Table of Contents
1) Why is God blamed for every bad thing that happens?
2) We wronged them not, but they it was who did the wrong
3) Did Mishaps and calamities bring forth only bad? Or was the good that followed more beneficial to mankind?
4) He warned you before Hand
5) We ourselves use such calamities as lessons
6) On one hand you praise and honour the past generation and the next moment you ridicule them?
7) Don't be Ungrateful
8) Answering Muslims
9) What Harm did Innocent Bring upon themselves
10) Conclusion
This is a widespread question asked by Many people. The atheist use this as one of their primary arguments against religions in general and not Islam in particular. Though we have many answers by experts of all religious doctrines , Islam , Christianity, Judaism , Hinduism etc however biidhnillah i thought of penning a slightly different answer or from a different perspective, Though the answer is very lengthy in origin, yet i will shorten it up to an extent . For ease of read i will bullet- point it
First of all, why should God be blamed for the bad things that's happened? Why do you always have to bring God in between? When asked with this, most atheist reply that "you're the one who claims that God is all Mericful and Loving and caring...what kind of love is this?"
the answer to this objection i have faced is as simple as : " You've been mis-informed dear ; Allah (Mighty and Exalted Be He) is indeed very Merciful, Loving and Compassionate, but He is also Just and Severe in punishment. According to the Qur’an, Allah is “Forgiver of sins, Accepter of repentance, the Stern in punishment, the Powerful…” (Qur`an - Surah Ghafir: 3). It is wrong to accept only some aspect of Allah and ignore or negate some other aspects. When people believe only in the love of Allah and ignore His justice and power they become careless and do whatever they wish.
2) We wronged them not, but they it was who did the wrong
Suppose if a thief happens to come and murder some of your beloved family members. Why would you blame God when God has already revealed and conveyed the do's and dont's? He forbade stealing and also encouraged helping. He said this life was a test, what kind of test would it be if you would expect him to come break open your door and rescue you? He is god, not Spider Man. Do not mix both of them.
Allah says : {Everyone is going to taste death, and We shall test you with evil and with good by way of trial. And to Us you will be returned} [Surah al-Anbiyaa (21): 35]
So the blame lies on the thief and this is why even the Law enforcement try to find and persecute the thief instead of God.
And Allah says, “We wronged them not, but they it was who did the wrong.” (Az-Zukhruf: 76)”
3) Did Mishaps and calamities bring forth only bad? Or was the good that followed more beneficial to mankind?
No doubt it is really sad to see life suffer in calamities , however let us stop being a bit emotional here and ask, did every calamity only bring destruction?
3.1) For example let's take the famous Titanic ship and the calamity regarding it. On one hand we (mankind) incurred loss and on the other we also learnt a lot from it.
For example : Following the inquiries, United States government passed the Radio Act of 1912. This act, along with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, stated that radio communications on passenger ships would be operated 24 hours along with a secondary power supply, so as not to miss distress calls.
What happened with these ships and submarines led to new investigations and therefore new safety measures were introduced.
See: http://writing.engr.psu.edu/uer/bassett.html
3.2) Another example would be the devastating Tsunami Attack. On one hand we have a lot of destruction but on the other it led again to new developments, new technological rise and new awareness campaigns. such as : http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/tsunami-safety-tips/
Another example would be the plane crash, such as this one of Boeing 747 in particular i.e the Air Florida Flight 90 crashed during a snowy day : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKMrZO0ic_U&feature=youtu.be
The experts came to know after the crash that a blockage of the engine sensor due to snow prevented the flight Air Florida 90 to reach full throttle . This mishap and unfortunate incident led to the implementation of unprecedented safety standards and quality assurance upgrades both on flight and off flight deck. So this one disaster not only led to more jobs for researchers and technicians but also more investors and more safety.
Yet Another example where a calamity brought forth much good for the entire Human race. This Air collision in 1971 happened because the F4 jet pilots weren't briefed and under orders to first clear and see the commercial plane zones to be free . After this mishap, many rules were implemented so as to ensure such a mishap doesn't re-occur. From design to technology , everything was changed . It made passengers safer to this day.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ab1CSZlt8Vk&feature=youtu.be
3.3) It taught mankind much more than what it knew prior to this. More importantly it opened new employment opportunities for those who were jobless to now earn as more and more modifications. manipulations and constructions be it for submarines or river damns were needed and thus more employment. Among this new wave of new jobs, Many workers finally had the source to eat bread twice a day. Many finally could afford having their parents admitted in the hospital. Heck did you know how much did the maker of Titanic movie earn? How many stars it created and how many openings it made for those working in the Movie line? Heck how many people proposed using the titanic song theme !! so much of good was brought with the destruction of Titanic along with the mishap .
In the recent Kashmir floods of 2014, it brought about a unique unity among people , helping and fighting for each other which it's residents (many of whom are my friends and good acquaintances) . The damage was catastrophic but it brought about a unity and also exposed the culprits distinguishing the well wisher from the hypocrite.
3.4) Earthquakes lead to creations of better safety drills, More safer roads, stronger building structures, some even led to excavation of certain far away terrains which could lead to exploration of certain valuable relics or perhaps an Oil source?
