.While there are indications within the Qur’an that suffering can be the outcome of sins and misdeeds, it is not seen to be purely an outcome of one’s actions or inactions. According to a Hadith, “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.”
Trials and tests are a means to spiritually develop through the attainment of qualities such as patience, servitude and gratitude. Prophets are considered to be the most patient of humankind. They also experience the most grievous hardships and suffering, even though they were chosen by God to undertake a sacred role of delivering His message. Prophet Muhammad’s life is often given as a prime example of the hardships faced by a prophet; he encountered insults, accusations, assaults, embargoes and assassination attempts during his lifetime.
This Hadith removes any negative undertones that may exist about suffering allowed by Allah, since Allah’s affliction of trials is described as Him doing good to the individual. Even if suffering is experienced due to actions or inactions, there is not necessarily a negative impression given to suffering, as evident from the following Hadith: “Hardships continue to befall a believing man and woman in their body, family, and property, until they meet Allah burdened with no sins.” Therefore, hardships are seen as a cleansing and purifying process to ensure one meets their Almighty Allah in a pristine state. An alternative view of suffering is that it is an important means of promoting people to higher spiritual degrees. Tests and trials become a way to seek out the pious individuals who respond positively to the challenges they encounter. Great reward is promised for those who successfully pass the tests of life. This is described in the Quran as: 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.” Therefore, according to Islam, trials and tests are a means to spiritually develop through the attainment of qualities such as patience, servitude and gratitude. Prophets are considered to be the most patient of humankind. They also experience the most grievous hardships and suffering, even though they were chosen by God to undertake a sacred role of delivering His message. Prophet Muhammad’s life is often given as a prime example of the hardships faced by a prophet; he encountered insults, accusations, assaults, embargoes and assassination attempts during his lifetime.
