Is It Permissible to Ask Why Allah Created Me This Way?

Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Is it permissible in Islam to question Allah by saying that a person should not have been created with social and developmental delay in childhood, such as delayed speech, difficulty understanding others, including the ways of one’s own family, and difficulty understanding friendships at school, and that Allah should instead have tested him in some other way, rather than through a condition that makes him feel it is not suited to him?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

It is not allowed to object to Allah’s decisions or say He should have made you differently or tested you in another way, because this means finding fault with Allah, who is always wise and never questioned about what He does.

Still, there is a big difference between objecting to Allah and sharing your pain with Him.

Sharing your struggles and asking for help is not only allowed, but Allah loves when you do this. You are encouraged to bring your worries, questions, and need for comfort directly to Allah.

The One Line That Is Not Crossed

Sacred Law tells us not to object to Allah’s choices, as if He made a mistake or should have made us differently.

Saying, “I should not have been created like this, He should have tested me in another way,” is seen as questioning His wisdom, which our teachers warned us against. Imam Abdullah bin Alawi al-Haddad (Allah have mercy on him) put it in a poem: “if only,” “why,” and “how” are the words of someone who objects to the Creator.

[Haddad, al-Durr al-Manzum] We are not in a place to judge our Lord. Allah (Most High) says, “He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned.” [Quran, 21:23]

The Door That Is Wide Open

It is important to understand the difference between complaining about Allah and complaining to Allah. Bringing your sadness to Him, asking why, asking for help, or saying you do not understand is not wrong.

In fact, it is a true part of being His servant, and even the Prophets did this. When Prophet Yaqub (upon him be peace) was very sad, he said, “I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.” [Quran, 12:86]

After the people of Taif rejected and hurt Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace), he turned to Allah and shared his pain and weakness. Saying “why this” or “why me” can be a way of reaching out to Allah, not blaming Him.

Do not keep your pain inside or think it is wrong to bring it to Allah. Share it with Him, because that is where it belongs.

What to Release, Gently

It is normal to feel that this challenge does not suit you, and it is okay to have that feeling. But try to let go of the idea that your creation was a mistake or does not fit you. Allah gives each person the test they can handle, using wisdom and mercy that we only glimpse.

He says, “Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity.” [Quran, 2:286] The fact that you are still managing this shows you have the strength to carry it, even when it feels hard.

Please remember: facing this kind of difficulty is not a punishment, and it does not mean you are less in Allah’s eyes. Allah does not judge people by how well they speak, make friends, or fit in socially. He looks at your heart and what you do with what you have.

No one is blamed for what is beyond their ability. Also, every hardship you face with patience removes some of your mistakes and raises your status.

The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “No fatigue, nor illness, nor worry, nor sorrow, nor harm, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even a thorn that pricks him, except that Allah wipes away some of his sins by it.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

A Closing Word of Guidance

Turn everything in your heart into prayer. Ask Allah to make things easier, help you understand, improve your relationships, and bring you closer to Him through what feels difficult.

Asking Allah to help or even change your situation is not complaining about His decision; it shows trust in Him.

Remember, being content with Allah’s plan does not mean you should not seek help.

You are encouraged to grow, rely on your family and teachers, and accept any support you can, just as the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) always acted while trusting in Allah.

Think well of your Lord, because He is as you expect Him to be. Trust that He chose this for you with knowledge, care, and the intention to help you grow. For more on this topic, see the SeekersGuidance answer “Discontentment with Allah’s Decree.”

And Allah (Most High) knows best.

[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Related Answers

Why Was I Created? — Addresses existential questions about creation, free will, and why Allah created human beings with their particular circumstances and struggles.

Why Were We Created? — Explains that asking about the wisdom behind creation is permissible when seeking understanding rather than objecting to Allah’s decree.

What Is Our Purpose in This World? — Discusses humanity’s purpose of worship, growth, and being tested through the unique conditions Allah has decreed for each person.

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 (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, 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 been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.