What does Islam say about the origin of evil?
The teaches that evil originates from the refusal of Shaytan (Satan/the Devil) to bow down to Adam when ordered to by . Shaytan is also called Iblis.
For his disobedience, Iblis was cast out of Heaven by Allah. He vowed that in revenge he would spend eternity trying to tempt humans to do evil. Allah said:
‘O Iblis! What is your reason for not being among those who prostrated themselves?’ Iblis said: ‘I am not one to prostrate myself to man, whom Thou didst create from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape.’ Allah said, ‘Then get thee out from here; for thou are rejected, accursed. And the curse shall be on thee till the Day of Judgement.'
What does Islam teach about evil and suffering?
Islam teaches that a knowledge of right and wrong is an essential part of human nature.
Muslim teachings say that individuals should know, without having to be informed, which actions are evil and will contribute to the suffering of others, and which actions are good. This inner sense of right and wrong is called . Muslims believe all human beings are born with this sense or instinct to live according to the laws of Allah.
In (or Farewell Speech), the warned Muslims about :
Beware of Shaytan, he is desperate to divert you from the worship of Allah, so beware of him in matters of religion.
Most Muslims believe they have in the sense that they are responsible for everything they do in a particular situation.
They must choose between right, using the guidance of Allah, and wrong, following the temptations of Shaytan. However, most Muslims do not believe they have absolute free will, as Allah can intervene in their lives at any moment.
Many Muslims believe that suffering can be caused by the selfishness and evil of human beings. This selfishness and evil leads to bad decisions.
Muslims can overcome suffering in their own lives and help to ease the suffering of others by following Allah’s path. This path is set out in the Qur’an and in the .
How do Muslims respond to evil and suffering?
Many Muslims believe they are only on Earth for a short time. This life is a test from Allah where they must endure evil and suffering as preparation for .
In the Qur’an Allah says that he will forgive anyone who sincerely repents, just as he forgave Adam and Eve when they were tempted by Shaytan and ate the forbidden fruit:
... if, as is sure, there comes to you guidance from Me, whosoever follows My guidance, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
This quotation from the Qur’an shows how Adam (the first human) and all his descendants are expected to follow Allah’s guidance. They have the ability to do this by relying on fitrah. If they follow Allah’s guidance, they will have nothing to fear in the afterlife.
Muslims are also expected to follow Allah’s example of justice, mercy and forgiveness in their treatment of other people:
Hold to forgiveness; command what is right; but turn away from the ignorant.
Therefore, Muslims believe that when they see people who are suffering, they should treat them with mercy. When they see evil actions, they should ensure that justice is done.
Since they believe that Allah is in overall control, Muslims often try to see a purpose in suffering. They sometimes understand this purpose to be:
- Allah’s way of educating them
- retribution for a wrong they have committed
- a test
If they respond with patience and remain firm in their faith, they will have increased reward in the afterlife.
For some Muslims, the test of suffering is perceived as a blessing.
