Christianity Islam Judaism Hinduism Buddhism

Evil & Suffering

Why does suffering exist in a world created or sustained by a good God? Every tradition grapples with the problem of evil, whether through the figure of Satan, the Buddhist truth of dukkha, the Hindu concept of maya, or the Quranic tests of faith. These responses reveal deep differences in how religions understand the nature of reality and the purpose of hardship.

Across the World's Religions

Christianity
Practice
Problem of evil — the Fall, redemptive suffering
Key Text
Romans 8:28; Job 1-2; Genesis 3
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Islam
Practice
Tests and trials (ibtila) from Allah; patience (sabr)
Key Text
Quran 2:155-157, 29:2-3
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Judaism
Practice
Suffering as test, consequence, or mystery
Key Text
Job 1:21; Psalm 22; Lamentations 3:22-23
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Hinduism
Practice
Karma — suffering as result of past actions; maya (illusion)
Key Text
Bhagavad Gita 2:14-15; 13:21
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Buddhism
Practice
Dukkha (suffering) — First Noble Truth, cause is craving
Key Text
SN 56.11 (Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta); SN 12.2
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