A Logical Response to the Objection of Natural and Moral Evil
Written by: Dr. Muʿzzammil Shaykh Bismil
Natural Evil, Moral Evil, and the Question on Divine Mercy
❖ Summary of the Question
A concerned individual asked: Can God still be called Merciful and Compassionate in the presence of natural evil (such as fatal illnesses in innocent children) and moral evil (such as injustice and oppression)?
How can these forms of suffering be reconciled with the idea of divine mercy?
Natural Evil and the Objection to God's Existence
Natural evil refers to those situations where natural disasters, diseases, and other unforeseen harms affect human life. Objectors argue that the existence of such evils proves that either God does not exist, or if He does, He is not merciful.
But the real question is:
How does the presence of natural evil prove the nonexistence of God?
The objectors themselves have no clear answer to this.
Even if we were to hypothetically concede that the presence of natural evil negates God’s mercy, it still does not logically negate His existence.
At most, one could say God is not compassionate—but His existence remains intact.
Divine Mercy and the Presence of Prosperity
Another claim made by objectors is that natural disasters and diseases are proof that God is not Merciful.
However, if this reasoning holds, then shouldn’t the comfort, prosperity, and happiness enjoyed by billions of people across the globe also serve as proof of God’s mercy and compassion?
The number of people affected by disasters is minimal in comparison to those living normal, healthy lives.
Why, then, should divine mercy be questioned based solely on rare calamities?
The Wisdom Behind Natural and Moral Evil
Natural and moral evils may appear superficial at first glance, but deep planning and wisdom lie beneath them.
Disasters and diseases serve a larger biological and ecological function.
If a particular species multiplies beyond measure, natural processes restore balance.
❖ Example:
The phenomenon of Lemmings and their suicidal march is well-known. When their population grows excessively, they migrate and many die in the process.
This is a part of the natural balance, and similar checks apply to human populations as well.
So, what appears to be evil on the surface often results in a greater collective good—something that the average human cannot comprehend.
Justice in the Hereafter and the Muslim Belief
As Muslims, we believe that this worldly life is temporary, and the true life is the Hereafter.
Innocent children and guiltless individuals who die in natural disasters or due to illnesses are not left without recompense.
Allah ﷻ will grant them eternal mercy and reward in the Hereafter, without any reckoning.
Thus, their worldly suffering will become the source of immense reward and comfort in the eternal life to come.
Conclusion
The existence of natural and moral evil does not invalidate divine mercy.
There is divine wisdom operating behind every hardship, and in the Hereafter, every innocent soul will receive full compensation for what was lost in this world.
Therefore, there is no room to doubt Allah’s mercy based on the presence of trials and afflictions.
