Why should I 😕

@polite2

@polite2

This will be a somewhat long response. Thank you to all readers for taking the time to read it.

Throughout history, human suffering, wars, and the struggles of life have led people to ask profound questions about God, His mercy, and the purpose of existence. These questions deserve thoughtful consideration. But to explore them fairly, we need to look at the whole picture, not only at its painful aspects.

Think about human life for a moment. We can think, question, distinguish right from wrong, appreciate beauty, love one another, and freely choose how to live. Even our own bodies are astonishing: the heart that beats without our conscious effort, the eyes through which we see the world, and the countless processes that keep us alive. We enjoy the beauty of nature, the warmth of friendship, the love of family, and the wonder of existence itself. Have we ever stopped to consider what an extraordinary gift life is?

Since even this message you are reading has an author, could the existence of humanity and the magnificent creation of the universe ever be random? Among all creatures, human beings are the most elevated and unique. God has addressed humanity directly and endowed us with the extraordinary gift of intellect. Through intellect and consciousness, human beings possess the potential to grasp the deeper meaning of the universe.

Now consider the suffering you mentioned. Who starts wars? Who deliberately starves people, oppresses the innocent, and leaves families homeless? Human beings do. God does not command us to commit these wrongs. On the contrary, He calls us to do good, act justly, show mercy, and protect one another. As stated in the Quran: "Indeed, God  commands justice, grace, and generosity to relatives; and He forbids indecency, wickedness, and oppression. He instructs you so that perhaps you may take heed." [*]

Building takes effort, wisdom, and care, while destruction requires very little. A single spark can burn down a forest that took centuries to grow. When humans use their agency to destroy, the catastrophe reflects the misuse of their choice, not a flaw in the Lawgiver who established order. The fact that people misuse their freedom does not mean that the One who gave them that freedom is responsible for their choices.

Of course, this does not explain every form of suffering, especially the suffering of animals. That question deserves serious thought, too. Yet nature is not driven by human-like malice, greed, or cruelty. Animals act within their natural instincts and play a vital role in sustaining the balance of life. Throughout its existence, an animal experiences the simple, pure joy of living, feeding, and caring for its young. Its death is not aimless destruction, but a discharge from its natural duty within a finely tuned ecosystem. Nature is not merely a scene of struggle; it is a world of nourishment, beauty, interdependence, and life sustained through countless intricate relationships.

Furthermore, just as we need darkness to perceive the degrees of light, or cold to appreciate warmth, the presence of contrast in the universe allows us to recognize and appreciate goodness, health, and peace. If we look only at suffering, we overlook the vast balance that surrounds it. And if we cannot yet fully grasp the purpose of every painful event, does that mean existence as a whole is without meaning?

Perhaps the most important question is not simply, “Why is there suffering?” but also, “What does the whole of existence tell us?” Should we judge the entire picture by its darkest parts alone, without considering the life, beauty, consciousness, love, and goodness that are also real?

You don't have to ignore suffering or abandon reason to explore faith. Perhaps the search for truth begins when we are willing to look at the whole picture, honestly and with an open mind. The very freedom that makes it possible for human beings to do evil is also what makes genuine goodness, compassion, and love possible.

I would encourage you to keep asking questions, to explore different perspectives, and to examine the evidence with an open mind. Don't let the existence of suffering be the only lens through which you view the universe. Look also at life itself, its extraordinary order, its beauty, and our capacity for reason, compassion, and love. Consider the whole picture, and then ask yourself what it might be telling you.

[*] Qur'an 16:90  (Surah An-Nahl, Verse 90)

@polite2 The devil exists and does everything bad in this world and points your focus on God and says He did it. We must work on positive change and use the tools God gives us to fight good battles and overcome evil. Everyone would have to do this for wars and illness and poverty etc to not exist.