ASK MAULANA — Your Questions, Answered

spirit of acceptance of whatever is in one’s fate. They bring a state of contentment in people. Because of this, religious people are more capable of bearing suffering. It is also partially true that the present generation believes in psychology more than in religion. This is due to the thinking developed by this modern material civilization. The modern civilization attaches greater importance to the seen world than to the unseen world. This is how this way of thinking has developed. However, this is an unrealistic way of looking at the world, and, therefore, will not last. What are the special and unique features in Islam that help you to deal with suffering? According to Islam, the present world is a testing ground. It is not a place for receiving rewards. And so, a true believer accepts suffering as a trial. He develops patience, so that in the life after death God will reward him. Hence, it becomes possible for a believer to deal with suffering in a positive way. How does helping others solve your problems? Helping others is a great virtue in Islam. It is a source of great contentment in one’s heart. According to Islam, one who helps others receives God’s help in return. Members of a society who help each other make great progress. Will the faith in religion end if there is no suffering? Never! Religion is a permanent reality. It is a truth in itself. Whether there is suffering or not in this world, religion will always prevail, irrespective of circumstances. o