wr wb
by Zakir Naik

If God is just, then why are some people born healthy while some are born with defects and are deaf and dumb, some people are born in rich families while others in poor families?

1. This life is a test for the hereafter. According to Surah Mulk Chapter-67 Verse-2 “He Who created Death and Life, that He may try which of you is best in deed; And He is the Exalted in Might, oft-Forgiving.” (Al-Quran 67:2)

2. Allah tests different human beings in different ways. Every year the question paper in an examination keeps on changing. It does not remain the same. Similarly Allah tests different human beings in different ways. He gives health to some people while others are born with defects or are handicapped. To some people He gives wealth, while others are poor.

3.Judgement will be based upon the difficulty of the test. Depending upon what facilities and qualities Allah has provided to each human being, Allah will judge him accordingly. If the test is difficult, then Allah will be lenient while judging. If the test is simple, then Allah will not be lenient while judging. A poor person does not have to give Zakah. He gets full marks where Zakah is concerned. On the other hand, a rich person is supposed to give Zakah. Many rich people give much less than what they actually are supposed to give, thus getting less marks (or negative marks) where Zakah is concerned.

4.Human beings with congenital defects are a test for their parents. Many infants are born with congenital defects. Some are deaf and dumb, while others are handicapped. An infant is not responsible for his or her defect. In such cases, perhaps Allah is testing the parents, whether they yet have faith in Him after this misfortune. Allah says in the Quran in Surah Anfal, 8:28 "And know ye that your possession and your progeny are but a trial; and that it is Allah with whom lies your highest reward". (8:28)