Is God aware of my sufferings?

Undoubtedly, the answer to the question, "Is God aware of my sufferings?" is a resounding "Yes." The Holy Quran clearly and beautifully emphasizes the comprehensiveness of Divine knowledge and His immediate presence in all aspects of existence, including the deepest and most hidden sufferings of humanity. Allah Almighty is not only aware of our apparent and visible pains but also knows the inner whispers of our hearts, our longings, fears, and the pains we do not voice, which perhaps no one else is aware of. This Divine knowledge is not cold and passive; rather, it is accompanied by mercy, compassion, and divine care. The Quran repeatedly points to the fact that Allah is Al-Alim (The All-Knowing), Al-Khabir (The All-Aware), Al-Basir (The All-Seeing), and Al-Sami' (The All-Hearing). He knows everything, is aware of everything, sees everything, and hears everything. In Surah Qaf, verse 16, Allah states: "And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein." This verse clearly indicates that not only is Allah aware of our inner thoughts and whispers, but His presence in our lives transcends any material proximity. This closeness signifies a complete and moment-by-moment awareness of our entire being, including our physical and emotional pains. Imagine an immense pain gripping your soul, whether it's the loss of a loved one, an incurable illness that has sapped your strength, crippling financial problems, or even the feeling of loneliness and isolation amidst a crowd. In such moments, the human mind might wonder: Does anyone in this world understand me? Is there anyone who comprehends the depth of this pain? The Quran assures us that yes, there is an infinitely aware and knowledgeable Being, and that is Allah. He not only knows what we are going through but also sees wisdom and purpose behind every suffering. In the Quranic perspective, sufferings are not merely punishments but can be tests for purifying the soul, a means for the forgiveness of sins, or a ladder for elevating one's degree of faith and patience. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155, we read: "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 indicates that trials are part of the divine tradition, and Allah is fully aware of the nature and extent of these trials and their impact on us. This absolute Divine awareness is a source of peace and hope for believers. When we know that the Creator of the universe, who controls every detail of the cosmos, is aware of our pain, this feeling of loneliness and helplessness gives way to reassurance. It is the assurance that our pains will not go unanswered, our tears will not be shed in vain, and our prayers will be heard. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, Allah says: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This companionship of Allah with the patient is a result of His knowledge and compassion. He knows that patience in the face of suffering is difficult, and for this reason, He introduces Himself as the Helper and Supporter of the patient. Furthermore, the Quran promises us ease after every hardship. In Surah Al-Inshirah, verses 5 and 6, it is repeated twice: "For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease." This repetition is not only an emphasis on this divine promise but also shows that Allah is aware of the depth of difficulties and knows how much humans need this comforting promise. He, who knows the extent of pain and difficulty, promises relief and ease. From this Quranic perspective, sufferings are no longer just afflictions and calamities but opportunities for greater proximity to Allah and a deeper understanding of His wisdom. When we are in the midst of pain, we remember that there is a God who is Al-Hasib (The Reckoner and Sufficient), Al-Shafi (The Healer), Al-Qarib (The Near), and Al-Mujib (The Responder). He is aware of all the details of our suffering and knows the best solution for us. This Divine knowledge is not merely passive awareness but signifies the will to alleviate, compensate, and guide towards what is good and beneficial for us. Therefore, not only is God aware of our sufferings, but He is the best companion, the best comforter, and the best guide in overcoming these sufferings. This assurance in Allah's absolute knowledge and boundless mercy increases the capacity to endure sufferings and opens a window of hope in the midst of darkness. This itself is the greatest divine blessing: to know, in the depths of distress, that we are not alone, and there is One who knows everything and is All-Powerful to resolve our difficulties. This understanding of Divine knowledge helps individuals not to despair in the face of hardships, but to turn back to Him with reliance and prayer. He knows that our hidden prayers, our nightly sighs and laments, and even our silent suffering, none of them are hidden from His penetrating, knowing, and hearing gaze. He is the best listener and the most knowledgeable confidant. Therefore, whenever we feel pain and suffering, instead of sinking into despair, we should rely on this Divine awareness and know that a seeing eye and a hearing ear are observing our condition, and ultimately, relief will come from Him, because He is aware of our sufferings and never abandons His servants.