THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

According to Islam, there is only one correct principle to interpret human history, and that is the principle of test. The Problem of Evil Those who want to interpret human history in the light of predetermined law in the physical world cannot but meet with failure. While the physical world may be explainable within the framework of predeterminism, the events of the human world are simply not amenable to interpretation in terms of any such law. Others want to interpret the events of the human world in the context of freedom. But they, too, are not satisfied with their interpretation. This is because in the case of human freedom, the suffering experienced in this world has no valid understandable explanation. The failure of both interpretations of pre-determinism and absolute freedom is due to the fact that they attempt to explain the whole in the light of a part—which is not at all possible. The truth is that the right principle by which to interpret human history is neither that of pre-determinism nor of freedom. According to Islam, there is only one correct principle to interpret human history, and that is the principle of test. Man has been placed in the present world for the purpose of being tested. On the outcome of this test will depend the eternal future of every individual. The element of freedom is essential in order that the intentions and actions of each individual can be properly judged. For, man can be granted the credit for a good deed only on the condition that, despite having the opportunity to indulge in bad deeds, he chooses of his own free will to act virtuously. If in this world everything had been totally pre-determined, the element of trial would have been absent. However, the granting of freedom did involve the risk of some people misusing their freedom, and misuse it they did. This gave rise to the problem of human suffering which results from evil. Yet, this suffering, or evil, is a very small price to pay for a very precious thing. According to Islam, that person is most precious who leads his life in this world in such a manner that despite facing all sorts of temptations, he succeeds in overcoming them. Despite having the power to misuse his freedom, he refrains from doing so. Despite the possibility of leading an unprincipled life, he chooses of his own free will to be a man of principle. To identify such individuals it is essential that an atmosphere of freedom prevail in the world. This is not possible under any other system. o