The Source of Human Suffering: Shirk and Surrender

Suffering is one of the most fundamental human experiences. However, reflecting on the source of this suffering and understanding it correctly plays a crucial role in attaining spiritual peace. The Qur'an clearly presents the truth that can relieve human pain and grant true tranquility.
One of the main causes of human distress and suffering is the belief that events occur outside the control of Allah. Yet, the Qur'an states:
> “Allah does not burden a soul beyond what it can bear.” (Baqarah, 286)
This verse emphasizes that every event is created with wisdom and that Allah does not place upon people a burden they cannot carry. Evaluating events as if they are independent of Allah leads a person into anxiety and unrest. In reality, the source of the river of sorrow flowing within us is often shirk—associating partners with Allah.
When a person begins to see the power and will of others as absolute, this creates deep fear and anxiety in the heart. However, the Qur'an reminds us that there is no power except Allah and that everything is under His control. There is nothing ownerless in the universe. There is no chaos, no disorder, no randomness. Everything has a single Owner—and the human being also has only one Owner.
A person who adopts this understanding attributes everything that happens to Allah and acts accordingly. Such belief leads to spiritual peace and surrender. The Qur'an describes shirk as follows:
> “Be upright for Allah, without associating partners with Him. And whoever associates partners with Allah—it is as though he had fallen from the sky and was snatched by birds or swept away by the wind to a distant place.” (Hajj, 31)
This verse illustrates how shirk drags a person into chaos and spiritually shatters them. Because attributing absolute power or will to anything other than Allah creates deep inner turmoil. In such a state, a person feels abandoned and unprotected, living in constant fear and anxiety.
Yet Allah is the Creator and Owner of everything. Surrendering to Him is the only way to be freed from this fear and anxiety. Recognizing everything as coming from Allah and submitting to Him grants a person spiritual freedom. This understanding prevents one from becoming enslaved to others or being crushed under their influence.
In Surah Az-Zumar, it is stated:
> “Allah presents an example: a man owned by several partners constantly disputing, and a man devoted entirely to one master—are they equal? Praise be to Allah! But most of them do not know.” (Zumar, 29)
When a person submits only to Allah, they achieve true freedom. They are liberated from being influenced by others, from fearing ظلم and injustice, and from being overwhelmed by people’s actions. They understand that everything has a single Owner and that every event is created for their growth and development.
Shirk not only distances a person from Allah but also humiliates them before people or objects. The Qur'an highlights the dangers of emotional attachment in shirk:
> “They invoke besides Him none but female deities, and they invoke none but a rebellious devil.” (Nisa, 117)
An emotionally driven polytheist constantly feels the need to attach themselves to a person or an object. This increases their spiritual weakness and makes them vulnerable to manipulation and humiliation. Instead of surrendering to Allah, attaching oneself to others leads to feelings of helplessness and abandonment. Yet the only true supporter and protector of الإنسان is Allah.
The root of our suffering and unrest lies in evaluating events independently of Allah and attributing power to others. This leads to deep fear and anxiety within the soul. However, the Qur'an clearly shows the path to true peace:
> “And you cannot escape on earth, and you have no protector or helper besides Allah.” (Shura, 31)
Recognizing everything that happens as coming from Allah and surrendering to Him is the key to spiritual peace. Allah creates everything with wisdom and goodness. Holding firmly to Him will relieve our unrest in this world and lead us to eternal happiness.
Let us not forget: everything that comes from the Beloved is beautiful, and every event reaches us as a gift from Him.