Dear Hadi,
Dear Reader,
This is a very deep and painful question, and Islam addresses it directly. Many scholars explain that simply asking this question is itself a sign of faith rather than a lack of it, because it reflects a desire to understand Allah’s justice and wisdom.
One of the first principles Islam clarifies is that this world is not a measure of Allah’s love. Wealth, status, beauty, power, and ease are not indicators of closeness to Allah. The Qur’an asks, “Do they think that because We provide them with wealth and children, We hasten for them good things? Rather, they do not perceive” (Qur’an 23:55–56). What appears to be “having everything” may actually be a test rather than a reward, and in many cases, it is more dangerous than poverty, as it can lead to arrogance, injustice, and forgetfulness of Allah.
Islam teaches that both ease and hardship are forms of testing. Allah states clearly, “We test you with evil and with good as a trial, and to Us you will be returned” (Qur’an 21:35). Those who are given wealth and influence are tested through gratitude, generosity, and justice, while those who face poverty or oppression are tested through patience, dignity, and trust in Allah despite their pain. Neither type of test is inherently easier than the other, and Islamic teachings emphasize that many people fail when tested with wealth and power.
It is also important to understand that humiliation and oppression are not from Allah, but from people. Islam does not teach that Allah approves of the mistreatment of the less fortunate. On the contrary, the Qur’an states, “Allah does not love oppression” (Qur’an 3:57). When people mock, exploit, or humiliate others, they are committing sins for which they will be held accountable. Although Allah allows human beings free will in this world, no injustice is ignored or forgotten, even if accountability does not occur immediately.
The delay of justice in this world does not mean injustice on Allah’s part. Allah says, “Do not think Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them to a Day when eyes will stare in horror” (Qur’an 14:42). Some individuals may appear to live comfortably while committing wrongs, but Islam teaches that true and complete justice is not meant to unfold fully in this life. It is reserved for the Hereafter, where every action, no matter how small, will be accounted for with absolute fairness.
Those who suffer are not forgotten by Allah. The Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught that the people tested most severely are the prophets, followed by those closest to them in faith. He also explained that on the Day of Judgment, when those who endured hardship see the magnitude of their reward, they will wish they had suffered more because of how great the compensation is. This perspective reframes suffering not as abandonment but as something seen and valued by Allah in ways that are not always visible in this life.
Islam also rejects the idea that a person’s worth is determined by their circumstances. Poverty, weakness, or social disadvantage do not reduce a person’s value in the sight of Allah. The Qur’an states, “Indeed, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Qur’an 49:13). A person’s dignity and worth are never defined by how others treat them, how much wealth they possess, or how public their pain may be.
A difficult but essential truth emphasized in Islam is that this world is not meant to be perfectly fair. If complete justice existed here, there would be no need for a Day of Judgment. The imperfections and injustices of this world point to the necessity of the Hereafter, where every wrong will be righted.
For those who ask this question because of personal pain, humiliation, or neglect, Islam offers reassurance rather than dismissal. Allah sees every hardship, hears every silent prayer, and records every tear. Nothing endured with patience and dignity is wasted. Questioning, struggling, and seeking understanding are not signs of weak faith; they are often the marks of a heart that is trying to remain connected to Allah despite difficulty.
In peace.