Sh. Dr. Yasir Qadhi discusses the 7 wisdoms of calamities, from the perspective of a Believer (Muslim). These are part of a larger list as authored by Al-Izz Ibn Abdus-Salam, a 13th century scholar of Islam. In part II of the khutbah, the people of Al-Ghouta (in Syria) are mentioned, their calamities, Islamic perspective and significance of this land as it is related to the end of times.
Topics:
Why is there pain, why is there suffering?
What did Allah say to the angels when they asked such a question?
How do we approach evil and suffering?
If we don't have humility and faith, we may reject God due to arrogance.
By rejecting God due to the existence of evil, you introduce an infinite long list of complex questions you have no answers for.
Seven wisdoms of calamities and pain in this world:
Demonstrates Lordship - Only Allah is Powerful, no one else.
Appreciation of the fact that we are the servants of Allah.
The religiosity, Iman, Taqwa, Du'a and calling to Allah that comes as a result.
Exhibition of the best Akhlaq in a person.
Allah allows others to demonstrate generosity and test those who are blessed with the worldly benefits and pleasures.
Appreciation of the blessings and ease in our daily life for which we ought to be thankful to Allah.
Blessings of Allah on the Day of Judgment due to pain in this world.
If you don't believe in day of judgment, you won't believe the wisdom of pain/evil in this world.
Allah mentions in the Qur’an, “There are those people who worship Allah with a condition. If life is good, he’s happy and will happy with Allah. But if life is not good and a Fitnah happens, then he switches his faith in Allah, he ends up losing this world and the next.” [Surah al Baqarah]