Why Do People Suffer? God's Existence & the Problem of Evil
This essay argues that the existence of evil offers neither a logical nor probable case against God’s existence and that Islam offers a comprehensive theodicy: that is, a systematic solution to the problem of evil. This paper is essentially a summary and translation of Dr. Sami Ameri’s phenomenal research on the subject.
Grade level recommendations
high school
The Importance of Teaching Why Evil Exists From an Islamic Perspective
By Dr. Samar Al-Majaideh, ISLA
July 2024
Understanding why evil exists is crucial for students’ spiritual and intellectual development. Teaching this topic helps students reconcile their faith with the presence of suffering and injustice in the world, particularly in contexts such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and other Muslim nations facing significant challenges. This framework allows students to comprehend complex theological concepts, encourages critical thinking, and fosters resilience. By addressing these challenging questions, educators can help students build a stronger, deeper faith, assuring them that their beliefs are well-founded and capable of withstanding life’s adversities.
Key Points:
- Strengthening Faith: Helps students understand and reconcile their beliefs with the existence of evil and suffering in contexts like Palestine and other Muslim nations.
- Critical Thinking: Encourages analytical thinking and deeper comprehension of theological concepts, particularly in understanding the struggles faced by Muslim nations.
- Resilience: Fosters emotional and spiritual resilience in the face of life’s challenges and global injustices.
- Moral Understanding: Enhances students’ understanding of morality, justice, and the importance of perseverance and optimism.
By examining the reasons behind the existence of evil and suffering through the lens of the Quran and authentic Hadith, especially in the context of the challenges faced by Muslim nations such as Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, and Burma, educators can help students develop a mature, resilient, and well-informed faith. This approach not only strengthens their understanding of Islamic teachings but also fosters empathy, a deeper sense of connection to the Muslim Ummah, and a greater sense of solidarity with those enduring hardship. Such education is crucial in safeguarding against disbelief in Allah, as the issue of evil and suffering is considered one of the main seeds or leading factors to atheism. By addressing these difficult topics, educators can help students build a robust and enduring faith that withstands challenges and doubts.
