The Problem of Evil According to the Theologians

(Mu'tazilites, Imamites, and Ash'arites)

Abstract

The problem of evil is one of the theological issues that has long preoccupied theologians, as it represents the bedrock of atheism and its argument, before which the proofs and arguments of monotheists crumble, according to most atheists. Many atheists, especially contemporary ones, did not become atheists because of a lack of logical and philosophical evidence for the existence of God, but rather because of the evil that God, may He be glorified and exalted, permits in this world. In other words, the existence of something infinite makes the existence of its opposite impossible, and since God is infinite good, it is impossible for evil to exist. The question then arises: But evil does exist, so where is God? Islamic theology has played a significant role in addressing this issue from various angles, reflecting the different methodologies of its various schools. Therefore, this study attempts to present the scientific methodology employed by the most prominent Islamic theological schools—namely, the Mu'tazilites, the Imamites, and the Ash'arites—in addressing this problem. Our conclusion is that, despite their differences in dealing with the issue of evil, theologians agree that there is no contradiction between the existence of God and the existence of evil.