What is suffering?

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Suffering is the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.

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Why does suffering exist?

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Our world is one of 'Yin' and 'Yang': a realm of duality. Humans often experience suffering due to their awareness, perception, and understanding of opposites. Our senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste—and our capacity for emotion and intellect allow us to experience and contemplate these opposites, helping us relate to and understand our existence. However, suffering can prompt us to use our minds, hearts, and souls to seek Wisdom, Truth, Knowledge, and Love, aiding us in understanding our purpose as humans. This journey leads us to 'let go' of thinking we know best and 'surrender' to the Universal Divine Will. By doing so, we can free ourselves from 'suffering' when we choose to relinquish our desire for knowledge of good and evil: without such knowledge, what would 'suffering' be? Letting go doesn't mean we no longer feel pain; it means we no longer 'suffer' but become 'part of a Divine Purpose.'

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Some perceive hardship and suffering as a consequence of our imperfections. Much of the world's suffering stems from human actions—greed, oppression, control, power, selfishness, etc.

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Some may view their suffering as 'punishment' for sins, while others see it as a 'test of faith.' Believers connected to their Creator often find it helpful to reflect on their hardships to derive meaning, understanding, and strength. Scripture advises us to maintain faith through adversity, to trust in God regardless of circumstances, and to understand that any punishment is given out of love, much like a parent disciplines a child to teach and guide them. He shows us His Signs in various ways, and we learn about Him through different experiences. He encourages us to be grateful—not because He needs our gratitude, but because gratitude brings inner peace and reduces suffering. Scripture teaches that everything is a test and challenge according to our abilities and blessings and urges us to alleviate the suffering of others.

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Scripture shares stories of God's prophets and messengers, who faced trials and persecution. Figures like Noah, Job, Moses, David, Jesus, and Mohammed provide strength, wisdom, and inspiration, helping us endure our struggles. These prophets and messengers were human, not angels, serving as excellent examples for followers facing hardship. Their lives and how they coped with challenges can be incredibly inspirational, acting as 'role models' for future generations.

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Let us ask ourselves:

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What would 'suffering' be without understanding good and evil?

How would we recognize 'gratitude' without opposites to compare our blessings to?

What is 'humility' without 'pride'?

What is 'up' without 'down'?

What is 'happiness' without 'sorrow'?

What is 'life' without 'death'?

What is 'truth' without 'falsehood'?

How do we value 'honesty' and 'truthfulness' in a world without 'deceit'?

How do we understand 'mercy' without 'punishment'?

What is 'forgiveness' without 'resentment' and 'anger'?

How would we appreciate 'kindness' without knowing 'selfishness' and 'greed'?

How would we understand 'love' without experiencing 'hate'?

How would we appreciate light without darkness?

What is 'gratitude' without something to compare it to?

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How can suffering help us?

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Through the intricate tapestry of Life, we encounter a wide spectrum of experiences that encompass both joy and sorrow, light and darkness, pleasure and pain. These contrasting elements of human existence and emotion serve as profound catalysts for introspection and growth. Suffering, in particular, is not merely an unfortunate circumstance to be avoided; rather, it is an invaluable opportunity for deep reflection and understanding. It invites us to wonder, ponder, and ultimately grasp the Beautiful Attributes and Names of God—Our Creator. When we face challenges and endure hardships, we are given a unique lens through which to examine the qualities that define the divine nature.

The more we engage with our suffering, the more we can cultivate an appreciation for the essential qualities that characterize the divine, such as ‘Loving,’ ‘Merciful,’ ‘Kind,’ ‘Compassionate,’ ‘Knowing,’ ‘Wise,’ ‘True,’ ‘Humble,’ ‘Aware,’ ‘Just,’ and ‘Loyal.’ Each of these attributes resonates deeply within us, serving as reminders of the higher ideals we strive to embody in our own lives. As we reflect on these divine qualities, we begin to see the interconnectedness between our experiences and the essence of our Creator. This connection fosters a sense of gratitude for the life we have been given, as well as for our souls’ journey through existence.

