The Problem of Suffering in Islam

Recently I was searching for video clips on YouTube concerning the problem of suffering from an Islamic perspective with the intent of using the clips for a video I was looking to make. It's a real problem as all humans suffer mental or physical states of discomfort to varying degrees throughout the course of their lives. Hence, it would be nice to have a few more videos out there on this topic to help console people in their time of suffering. If you have any video clips of Islamic speakers discussing this topic please do email me at yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk

Important points to be gleaned from the following video: From a point of view of faith in Islam we see sickness as a purifier - sins are being forgiven while we are ill. We will thank Allah on the Day of Judgement for the ailments of health we are afflicted with in this life. Allah will reward our patience during our illness. Do not lose hope.

Problem of Illness and Pain in Islam - Nouman Ali Khan and Mufti Ismail Menk



For now I want to add some Quranic Verses which I have recently come across in my personal reading of the Quran from Surah Baqarah (Chapter 2 of the Quran) as well as a Hadith on the problem of suffering (illness).

O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer). Truly! Allâh is with As-Sâbirun (the patient.) (Quran 2:153)

And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sâbirun (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return." (Quran 2:155-156)


It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allâh, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allâh, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets[] and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masâkin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and gives the Zakât, and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are patient in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al¬Muttaqûn (pious) (Quran 2:177)

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that."  (Sahih Bukhari)


Also see:

Losing faith because of suffering - Nouman Ali Khan

Never give up hope - Nouman Ali Khan

Blessings of illness and suffering in slam - Shaykh Tameem Ahmadi

Sickness, a blessed gift - Mufti Ismail Menk

Suffering and Divine Wisdom - Ustadh AbdelRahman Murphy


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Email: yahyasnow@yahoo.co.uk