Why Did Allah Create Cockroaches?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question Summary
I’m a non-Muslim. I know in Islam Allah sends sicknesses, like the coronavirus, to test people. Can we say the same about cockroaches and that Allah is sending them to expiate our sins?
Question Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
May Allah guide us to the belief and way of life that is pleasing to Him.
Thank you for your question and your willingness to seek guidance from Islam’s sources. We want to extend an invitation to learn more about Islam’s fundamentals by taking the Seekers Guidance free course: ‘Introduction to Islam: What It Means to Be Muslim’ by Ustadh Amjad Tarsin. We pray that through learning, Allah opens up your path to Islam.
Why Did Allah Create Cockroaches?
Allah created every living and inanimate thing for purposes sometimes known to us and always known to Him. Even when we do not know or understand the purpose of a creature’s existence, they still have the metaphysical function of remembering Allah. Allah says: “The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allah] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.” [Qur’an 17:44]
Allah also informs us He created the earth and the animals to serve the needs of humankind. Allah says: “It is He (Allah) Who created for you (humans) all that is on earth.’ [Qur’an 2:29]
Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate, said: “And Allah has made for you from your homes a place of rest and made for you from the hides of the animals, tents which you find light on your day of travel and your day of encampment; and from their wool, fur, and hair is furnishing and enjoyment for a time.” [Qur’an 16:80]
All Forms of Harm May Expiate Believers’ Sins
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “No tiredness, exhaustion, worry, grief, distress or harm befalls a believer in this world, not even a thorn that pricks him, but Allah expiates some of his sins thereby.” [Agreed Upon]
Based on this Prophetic narration, all forms of harm, even the harm caused by cockroaches, can be a means to expiate a believer’s sins, and Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar, Shaykh Taha Karaan.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Mawlana Yusuf Karaan, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has served as the Director of the Discover Islam Centre and Al Jeem Foundation. For the last five years till present, he has served as the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has thirteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic online learning and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and pursuing his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy living and fitness.
