Can someone give me examples of how suffering is described in the Quran and the Hadith?

Question

In Islamic beliefs and teachings, is pain and suffering a good thing? Does it serve a purpose? What is Islam's view of suffering? Is it similar or different to the Book of Job?

Answer 1

In line with islamic teaching we have 3 types of suffering (1)world punishment here in this world (2)in alam barzah which is called siksa kubur or grave tortures and (3)hell tortures or torment of hell
World punishment is the testing given by Allah in the form of misery of a disease,loss of wealth,death,fear,poverty etc.The unfavourable condition is the testing for patience and do not despair.We can also be tested by Allah with favourable condi tion such as beautiful wife,handsomeness,richness,high function etc.This testing is for knowing whether we will thank or not to Allah who has given the favourable condition and whether we use it in line with Allah's path.as stated in the holy Qur'an.
In hadith Muhammad pbuh spoke that suffering in this world such as illness will decrease our sins.
In alam barzah the torture will be experienced as a prelimina ry punishment.The hell punishment is the final suffering for humans and satans by burning stones which is very hot.If they are thirsty they will be given a very hot water.If they are hungry they will be given zakum trees which have many thorns.Their skins will be swollen and then peeled off.Hell torture will be eternal for satans and unbelievers or infidels.Uneternal punishment will be experienced by muslims who have more sins (more bad doings than good doings)

Answer 2

2:155 "Be sure we will test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss of goods and lives, and the fruits of your labor, but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere."
2:214 "Or do you thiink you shall enter the garden of bliss without such trials as those who have passed before you?"

Yes, it serves a purpose, just the same as precious metals are refined and forged in fire to make them pure. It is jihad, struggle, not a free ride.
Job had it pretty bad, we shouldn't complain so much when we have it a little rough.

Answer 3

Dear Bro,

pain and suffering is a test from Allah(swt), same goes to a person with healthy and wealthy life. The knowledge here is that whether we remember Allah(swt) in our times of Happiness or Suffering. The criteria of a good person is he must have Taqwa and patiences in all types of situation he/she is in, having pain or suffering or healthy or wealthy life.

I have no knowledge of story of Job in the Bible but i can summarise for you the story of Prophet Job or Prophet Ayub in the Quran. As we know Prophet Ayub was tested till he lost all his wealth and was suffering from disease and finally was release from the suffering by Allah(swt). The knowledge here in the story is not about pain and suffering of Prophet Ayub and finally He was rewarded by wealth and healthy life, It tells us of His Taqwa and patiences at all times when he is in this situations, even our Beloved Prophet Muhammad(swt) say the the Best patiences you can see in a Man is Prophet Ayub(as).


salam
htw_guy

Answer 4

There are a lot of useful articles and essays try esinislam

http://www.esinislam.com/Muslim_Briefcase/Articles_Of_Ad-Duaa_Invocations/Manners_And_Virtues_Of_Ad-Duaa.htm

On how suffering is described in the Quran and the Hadith? Try esinislam

http://www.esinislam.com/Muslim_Briefcase/Articles_Of_Ad-Duaa_Invocations/Manners_And_Virtues_Of_Ad-Duaa.htm