3.5) Finally entertainment - Yes do you even know how Much hollywood earns by making movies on world war 1 and 2? How much TRP News channels generate? How much money social networks generate by having those producers and directors on stage ? How many torrent websites run due to such movies? How many People re-live the past, and learn how civilizations were and shaped us today? If there was no calamity of world wars, if there was no murder , if there was no expulsion of jews time and again, how would the jews of old and humans of today be thankful to the Ottomons and other Muslim empires for sheltering them? The Lost Islamic history [http://www.amazon.in/Lost-Islamic-History-Reclaiming-Civilisation/dp/1849043973] shows many such events which set forth an ideal for the nations today.
Had those calamities not taken place, how would we value the morals from them?
Even in kindergarten, children are made to read certain sad ending stories with good morals to teach them what's right. We would not value the blessings we have until we realize it's worth. Sometimes this happens via trials and tribulations sometimes via self-consciousness and sometimes via some other source.
So All in All, everything does happen for a reason. Sometimes one may not be able to percieve it, while some times we can. Just like how a small child isn't able to perceive why it's parents are strict when it comes to a lot of candies, but when he reaches the age of developing that intellect , he finally understands how caringly and painstakingly his parents took care of him.
The Human species hasn't even moved ahead of a few planets , always speaks of the past activities using the words " mostly" , "likely", "probably" and you want to challenge God and Blame the one who created all that exists in the perfect balance? this water cycle, the flow of rain the level of oxygen the creation of trees as nature's oxygen tank so on and so forth , and you want to deny him because of such and such calamity ?
Science has no answer why your friend died all of a sudden amidst your deep sea exploring programme even when he was absolutely healthy and young. Science is dependent on Human brain which in turn is intellectually LIMITED . Taking Discovery science or National Geography as your religion is the most foolish thing to Do. Science is not infallible, it in itself is a witness to it's errors which we keep on rectifying time and again. A lot of astronomical science is based on ratios of probability and "probability" as known is never a definitive expression, let alone assertion.
So yes i repeat, On One hand we had huge losses and we mourn for it, but on the other it also brought forth good in many ways for seasons if not generations to come.
So if you blame and curse God for the destruction he caused, why not also praise him for the above few examples of good those destructions brought forth for other people?
4) He warned you before Hand
And fear Allah, Verily, Allâh is Severe in punishment}[59:7].
{…but help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression, and keep your duty to Allah. Lo! Allah is severe in punishment}[5:2]
5) We ourselves use such calamities as lessons
Since time immemorial, the saying : A man reaps what he sows is echoed . For e.g the Christian version : Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [◄ Galatians 6:7 ►]
Many times we see in society even till date, a man for e.g who has committed a lot of crimes, harmed and troubled many in his neighbourhood happens to be struck with some disease or some other form of calamity. At this time his neighbour use words or expressions like "Karma" or a simple " He had it coming" to show how this calamity is a punishment of his deeds.
Just like how prison term is a punishment for a criminal activity, likewise these are ALSO the ways God punishes.
And as history testifies it, such calamities mostly make a man repent from his sins and eventually be a lesson for himself as well as those around him.
Allah says :
{In their histories there is certainly a lesson for men of understanding. It is not a narrative which could be forged, but a verification of what is before it and a distinct explanation of all things and a guide and a mercy to a people who believe.} [Qur`an Yusuf 12:111]
6) On one hand you praise and honour the past generations and the next moment you ridicule them?
We see how these atheists or "advance species" at one moment praise the miraculous the magnificent pyramids, the other form of architecture which seems impossible to do today without the help of Machinery thereby giving all the more reasons to jaw drop on the previous nations achievements.
You will see how distinct and applauded are the scientists of the past for their discoveries whereas today it's all the more easier due to the presence of technology.
But these very academics , forget one thing. The very nation and generations they praise and applaud, was a believing nation. No civilization and i repeat " NO CIVILIZATION" on the face of this planet sprung but all of them had "faith" as a common factor . the previous nations of MANKIND were all believing people. Believing in a or more than one supreme diety. But they had beliefs. So how is it that you adore and look upon their mighty skills in various administration sectors and at the same time mock all of them, not even just one generation but all of mankind for having faith in GOD? how is that all of them were wrong but you Atheists are right?
7) Don't be Ungrateful
You say God took away such and such from me. But have you realized what all God has given to the vast majority?
Ghassaan bin al-Mufaddal al-Ghulaabee said:
حدثني بعض أصحابنا قال جاء رجل إلى يونس بن عبيد فشكا إليه ضيقا من حاله ومعاشه واغتماما بذلك فقال أيسرك ببصرك مئة ألف قال لا قال فبسمعك قال لا قال فبلسانك قال لا قال فبعقلك قال لا في خلال وذكره نعم الله عليه ثم قال يونس أرى لك مئين ألوفا وأنت تشكو الحاجة
Some of our associates narrated to me that a man came to Yunus bin Ubayd (d. 139H) and complained of the hardship he was going through in his livelihood and of his anxiety because of it. So he said (to him), "Would you be happy to give up your eyesight for a hundred thousand (dinars, dirhams)?" He said, "No." He said, "Then what about your hearing?" He said, "No." He said, "Then what about your tongue?" He said, "No." He said, "Then what about your aql (intellect)?" He said, "No, [not] for any wants, needs." Then he reminded him of the favours of Allaah upon him after which he, Yunus, said, "I see that you have hundreds of thousands of (dinars, dirhams) yet you are complaining of need!