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Suffering can act as a powerful teacher, guiding us toward a greater understanding of our true purpose. It compels us to confront our limitations and weaknesses, while simultaneously encouraging us to seek strength and resilience. In moments of pain, we often find ourselves reaching out for solace and support, which can lead to deeper connections with others and a greater sense of community. Through these interactions, we not only learn the value of empathy and compassion but also recognise the importance of sharing our burdens and joys alike.

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As we strive to connect more profoundly with our true purpose, we begin to realise that the weight of our suffering can diminish. This shift in perspective allows us to embrace life with a renewed sense of hope and understanding. We learn that suffering is not an end in itself, but rather a transformative process that can lead us to greater wisdom and insight. By acknowledging the role that suffering plays in our spiritual and emotional development, we can cultivate a deeper appreciation for the journey of life, ultimately leading us closer to our Creator and the divine attributes that we aspire to reflect in our own lives.

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How Can Our Suffering Help Others?

 

 

Our suffering can serve as a powerful lesson for others when we reflect on our experiences and share the insights gained. For example, someone who endures a traumatic car accident and faces a disability may initially feel a profound sense of loss and anger, especially if it affects their ability to engage in hobbies like skiing or walking. This experience can strain their relationships and challenge their faith. However, through reflection, they may come to realize that life is unpredictable and can change in an instant. This newfound perspective can foster gratitude for their previous abilities and inspire them to support others facing similar challenges.

 

By sharing their journey, they can help others feel less alone, promote gratitude, and encourage resilience. This act of sharing not only gives meaning to their suffering but also helps them reconnect with their sense of purpose and faith. Ultimately, it encourages personal responsibility and the understanding that while we cannot control everything, doing our best is what truly matters.

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Furthermore, our hardships often arise from self-sacrifice, such as the struggles parents endure to provide for their children. Parents often put their children's needs above their own, which can lead to significant challenges. It's crucial to differentiate between suffering and hardship for a greater cause. Those who willingly endure difficulties to benefit others often find strength in their faith, believing their actions align with their soul's purpose. This altruism can bring peace and a sense of vitality, driven by love and compassion for humanity. Many attribute this strength to a Higher power, which sustains them in their noble endeavours.

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Our suffering can provide others with the opportunity to help us, transforming us into recipients and them into benefactors. This enables them to engage in charitable or kind acts, drawing them nearer to their Creator. Each of us has our own shortcomings, having more or less than others, which offers us all the chance to be both benefactors and recipients in various ways.

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If we perceive our suffering as a form of punishment, it can prompt us to seek repentance. When regarded as a 'trial' or 'test of faith', it can strengthen our patience and endurance. It can teach us the importance of gratitude and other virtues related to compassion. When others observe our suffering, particularly if they contributed to it and are in a position to assist, it can inspire them to repent, seek forgiveness from their Creator, and guide them back to their Higher Purpose of giving by offering them a chance to help others during difficult times.

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What does Abrahamic Scripture teach about 'Suffering?'

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Jewish scripture, offers profound insights into the topic of suffering, exploring its nature, purpose, and the human response to it. The Torah, which is the foundational text of Judaism, presents suffering in various contexts, often linking it to moral and ethical lessons. For instance, the narrative of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt serves as a poignant example of collective suffering. This period of hardship is not merely a backdrop but a crucial element that shapes the identity of the Jewish people, teaching them about resilience, faith, and the importance of liberation. The story emphasises that suffering can lead to redemption and a deeper understanding of divine justice.

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The Tanach, which includes the historical books, the Prophets, and the Writings, expands on the theme of suffering through various literary forms and historical accounts. The Book of Job is particularly noteworthy, as it grapples with the question of why the righteous suffer. Job, a man of great faith, endures immense personal loss and physical torment, prompting profound discussions about divine justice and the human condition. His dialogues with friends reveal differing perspectives on suffering, from retributive justice to the notion that suffering may be inexplicable. Ultimately, Job's story suggests that suffering can lead to a deeper relationship with God, as he learns to confront his pain and seek answers directly from the divine.

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The Psalms, a collection of poetic prayers and hymns, provide a deeply personal perspective on suffering. Many of the Psalms express anguish, despair, and a longing for relief, reflecting the human experience of pain and the search for solace. Psalm 22, for example, begins with a cry of abandonment, resonating with those who feel forsaken in their suffering. Yet, the Psalms also emphasise hope and trust in God, often transitioning from lamentation to praise. This duality illustrates a fundamental aspect of Jewish thought: that suffering can coexist with faith, and that expressing sorrow is an integral part of spiritual life.

