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Islam Revision Notes

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Islam Revision Notes
Islam Revision notes
What does Islam teach about good and evil?
The problem of evil and suffering is one of the common reasons people give for not believing in God.
There are two types of evil: • natural evil - suffering caused by events that have nothing to do with humans, and which are to do with the way the world is, eg, natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, floods or earthquakes • moral (or human) evil - suffering caused by humans acting in a way that is considered morally wrong eg, bullying, murder, rape, theft or terrorism
Human evil and natural evil can often work together, with human evil making natural evil worse – or better! For example, the suffering caused by an earthquake or floods can be made worse by people looting, but it can be made more bearable by people showing compassion and making personal sacrifices to help those who are suffering.
It is important to remember that: 'evil' is a cause of suffering; 'suffering' is a result of evil.
Islam teaches: • Everyone is born with a natural instinct to understand the difference between right and wrong (fitrah). They also have free will, and they must choose between right (the guidance of Allah) and wrong (following the temptations of Shaytan, the devil).
For Muslims life is a period of testing and temptations. People have to find their own solutions to these problems. Allah has said that he will forgive anyone who sincerely repents, as he forgave Adam and Hawwa (Eve) when they were tempted by Shaytan and ate the forbidden fruit in Al-Jannah (paradise):

Islam and death

Islam teaches that Allah (God) has full control over all that happens. Nothing can happen unless permitted by Allah.

However, Allah has also given humans free will; people are able to choose between right and wrong, and are responsible for their actions. This life is a preparation for the eternal life to come (Akhirah). Humans have one life and it is up to them how they choose to live it.
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