[Ref: Al-Siyar of al-Dhahabi (6/292).]
If every man were rich today, who would you hire to work at Mc donalds? Who would you hire to work in your construction company? Can the cycle of Man ever exist if all were rich?
Allah says :
And He it is Who has made you successors in the land and raised some of you above others by (various) grades, that He might try you by what He has given you; surely your Lord is quick to requite (evil), and He is most surely the Forgiving, the Merciful.
[Ref: Qur`an Al-`Anaam verse 165]
Shaykh Rabee’ said:
'It has not been possible for any country, throughout history, to make all its people wealthy. So, it is necessary that there will be a presence of poor people and the rich, subordinates and leaders, the ignorant and scholars, foolish people and intelligent people. This is the universal Sunnah (way) of Allaah of His creation.
<< And if Allaah were to enlarge the provision for (all) His slaves, they would surely rebel in the earth, but He sends down by measure as He wills. Verily! He is in respect of His slaves, the Well-Aware, the All-Seer (of things that benefit them). >> [Shuraa: 27]
8) Answering Muslims
For a Muslim, this article should suffice : http://the-finalrevelation.blogspot.com/2013/01/trials-hardship-and-calamity-are.html
وخرجه الطبراني من حديث أنس عن النبي (صلى الله عليه وسلم): يقول الله عز وجل: إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالفقر وإن بسطت عليه أفسده ذلك , و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالغني ولو أفقرته لأفسده ذلك, و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالصحة ولو أسقمته لأفسده ذلك, و إن من عبادي من لا يصلح إيمانه إلا بالسقم ولو أصححته لأفسده ذلك. و إن من عبادي من يطلب بابا من العبادة, فأكفه عنه, لكيلا يدخله العجب, إني أدبر عبادي بعلمي بما في قلوبهم, إني عليم خبير
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said :
“Allah `azza wa jall said: ‘Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by being inflicted with poverty, and were I to enrich him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by wealth and affluence, and were I to deprive him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by good health, and were I to make him sick, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by disease and illness, and were I to make him healthy, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he who seeks worship by a certain act but I prevent that from him so that self-amazement does not enter his heart.
Certainly, I run the affairs of My slaves by My Knowledge of what is in their hearts.
Certainly, I am the All-Knower, All-Aware.‘
[Ref: Very weak, Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Dhaeefah #1774 and #1775. But look at the wisdom behind such a text. This reminds me of the verse wherein Allah says that if he were to enrich everyone's provision then there would be much corruption. ]
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]
The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said :
“Allah `azza wa jall said: ‘Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by being inflicted with poverty, and were I to enrich him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by wealth and affluence, and were I to deprive him, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by good health, and were I to make him sick, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he whose faith cannot be rectified except by disease and illness, and were I to make him healthy, it would surely corrupt him.
Verily, from amongst My slaves is he who seeks worship by a certain act but I prevent that from him so that self-amazement does not enter his heart.
Certainly, I run the affairs of My slaves by My Knowledge of what is in their hearts.
Certainly, I am the All-Knower, All-Aware.‘
[Ref: Very weak, Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Dhaeefah #1774 and #1775. But look at the wisdom behind such a text. This reminds me of the verse wherein Allah says that if he were to enrich everyone's provision then there would be much corruption. ]
Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much.” [al-Shoora 42:30]
9) What Harm did Innocent bring upon themselves?
9.1) First of all the definition of "Innocent" is not agreed upon. For some an alcoholic or one who abuses a lot may also be innocent and free from any prison charge. However that is not how Religion takes it. All kinds of evil are forbidden in religious doctrines.
Some consider the western governments to be innocent. Whereas some don't.
Likewise whom you consider as innocent may not necessarily be one. Maybe he scammed hundreds of hard working poor men their life time savings?
9.2) If one is truly innocent then the answer to why God punished them is divided into two parts
a) as for a Muslim then this is a reward for him as explained in the article link shared above under section 8
b) As for a Non Muslim Adult (because children are exempted) ; He failed the test of accepting Islam . If by some chance he was not conveyed the message of Islam (which is highly unlikely in today's time) then his decision rests with God in the hereafter. He will test them there, but if he was aware of the Monotheistic religion and yet chose to neglect or ignore it then he failed the purpose of his creation. Allah did not create us to surf board on the beach of california.
10) Conclusion
Note: If Allah took mankind to task by that which they deserve, He would not leave a living creature on the surface of the earth; but He grants them reprieve unto an appointed term, and when their term comes – then verily Allah is Ever All-Seer of His slaves” [Fatir (35):45]
Allah says : ..."If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you " [Qur`an At-tawbah]
Allah says : ..."If We pardon some of you, We will punish others amongst you " [Qur`an At-tawbah]