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Jewish teachings often view suffering as a catalyst for growth and transformation. The concept of "tzimtzum," or contraction, suggests that through suffering, individuals can experience a form of divine absence that ultimately leads to a greater sense of presence and connection. This idea encourages believers to find meaning in their struggles, fostering resilience and a deeper understanding of their faith.

 

In summary, Jewish scripture, through the Torah, Tanach, and Psalms, presents a multifaceted exploration of suffering. It acknowledges the reality of pain while simultaneously offering pathways to understanding, resilience, and spiritual growth. Through narratives, poetry, and theology, these texts invite individuals to confront their suffering, seek solace in community and faith, and ultimately find hope in the promise of redemption and divine presence.

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The parables of Christ serve as profound narratives that convey deep spiritual truths, particularly concerning the theme of suffering. Through these stories, Jesus addresses the human condition and the inevitability of suffering in life. For instance, in the Parable of the Good Samaritan, we see a vivid illustration of compassion and mercy extended to those who are suffering. This parable teaches that suffering is not merely a personal burden but a universal experience that calls for empathy and action from others. It highlights the importance of responding to the needs of those who are in pain, regardless of social or cultural boundaries.

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In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, we learn about the value of each individual and the lengths to which one should go to seek out those who are lost or suffering. This narrative emphasises that suffering can lead to a sense of isolation, yet it also reveals the relentless love and pursuit of God for those in distress. Through this parable, Christ reassures us that no one is beyond the reach of divine grace and that suffering can be a pathway to redemption and restoration.

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The Parable of the Prodigal Son further explores the complexities of suffering, illustrating how choices can lead to pain and hardship. The journey of the prodigal son demonstrates that suffering can stem from our own actions, yet it also emphasizes the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation. This parable teaches that, even in the depths of despair, there is hope for a return and a new beginning, underscoring the transformative power of love and acceptance.

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So the parables of Christ provide rich insights into the nature of suffering, encouraging believers to find meaning in their pain, to extend compassion to others, and to trust in God’s unwavering presence during difficult times. They remind us that suffering is not an end in itself, but rather a part of the larger narrative of life, where healing and redemption are always possible through faith and community support.

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Suffering, in the Islamic context, is often viewed as a test from Allah, a means through which individuals can demonstrate their faith, patience, and resilience. The Quran emphasises that trials and tribulations are an inherent part of life, and they serve as opportunities for personal growth and spiritual development.

 

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155-157), Allah states, "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 highlights that suffering can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, and material hardships. The Quran encourages believers to remain steadfast during these challenging times, assuring them that their patience will be rewarded. Moreover, the Quran teaches that suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of one's relationship with Allah. It serves as a reminder of human vulnerability and the transient nature of worldly life.

 

In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:69), it is mentioned, "And those who strive for Us, We will surely guide them to Our ways." This suggests that enduring suffering can lead to divine guidance and a closer connection to the Creator. Additionally, the Quran emphasizes the importance of community support during times of suffering. Believers are encouraged to help one another, share in each other's burdens, and provide comfort and assistance to those in distress. This collective responsibility fosters a sense of unity and compassion within the community, reinforcing the idea that no one should face their suffering alone.

 

Ultimately, the Quran teaches that while suffering is an inevitable part of human existence, it is not without purpose. It serves as a catalyst for reflection, growth, and a deeper appreciation of life’s blessings. Through the lens of faith, suffering can transform into a source of strength, leading individuals to seek solace in prayer, turn to the Quran for guidance, and cultivate a more profound sense of gratitude for the moments of joy and peace that life also offers.

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How can we 'Suffer' less?

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Practical Tips to Reduce Suffering

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• Change Your Perception: Instead of labelling challenges as suffering, view them as opportunities for growth or tests of resilience. This shift can help you approach difficulties with a more positive mindset.

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• Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties. Mindfulness can enhance your awareness and appreciation of life as it unfolds.

