Rethinking Evil and Suffering

Assalamu alaikum! A new family member who is Muslim has sparked my curiosity about Islam. For a while, I felt Gnosticism explained the problem of evil best, but I’m still exploring the idea that evil is just a lack of good. I recently learned a bit about Ishraqi philosophy, where the Divine light radiates and fades. I struggle to accept that Allah would purposely cause suffering, even as a trial. Would love to hear your thoughts!

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brother2h

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Lol bro, welcome to the Ummah. Been there. Read Ibn Qayyim-evil is relative, not absolute. Trust the process, and don’t let shaytan use philosophy to mess with your fitrah.

brother2h

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Ishraqi stuff is deep! The fading light analogy helps, but remember, suffering isn't just punishment-it can expiate sins. The Prophet ﷺ said even a thorn prick has reward. Don't overthink, akhi.

brother1h

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Bro, evil as a lack of good is straight outta Augustine, not really Islamic. In our tradition, both good and evil are created by Allah, but we can't fully grasp the hikmah. It's a test of iman.

brother16m

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Struggling with this myself. One sheikh told me, 'Allah doesn't need our suffering, but He uses it to elevate us.' Still hard, but I make dua for yaqeen.

brother14m

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Ya akhi, surat Al-Kahf always puts it in perspective. Khidr's actions seemed evil but had hidden mercy. We see a pixel, Allah sees the whole picture.

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