By: u/ejwbf
A common question people ask is: “Why is that bad person happy, while I try to be good and yet I suffer?” The typical answer given is, “Because God tests the ones He loves,” or “God gives the hardest challenges to His most beloved servants.” But let’s be honest—this kind of explanation often does more harm than good. It rarely brings comfort, and more often it pushes people away from faith. It can come across as a shallow excuse rather than a meaningful answer. Instead of encouraging critical thought, it turns suffering into a spiritual badge, which can be misleading and even manipulative. In many cases, it's used as a tool to silence questioning or to emotionally control people, especially in vulnerable situations. At its core, this logic doesn’t reflect the Qur’an’s deeper message of justice, free will, and personal responsibility. Reducing every hardship to a divine compliment isn’t just simplistic—it risks turning religion into something people stop trusting altogether.
The idea that poverty, misery, or constant hardship is a special sign of God’s love for certain people is often promoted by certain religious groups—especially some Sufi or sectarian movements—to keep followers submissive or even to exploit their emotional state for financial or ideological gain. However, when we turn to the Qur’an, we don’t find support for this narrative. On the contrary, the story of Prophet Solomon (Sulayman), who prayed for and was granted immense wealth and power, clearly shows that material prosperity is not condemned in Islam. What matters is how that wealth is used—whether it serves justice and the common good. Islam aims to eliminate poverty, not to glorify it. Being proud of hardship is not the goal; working to overcome injustice and improve conditions is. Moreover, telling people that every misfortune is a test from God because “He loves them” can lead to dangerous complacency and spiritual confusion. It risks undermining people’s trust in God, especially when they see ongoing suffering with no end in sight. The Qur’anic message is one of responsibility, balance, and justice—not passive acceptance of suffering or the idolization of struggle.
@otter@lemmy.ca
Thanks for adding the additional information.