Wisdom behind creating good and evil

25/11/2009| IslamWeb

Question

Why did Allah the Almighty create evil, why not just create good things?

Fatwa

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, sallaallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His Slave and Messenger.

Dear brother, you should know that asking such questions leads to endless doubts and confusion. You should submit to the destiny decreed by Allah The Almighty and believe in it, whether you perceive it to be good or evil, as this is one of the major principles of Ahlus-Sunnah: belief in destiny.

You should also know that scholars say that it is impolite to say that Allah The Almighty willed what is evil for His slaves, despite the fact that Allah The Almighty is the One who created them. They cite as evidence what Ibraaheem (Abraham), may Allah exalt his mention, was quoted to have said in the verse (which means)

•        {And when I am ill, it is He who cures me} [Quran 26:80]

And what the Jinn were quoted to have said (which means):

•        {And we do not know [therefore] whether evil is intended for those on earth or whether their Lord intends for them a right course.} [Quran 72:10]

In these two verses we notice that Ibraaheem, may Allah exalt his mention, said “If I am ill,” not “if He makes me ill.” Also, when talking about evil, the Jinn did not mention the doer, but when they mentioned the good they mentioned Allah The Almighty. This was done out of observing veneration for Allah The Almighty. It was narrated that part of the invocation of the Prophet, sallaallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, when praying at night was: “…and evil is not from you.” [Muslim]

If anyone should say that they can see evil actions taking place, such as diseases, sins, etc., then they should be told that the acts of Allah The Almighty are completely good and wise. They are absolutely devoid of evil, although they might reflect harmfully on some people as a result of their own actions and choices.

Secondly, evil is only to be found in the subjects of His power and acts (as opposed to being inherent within the acts themselves). This becomes clear when we consider the harm from some creatures that are subject to His power, such as snakes and scorpions. We also find poverty, drought and the like because Allah The Almighty has created these according to certain wisdom.

You must know this, and know as well that Allah The Exalted has guided us not to ask such questions and to be submissive to Him. He Says (what means):

•        {He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.} [Quran 21:23]

And Allah knows best.