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• Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly reflect on what you are grateful for. Acknowledging the positive aspects of your life can decrease feelings of suffering and enhance your overall well-being.

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• Reframe Loss: When experiencing loss, try to see it as a chance to learn and grow rather than just a source of pain. This perspective can foster resilience and emotional strength.

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• Help Others: Engage in acts of kindness and support others in their struggles. Helping those in need can provide a sense of purpose and alleviate your own feelings of suffering.

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• Embrace Compassion: Develop empathy for others' experiences. Understanding their struggles can deepen your connections and help you find peace in your own challenges.

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• Let Go of Control: Accept that some things are beyond your control. Releasing the need to understand every situation can reduce anxiety and promote a sense of peace.

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• Reflect on Experiences: Take time to reflect on your challenges and what they have taught you. This can provide insight and help you approach future difficulties with greater wisdom.

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Some Scripture verses about Suffering?

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 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalms 34:19

 

 "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore despise not the chastening of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he binds up; he smites, but his hands heal."  Job 5:17-18 

 

 "Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted." Isaiah 53:4

 

"For the Lord will not cast off forever; but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he does not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." Lamentations 3:31-33 

 

 "It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2

 

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes." Psalms 119:71

 

 "My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights." Proverbs 3:11-12

 

 "He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." Isaiah 40:29

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'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.' Mathew 5:4

 

'My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.' Psalm 119:50

 

'Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.' John 16:20

 

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.' John 16:33

 

'I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.' Psalm 27:13-14

 

'The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety.' Job 5:11

 

'May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.' Psalm 119:76

 

'The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn.' Isaiah 61: 1-2

 

'As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.' Isaiah 66:13 

 

'I will never leave you or forsake you.' Hebrews 13:5

 

'O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan. And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, A prayer to the God of my life.' Psalm 42:6-8

 

'I will say to God my rock, "Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"As a shattering of my bones, my adversaries revile me, While they say to me all day long, "Where is your God?" Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.' Psalm 42:9-11

 

'Vindicate me, O God, and plead my case against an ungodly nation; O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man! For You are the God of my strength; why have You rejected me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; Let them bring me to Your holy hill And to Your dwelling places. then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God.' Psalm 43:1-5

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'God does not burden a soul beyond its capacity...' Quran 2:286

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'Did we not expand for you your breast? And we removed from you your burden, which had weighed upon your back. And raised high for you your repute. For indeed, with hardship comes ease. Indeed, with hardship comes ease.' Quran 94:1-6

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'Verily, We created man from a drop of mingled sperm so that We may test him; and therefore We made him hearing and seeing. We have indeed showed him the way, now he be grateful or ungrateful.' Quran 76:3

 

'Verily, We shall put you to test with some fear, and hunger, and with some loss of wealth, lives, and offspring. And convey good tidings to those who are patient, who say, when inflicted by hardship, "Verily we are of God and verily to Him shall we return;" upon them is the blessings of God and His mercy.' Quran 2:155

 

'Or did you think that you would enter Paradise without having come to you the same as what came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by misery and hardship and were so shaken up that the messenger and those who believed with him said, "When is God's victory?" Indeed, God's victory is imminent.' Quran 2:214

 

'Did the people think that they would be left to say, "We believe", without them being tested?' Quran 29:2

 

'We have tested those before them, and indeed, God knows the truthful ones and He knows the liars.' Quran 29:3

 

.'..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.' Quran 2:216

 

'Who is the One who responds to the distressed when he calls upon Him, removes the adversity and makes you successors on earth? Is there a god with God? Rarely do you remember.' Quran 27:62

 

'God does not burden a soul beyond capacity. Each will enjoy what (good) he earns, as indeed each will suffer from (the wrong) he does. Punish us not, O Lord, if we fail to remember or lapse into error. Burden us not, O Lord, with a burden as You did those before us. Impose not upon us a burden, O Lord, we cannot carry. Overlook our trespasses and forgive us, and have mercy upon us; You are our Lord and Master, help us against the clan of unbelievers.' Quran 2:286

 

'In the name of God, the Gracious, the Merciful. Did We not soothe your heart? And lift from you your burden. Which weighed down your back?And raised for you your reputation? With hardship comes ease. With hardship comes ease. When your work is done, turn to devotion. And to your Lord turn for everything.' Quran 94:1-8

