Why Should We Accept Some Sufferings Without an Answer?

In the face of life's sufferings and hardships, it is natural for humans to seek answers and reasons for what befalls them. This innate desire for understanding and meaning is part of humanity's inquisitive and truth-seeking nature. However, there are times when, despite considerable effort, we cannot find a clear and immediate answer for certain sufferings. It is precisely at this juncture that the teachings of the Holy Quran offer us profound and comforting insights into why accepting some sufferings without explicit answers can be an integral part of our journey of faith and spiritual growth. This acceptance is not a passive resignation but rather an understanding of our place before the infinite wisdom of God. Firstly, the Quran emphasizes that this worldly life is inherently a field of trial and tribulation (ibtila'). Allah Almighty states explicitly in numerous verses that human beings will be tested to reveal the truth of their faith and to elevate their ranks. These trials take various forms: sometimes poverty and hunger, sometimes fear and insecurity, and sometimes the loss of loved ones or possessions. For instance, 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 clearly indicates that sufferings are part of the divine plan for human purification and training. When suffering comes upon us without an apparent answer, it is, in fact, a test of our patience, trust in God (Tawakkul), and submission to His divine will. In this journey, the purpose of the test is often not to understand the precise reason at that moment but to observe how a person reacts and perseveres in the face of it. This Quranic perspective views suffering not merely as a misfortune but as an opportunity for growth and closeness to God. Every hardship has the potential to deepen our faith, reduce our attachment to this world, and turn us back to our Creator. This process of purification ultimately leads to spiritual perfection and divine pleasure. Accepting the truth that life is full of trials helps us face adversities with a more open mind and a more prepared heart, focusing on our response rather than getting lost in unanswered 'whys'. The second, and perhaps most crucial, reason for accepting unanswered sufferings is the infinite wisdom of Allah and the limitations of human knowledge and foresight. Humans only perceive and understand a tiny fraction of reality, whereas Allah is aware of all hidden and manifest dimensions, past, present, and future. The Quran beautifully articulates this truth in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 216: "But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not." This pivotal verse forms the cornerstone of our understanding of unanswered sufferings. Sometimes, what we perceive as evil might, in its essence, contain immense good that is impossible for us to comprehend at the time of suffering. A severe illness might lead to a re-evaluation of life, drawing closer to God, or even preventing a greater harm of which we are unaware. A profound failure might be a bridge to achieving greater and more sustainable successes in the future. Just as in the story of Prophet Moses and Al-Khidr in Surah Al-Kahf, Al-Khidr performs seemingly destructive and unjust actions (piercing the boat, killing a boy, rebuilding a wall), but it is later revealed that each action had a deep wisdom and hidden good that Moses was unable to grasp at that moment. This story serves as an allegory for our lives; many events whose reasons we do not know might contain great wisdoms and hidden benefits that will only become apparent over time or in the Hereafter. This understanding of Divine wisdom teaches us to focus on trust and submission to the will of a Creator who knows what is best for us better than we do ourselves, instead of insisting on complete understanding of everything. This lack of complete comprehension is not a sign of divine weakness, but rather a sign of His greatness and our limitations. Thirdly, there is the role of patience (Sabr) and reliance (Tawakkul) in confronting these sufferings. The Quran considers patience among the highest virtues and recommends it in numerous verses. In Surah Az-Zumar, verse 10, it states: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." Patience in the face of sufferings whose reasons we do not know is the pinnacle of trust and reliance on the Lord. This patience is not passivity but an active resistance coupled with reliance on God and hope for His reward. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, we also read: "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." This verse shows that patience and connection with God (through prayer) are powerful tools for facing difficulties. When a person accepts suffering with Tawakkul and Sabr, they deepen their relationship with the Creator. They realize that even in moments of extreme weakness and despair, they have a refuge and shelter in the One whose power encompasses all things. This state of surrender and trust bestows a profound peace upon the soul, which is more valuable than any answer to the 'why' of suffering. Acceptance here does not mean giving up efforts to improve circumstances (if possible) but letting go of the insistence on full and immediate comprehension of everything and entrusting matters to divine wisdom. This trust empowers individuals to view problems from a monotheistic perspective, seeing them as part of the divine will for reaching perfection. Finally, sufferings can be a means of expiating sins and increasing proximity to God. Islamic narrations also reinforce this concept, stating that calamities and afflictions atone for sins and elevate a person's status in the sight of their Lord. Therefore, even if we do not find an answer for the 'why' of a suffering, we can view it from the perspective of an opportunity for spiritual purification, growth, and greater closeness to Allah. This perspective not only helps a person to be patient in the face of suffering but also allows them to learn lessons from hardships and move towards perfection. Accepting unanswered sufferings is a symbol of true faith that knows whatever comes from Allah, even if seemingly bitter, contains an essence full of goodness and mercy. This kind of acceptance is the key to inner peace and contentment with divine decree, opening the way for both hidden and manifest blessings. This viewpoint saves individuals from despair and despondency, giving them strength of heart to trust in the mercy and wisdom of their Lord in all circumstances and to remain steadfast on the path of servitude. This approach reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a light of hope, and every experience, whether pleasant or unpleasant, has its place in the grand divine plan, aiming for the ultimate good of the servant.