By: S.L.A © 2016 DawahMaterials.com

Why Does Allah Allow Bad Things To Happen?

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger pbuh said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant; from whatever direction the wind comes, it bends it, but when the wind becomes quiet, it becomes straight again. Similarly, a believer is afflicted with calamities (but he remains patient till Allah removes his difficulties.) And an impious wicked person is like a pine tree which keeps hard and straight till Allah cuts (breaks) it down when He wishes." (Bukhari Vol. 7, Book 70, Hadith 547)

Allah allows bad things to happen, so that we can achieve the greater good. When one suffers from something, it helps to shape them into the person that Allah wants them to be. Anytime a person faces a hardship, it causes them to develop qualities such as steadfastness, patience, and humility. One usually appreciates the blessings they do have. When faced with adversity, a person has two choices in how to react. They can react with patience, and strive to do goodness and accept the situation, or they can fight it, and react poorly, and demonstrate bad behaviors and ungratefulness. It is a test for the believers.

Adversities are like a washing machine. Clothes are put in it, while dirty, and they get washed, and come out clean. Adversities can be caused by our own sins, or a test given to us, and by reacting in a positive manner, and not reacting with negativity, a person will be stronger in the end, and their sins will be washed away.

Yusuf Estes describes the beauty of Islam and how Muslims deal with bad things that happen in life, In the video on this page .

It is human nature that we are motivated to do our best to achieve what we want. It is a fact that good and bad both exist, we can’t deny this. The good cannot exist without the bad, otherwise everything is all the same.

The negative aspects in the world today gives us the chance to work hard to improve our situations, making our life have meaning to it. If the bad didn’t exist, we would never work to develop ourselves in any form.

“Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint — none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” (Qur’an 41:34-35)

To defeat evil, and achieve good, is a test of the worth of a person. When a believer is tested by adversity, they shouldn’t become weak, nor be fearful of it to the point of desperation, because this is when they will be easily tempted by evil thoughts and actions. Islam gives the believers the spiritual strength to overcome suffering by confronting evil.

A sincere believer will accept pain, loss of life or property, disease, and other adversities, as a test they must overcome to achieve harmony and peace within themselves.

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.” (Qur’an 2:155)

Accepting that everything that happens in this life is by the permission of Allah, even though we may not understand it when negative things happens, will help us to grow our spirituality, because we know and accept that Allah knows best what we need, and what trials we need to help us to develop life skills, and to shape us into a better, stronger individual.

“And with Him are the keys of the unseen; no one knows them except Him. And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that is [written] in a clear record.” (Qur’an 6:59)

Out of Allah’s infinite wisdom and mercy, He wants only what is best for us:

“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delight.” (Qur’an 9:21)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is also good for him." (Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also said:

"No misfortune or disease befalls a Muslim, no worry or grief or harm or distress — not even a thorn that pricks him — but God will expiate for some of his sins because of that." (Bukhari)

We humans are weak beings; and our first inclination is to weep and wail about our situation, but God, Who is Most Merciful, promises us: “So verily, with the hardship, there is relief.” (Qur’an 94:5)

Islam teaches us that purification is the reward of the sufferings we face in this world. Allah will reward us I this life, and/or in the hereafter. Therefore, never lose hope, because believers trust in the mercy of Allah, as He tells us:

“On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear.” (Qur’an 2:286)

“My mercy extends to all things.” (Qur’an 7:156)

Suggested Reading about Trials & Tribulations:

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Islamic Solutions for Depression (Article - extensive, goes into types of depression too)

Defeating Depression and Sadness in Islam

Bearing Afflictions with Patience (Article series)

Dealing with Grief in Islam (5 Part Series)

What Does the Qur’an and Sunnah Say About Trials and Tribulations?