 

'Whatever disaster strikes you is but a consequence of what your own hands have earned, but He pardons much.' Quran 42:30

 

'Take a 'sadaqa' (charity) from their money to cleanse and purify them with it and support them. Your support provides them with tranquillity. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.' Quran 9:103 

 

'If you were to count God's blessings, you could not encompass them all. The human being is indeed transgressing, unappreciative.' Quran 14:34

 

'If We grant the human being a blessing he turns away and distances himself, yet when adversity touches him he implores profusely.' Quran 41:51

 

'The worldly life is no more than the enjoyment of delusion.' Quran 3:185

 

'O people, you are the ones who are in dire need of God, whereas God is the Rich and Praiseworthy One.' Quran 35:15

 

'And do not walk arrogantly in the earth, for you cannot bore through the earth, nor can you be as tall as the mountains.' Quran 17:37

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'If any harm touches the human being, he implores Us on his side, sitting down or standing up. Then, when We relieve the harm from him, he carries on as if he had never implored Us about a hardship which had touched him! What the excessive ones used to do was thus adorned for them.' Quran 10:12

 

'We decreed this to be a deterrent punishment for their time and for what is to follow, and an advice for the reverent.' Quran 2:66

 

'We shall let them taste the lesser punishment before the greater punishment so that hopefully they will revert.' Quran 32:21

 

'..so those who are harmed for striving in My cause, and have fought and got killed, I will surely wipe out their bad deeds and admit them into Gardens beneath which rivers flow; a reward from God. God has the best reward.' 3:195

 

'And these towns—We destroyed them when they committed injustices, and We set for their destruction an appointed time. Recall when Moses said to his servant, “I will not give up until I reach the junction of the two rivers, even if it takes me years.”Then, when they reached the junction between them, they forgot about their fish. It found its way into the river, slipping away. When they went further, he said to his servant, “Bring us our lunch; we were exposed in our travel to much fatigue.” He said, “Do you remember when we rested by the rock? I forgot about the fish. It was only the devil who made me forget it. And so it found its way to the river, amazingly.” He said, “This is what we were seeking.” And so they turned back retracing their steps. Then they came upon a servant of Ours, whom We had blessed with mercy from Us, and had taught him knowledge from Our Own. Moses said to him, “May I follow you, so that you may teach me some of the guidance you were taught?”

He said, “You will not be able to endure with me. And how will you endure what you have no knowledge of?” He said, “You will find me, God willing, patient; and I will not disobey you in any order of yours.” He said, “If you follow me, do not ask me about anything, until I myself make mention of it to you.” So they set out. Until, when they had boarded the boat, he holed it. He said, “Did you hole it, to drown its passengers? You have done something awful.” He said, “Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me?” He said, “Do not rebuke me for forgetting, and do not make my course difficult for me.” Then they set out. Until, when they encountered a boy, he killed him. He said, “Did you kill a pure soul, who killed no one? You have done something terrible.” He said, “Did I not tell you that you will not be able to endure with me?” He said, “If I ask you about anything after this, then do not keep company with me. You have received excuses from me.” So they set out. Until, when they reached the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to offer them hospitality. There they found a wall about to collapse, and he repaired it. He said, “If you wanted, you could have obtained a payment for it.” He said, “This is the parting between you and me. I will tell you the interpretation of what you were unable to endure. As for the boat, it belonged to paupers working at sea. I wanted to damage it because there was a king coming after them seizing every boat by force.

As for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared he would overwhelm them with oppression and disbelief. So we wanted their Lord to replace him with someone better in purity, and closer to mercy. And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphaned boys in the city. Beneath it was a treasure that belonged to them. Their father was a righteous man. Your Lord wanted them to reach their maturity, and then extract their treasure—as a mercy from your Lord. I did not do it of my own accord. This is the interpretation of what you were unable to endure.” Quran 18:59-63

 

'Many godly people fought to help the Prophets in the cause of God. They did not lose courage, show weakness, or give in when facing hardships in their fight for the cause of God. God loves those who have patience.' Quran 3:146

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