Thanks Deepak for sharing this 🏵️🏵️ here are some thoughts from Islam perspective:

Firstly, Islam rejects the idea that evil is necessary for the existence of good. Allah is described in the Qur'an as the Lord of Mercy and the Giver of all Good things. Allah says in Surah Al-An'am: "And if Allah were to seize the creatures for their wrongdoing, He would not leave upon the earth any creature, but He defers them for a specified term" (6:32). This verse shows that Allah is able to punish all creatures for their wrongdoing, yet He still permits them to exist.

Secondly, while human beings are granted free will in Islam, the existence of evil is not a consequence of free will itself. Rather it arises because of the misuse of free will by human beings and jinn who choose to commit evil. In Surah Al-Kahf, Allah says, "And say: 'The truth is from your Lord. So whosoever wills, let him believe, and whosoever wills, let him disbelieve'" (18:29). This verse points out that people have the freedom to choose between right and wrong.

Thirdly, the existence of evil is not a result of media coverage skewing our perception of reality. Evil is a real and tangible presence in the world that affects individual and collective lives. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Verily, this life is a test, and the greatest reward is for those who are most patient under its trials" (Sahih Muslim). This hadith shows that trials and tribulations are a real part of our existence.

Fourthly, Islam does not view evil as a tool for spiritual growth. Rather, it is seen as something that people should strive to avoid. In Surah Al-Ma'arij, Allah says, "And whoever has feared the position of his Lord and prevented the soul from [unlawful] inclination, then indeed, Paradise will be [his] refuge" (70:28-30). This verse emphasizes the need to avoid evil as a means of attaining Paradise.

Lastly, while Allah's ways are indeed incomprehensible to human beings, Islamic belief must be rooted in the Qur'an and the Sunnah (teachings) of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Muslims must trust that Allah's decisions are based on His perfect wisdom and infinite knowledge. As Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah, "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" (2:216).

In the end, from an Islamic perspective, it is important not to subscribe to the notion that evil is necessary for the existence of good or that it is a tool for spiritual growth. Islamic teachings emphasize the responsibility of human beings for the existence of evil and urge them to avoid it in pursuit of spiritual growth. Muslims must also trust that Allah's decisions are rooted in His perfect wisdom and infinite knowledge.
⏩⏭️