Can Pain and Suffering Be a Sign of Closeness to God?

Can pain and suffering be a sign of closeness to God? This profound question has occupied the human mind for centuries. In Islamic teachings, pain and suffering are not merely seen as punishment or retribution, but rather often presented as a means and a path for spiritual purification, elevation of spiritual status, and ultimately, a deeper closeness to Almighty God. The Holy Quran repeatedly indicates that worldly life is full of trials and tribulations, and these trials are an integral part of the path of faith. This perspective not only makes pain and suffering bearable but also endows them with a divine meaning and purpose. The Quran explicitly states that trials and tests are inevitable for believers. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, Allah says: "And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient." This verse provides a comprehensive picture of the various types of hardships a person may encounter in life: from fear and psychological insecurity to economic difficulties and the loss of loved ones or the fruits of their labors. However, the key point lies in the continuation of the verse: "but give good tidings to the patient." This glad tiding indicates that the correct response to suffering – namely, patience and steadfastness – is what yields spiritual results and leads the individual towards divine reward. It highlights that true closeness to God is not just about avoiding hardship, but about how one navigates through it with faith and resilience. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, Allah states: "Do people think that they will be left to say, 'We believe' and they will not be tried? And We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely know those who are truthful and will surely know the liars." These verses unequivocally declare that faith is not merely a verbal claim; it requires proof. This proof comes through trials and hardships, serving to distinguish true faith from false. Therefore, sufferings are opportunities for believers to demonstrate the sincerity and depth of their faith in action. This process of purification and testing, in itself, can lead to greater closeness to God, as the rust of heedlessness is removed from one's heart in the crucible of events, and one comprehends the reality of reliance and seeking refuge in Allah's infinite power. It teaches humility and absolute dependence on the Divine. The purposes of pain and suffering in the Quran are numerous, each of which can contribute in some way to an individual's closeness to God: 1. Expiation of Sins and Purification of the Soul: One of the most significant wisdoms behind trials is the cleansing of the believer from sins and mistakes. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated in various hadiths that trials serve as atonement for sins for the believer. These sufferings provide an opportunity for repentance (tawbah), seeking forgiveness (istighfar), and a sincere return to God. When a person finds themselves in a state of utmost weakness and need, they remember their Lord more intensely and seek His help and forgiveness. This state of humility and supplication is a profound manifestation of divine proximity. 2. Elevation of Spiritual Status and Ranks: For those with strong faith who endure sufferings with patience, trials not only cleanse sins but also lead to an increase in spiritual degrees and proximity to God. Just as great masters and sports champions reach their peak through enduring rigorous training and difficult competitions, believers also attain levels of patience, gratitude, and reliance (tawakkul) that would not have been possible without such hardships. Prophets and righteous saints, who hold the highest ranks with God, have always experienced the greatest trials. The story of Prophet Ayyub (Job) in the Quran is a prime example of patience in the face of excruciating suffering and achieving divine closeness. 3. Strengthening Faith and Reliance (Tawakkul): Hardships test and strengthen one's faith. As long as life is going smoothly, the need for true reliance might not be felt. But when one is in distress and all doors seem closed, their only refuge is God. It is then that true reliance takes shape, and the relationship between the individual and God deepens and becomes more sincere. The experience of this deep reliance itself leads to spiritual closeness. It transforms abstract belief into lived conviction. 4. Awakening from Heedlessness and Reminder of Worldly Transience: Sometimes, pain and suffering act as a shock that awakens a person from worldly heedlessness. In times of ease and comfort, one might become preoccupied with fleeting worldly pleasures, neglecting the ultimate purpose of creation and the Hereafter. However, a severe illness, a major financial setback, or the loss of a loved one can make one realize the ephemeral nature of this world and the necessity of returning to God. This spiritual awakening is a starting point for a more vibrant path of servitude and proximity to God. 5. Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Experiencing pain and suffering can make a person more empathetic and compassionate towards the distress of others. One who has tasted hardship can better understand the pain of others and rush to their aid. This sense of social responsibility and helping fellow human beings is among the actions most pleasing to God, leading to closeness to Him. However, it is crucial to emphasize that pain and suffering in themselves are not automatically a sign of closeness to God; rather, it is the individual's response to that suffering that determines this closeness. If a person is impatient in the face of adversity, shows ingratitude, or turns to despair and disbelief instead of returning to God, then that suffering will not only fail to bring proximity but may push them further away. The main key in this path is "beautiful patience" (sabr jameel) and "acceptance of divine decree" (rida bi qada'illah). A believer who, despite hardships, does not complain, does not despair of God's mercy, and remains steadfast in fulfilling their religious and moral duties, is indeed traversing a path that brings them step by step closer to God. In every pain and every trial, they find an opportunity for more supplication, deeper reflection, and self-purification. In this state, suffering transforms into a window towards deeper knowledge and a higher love for the Creator. Thus, it can be said that pain and suffering, when viewed through a Quranic and faithful lens and accompanied by patience and steadfastness, can indeed act as a powerful catalyst, drawing the believer closer to the source of divine grace and love, Almighty God. These experiences temper faith and polish the soul, enabling human beings to achieve a perfection that might otherwise never have been possible without these challenges. This journey, though arduous, is rich with spiritual growth and a deeper connection with the Creator.