Question : I am a non-muslim learning about Islam. My question is regarding the recent earthquake in Haiti. If God is Love, if Allah is All Merciful, then why do people suffer?

Why do innocent men, women and children have to endure unspeakable hardship? How can I believe in a Merciful and Loving God when He allows so much suffering? Michelle Lee, UK

Answer : “Or do you think that you will enter Heaven without being tested like those who were tested before you? They endured suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and those of faith who were with him cried: ‘When will the help of Allah come?’ Ah! Truly, Allah’s help is always near!” [Holy Quran 2:214]

Dear Sister - Thanks a lot for your question. The recent earthquakes in Haiti brings tears to our eyes. Our hearts bleed for the suffering and pains of our brothers and sisters—Muslims and non-Muslims—who are victims of the disaster.

May the Almighty alleviate the suffering of the victims and reward those who hurry to aid them.

The Test.

By earthquakes, Allah Almighty tests the faith, patience, cooperation, helpfulness, and brotherhood of His servants. A believer can be tested with adversity and prosperity.

Suffering is a test for us, a test of our patience. Peace and prosperity is also a test, a test of our gratitude to Allah.

The test may be mild and light or hard and exacting. Sickness, fear, hunger, poverty, death, loss of power or control, losing a battle, failing an examination, failing a marriage, failing a business, losing a job or a friend…etc. are just few examples of testing with adversity.

Testing may also be in the form of blessings, wealth, health, knowledge, children, family, security, peace…etc. What to do with these blessings is a great test. The test may also be given, by testing us by one another. The true believers submit to God in all cases and under all circumstances.

We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. [2:155]

You should know that your money and your children are a test, and that GOD possesses a great recompense. [8:28]

You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and form idol worshippers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith. [3:186]

This is a tragedy but it’s also a wake up call.

Allah wants us to really feel and experience our desperate need for Him. He wants us to persevere, patiently. He wants us to repose our complete trust in His mercy, so that we can set ourselves apart from those who disbelieve, those who stand against faith.

Earthquakes are, in fact, signs from Allah Most High.

A Muslim has to reflect on Allah’s creation and always be mindful of His signs. As for the recent earthquakes and disasters, they are not necessarily a type of punishment. Allah Almighty may warn His servants against committing sins and violating His laws.

It Wasn’t God, It Was Scientists

Look at all the scientific experiments being done on earth. Huge holes are dug to the core of the earth. Testing of nuclear experiments are done. The result - calamities and natural disasters.

Scientists who boost of being conquered the world, couldn’t predict the disaster in advance - which could have averted the intensity of the disaster.

Earthquakes Reiterates the Need for Day of Judgement and Afterlife

Earthquakes are a manifestation that this world is not the end. In a world where dreams are left unfulfilled. Buildings brought down in a split second. Earthquakes and other natural disasters teach humanity a great lesson - there needs to be a life where there is no sorrow. A life where only happiness exists. A life where all our dreams are fulfilled. For a believer, earthquakes reiterates the need for an afterlife.

What should the Believers do?

Say, “Nothing happens to us, except what GOD has decreed for us. He is our Lord and Master. In GOD the believers shall trust.” [9:51]

“When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to God, and to Him we are returning.” [2:156]

In face of adversity or hardship, the true believers are expected to submit. We are being tested to see if we are truly submitters or not, whether we submit to God during the bad times and the good times or not. God gave us the correct solution in His book, the Quran. Submitting to God, means to accept whatever God has given us or taken away from us, to steadfastly persevere and to wait for God’s victory. In practical terms, let us put it in steps;

Whenever an adversity or hardship afflict a believer, he/she should:

(1) Should not panic. God does test the believers and if He is punishing us, it is to get our attention to correct something wrong we did. He is helping us out instead of leaving us in the dark. Since we asked for our freedom, He gave it to us and it is up to us to correct any wrong doing on our own, He only points things to us and we freely chose.

(2) Check to see if he/she has got off the right path. Is he/she still worshipping God alone and following His book. Correct your path and stay with God alone, if you were not.

(3) Submit to God, by accepting what happened to you without objecting.

“We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to GOD, and to Him we are returning.” These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.” [2:155-157]

(4) Implore God to remove the hardship or adversity. God wants us to implore Him. Do not rush an answer. God runs everything.

“Your Lord says, “Ask Me, and I will respond to you. Surely, those who are too arrogant to worship Me will enter Hell Fire, forcibly.”  [40:60]

(5) Steadfastly persevere - this is the greatest trait of the true believers. God promised those who steadfastly persevere great recompense.

“O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.” [ 2:153]

(6) Believe that God’s promise is the truth and that victory belongs to the believers, but you have to pass your test. Victory is in the way. God’s victory is near.

“We have sent messengers before you to their people, with profound signs. Subsequently, we punished those who transgressed. It is our duty that we grant victory to the believers.” [30:47]

(7) There are two kinds of victories according to the Quran, victory in this life and the bigger and most important victory in the Hereafter. God has promised the believers both victories. Some of these victories may be in disguise and not apparent to other people. Other victories are obvious and clear.

The true believer can identify many victories in his/her life even during the most difficult times or the time of testing. Of the many victories that the believers will see in this life, finding the right path and accepting God alone is the most important one. The believers accept whichever victory or testing comes  their way, and always strive to achieve the eternal victory in the Hereafter.

With the help of God and the assurance in the Quran, the true believers will make the best out of their test or punishment and wait for God’s victory. They are absolutely sure that God’s Victory is near and that God’s victory is their reward.

Allah Knows Best

Leave a Reply