THE PROBLEM OF EVIL

granted freedom. In the absence of freedom, the question of life being a test would not arise. The evil in question is, in fact, a concomitant of this freedom. God desires to select those individuals who, in spite of being granted freedom, lead a disciplined and principled life. For individuals to prove their worth an atmosphere of freedom must be provided. Undoubtedly, due to such an atmosphere, some people will surely misuse this freedom and perpetrate injustice. This is the inevitable price to be paid for such a creation plan to be brought to completion. No better creation plan can be envisaged for this world. The present world appears meaningless when seen independently, that is, without joining the Hereafter with it. However, when we take this world and the Hereafter together, the entire matter takes a new turn. Now this world becomes extremely meaningful and extremely valuable. What at first was seen as Problem of Evil, is essentially a misuse of freedom by man. o We created man-We know the promptings of his soul, and are closer to him than his jugular vein - The Quran (50: 16)