Islam

This is one of the most painful questions I get asked. And it’s important to know that Islam doesn’t ignore this question, but answers it in detail. First, Allah created human beings with free will. We are not robots nor angels. We can choose justice or oppression, mercy or cruelty. If Allah stopped every evil action before it happened, free will would no longer exist, and this life would no longer be a test. There would be no villain or hero, and we would not be able to appreciate light if there was no darkness. At the same time, Allah didn’t leave humanity without guidance. He commanded us to stand against oppression, defend the weak, feed the hungry, and enjoin what is right while forbidding what is wrong. We have a responsibility. Allah didn't tell us He'll stop evil immediately, He actually warned us that if we don't, it'll impact all of humanity. Second, Allah assures us that He is not unaware of what the oppressors are doing. He says: “Do not think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when their eyes will stare in horror.” (Qur’an 14:42) The fact that an oppressor is not punished immediately does not mean they have escaped justice. It means their reckoning has been delayed until the Day of Judgment, where no crime will go unanswered. Third, Islam reminds us that this world is not the end of the story. For those who are killed while believing in Allah, especially those oppressed unjustly, Allah promises an eternal reward. He says: “Do not think of those who are killed in the way of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Qur’an 3:169) For the believer, death is not defeat. Paradise is forever, while this world’s suffering is temporary. Finally, remember that almost every prophet and every righteous nation was tested with persecution. Nuh was mocked. Ibrahim was thrown into the fire. Musa faced Pharaoh. Zakariyya and Yahya were killed. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was persecuted, expelled from his home, and watched many of his companions tortured and martyred. Allah never promised a life free from hardship. He promised His support to those who remain steadfast and strive which is the highest form of worship: “As for those who strive for Our cause, We will surely guide them to Our ways. Indeed, Allah is with those who excel in good.” (Qur’an 29:69) Evil is not proof that Allah doesn’t exist. It's actually a proof of what Allah warned us about when we stray from His guidance. So don’t let the existence of evil make you doubt Allah. Make it bring you closer to Him, not just chill. Let it make you ask: Am I doing what Allah asked me to do in the face of evil? Because one day, Allah won’t only ask the oppressors what they did. He’ll ask us what we did when we saw it.