Is Worldly Injustice a Sign of God's Absence?

The question of injustice in the world and its relation to God's presence is one of the deepest intellectual challenges many humans have faced throughout history. From the perspective of the Holy Quran, there is a definitive and clear answer to this question: No, the injustice present in the world is not a sign of God's absence; rather, it is itself an affirmation of Divine Justice and His broader plan for existence. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that Almighty God is absolutely just and never wrongs His servants. What is observed in the world as oppression and injustice stems from the free will and choices of human beings, and it is also a part of Divine Wisdom in the form of life's tests, the ultimate outcome of which will be revealed in the Hereafter. In Islam, one of God's most crucial attributes is 'Justice' (Al-Adl). God Himself is justice and its source. Verse 44 of Surah Yunus clearly states: 'Indeed, Allah does not wrong mankind in anything; but mankind wrong themselves.' This verse explicitly shows that any oppression and injustice occurring in the world are the product of human actions and choices. God has endowed humans with intellect, innate disposition (fitra), and has sent prophets and scriptures to guide them toward truth and justice. With the free will granted by God, humans are at liberty to choose the path of righteousness or corruption. When humans deviate from this divine guidance and, instead of establishing justice, incline towards oppression, greed, and transgression against the rights of others, these injustices emerge. This situation never implies God's absence or indifference; rather, it signifies human responsibility and the consequences of their actions. The Quranic worldview considers the world as a temporary abode and a testing ground, not the ultimate destination. Worldly life is a grand test to determine who is best in deeds. Verse 7 of Surah Hud states: 'He is the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days – and His Throne was upon water – that He might test you as to which of you is best in deed.' In this test, humans encounter challenges, hardships, and even injustices. These difficulties can serve as an opportunity for the oppressor to return and repent, and for the oppressed, a field for patience, endurance, and reliance on God. If an oppressor seemingly goes unpunished in this world, or a victim seemingly does not receive justice, this does not mean the injustice is overlooked. Instead, it signifies a delay in the execution of complete and final justice, which will occur in the next abode. The most significant reason to reject the idea that injustice indicates God's absence is the existence of the 'Day of Reckoning' and the 'Day of Judgment.' The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that a day will come when all human deeds, both small and large, will be accounted for, and no injustice will go unanswered. Verse 17 of Surah Ghafir refers to this truth: 'This Day every soul will be recompensed for what it earned. No injustice today. Indeed, Allah is swift in account.' This verse promises that absolute Divine Justice will be fully implemented in the Hereafter. Those who committed injustice in the world will face the consequences of their actions, and those who were wronged will receive their due rights and be rewarded for their patience. This insight not only affirms God's existence but also reveals His presence as the most just and wise judge of existence, more clearly than ever before. Furthermore, Divine Wisdom dictates that sometimes, certain events, even seemingly unjust ones, serve as a prelude to a greater good that humans, with their limited perspective, cannot comprehend. God is aware of and in control of all dimensions of existence, and every action within the universal system, however seemingly undesirable, ultimately progresses towards perfection and the ultimate goal of creation. Thus, injustices in the world are neither a sign of the Creator's absence nor an indication of His inability. Rather, they demonstrate human free will, their accountability, and the existence of an absolute system of justice in the Hereafter where all accounts will be settled. Faith in this truth brings solace to the hearts of the oppressed and deters wrongdoers, strengthening the foundations of faith in God.