İbrahim Kalın; Good and Evil Do Not Coexist: No Ill Befalls the Pure of Heart

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKIYE

Ibrahim Kalin, a prominent author and spokesperson, explored the ancient philosophical problem of theodicy during his program "Kendi Gökkubbemiz." He argued that evil in the world is an ontological necessity stemming from the inherent incompleteness of created existence, asserting that humanity’s primary duty is to struggle against it.

Emphasizing that individuals must not allow evil to darken their inner worlds, Kalin noted that if a good person focuses on preserving goodness within their soul, external evils cannot "corrupt" them. Highlighting the transformative power of adversity, he remarked, "Every test is an opportunity, and every opportunity is a test," pointing out that every challenge provides a path for personal development.

Theodicy: The Problem of Evil and Divine Mercy

Addressing the question of why evil exists—a concept known in philosophy as "theodicy"—Kalin noted that this inquiry became a cornerstone for anti-religious movements in the modern era. He explained that everything other than the Divine is "deficient" by the very nature of being created, as absolute goodness belongs solely to God. From this perspective, evil is an unavoidable consequence of the lack of perfection in the universe; however, this does not justify evil but rather invites humans to combat it.

Turning Trials into Opportunities

Kalin stated that every misfortune encountered by a human is essentially a trial that, if managed correctly, makes the individual stronger. He noted that patience, perseverance, will, and intellect are fortified through such processes. "Every blow that does not kill you makes you stronger," Kalin said, adding that "if you pass the test, that calamity turns into an opportunity for you." He further reminded that all blessings—such as intellect, heart, and talent—are also tests in their own right.

Perfection Lies in the Details

Criticizing the tendency to dismiss the subtleties of life as "mere details," Kalin argued that true maturity (kamalat) is hidden within these intricacies. Referencing author Mustafa Kutlu, he illustrated the difference between saying "a bird landed on a tree" and "a nightingale landed on a wild pear tree" as a matter of spiritual attentiveness. Kalin also cited the works of Mimar Sinan, noting that the macro-grandeur of his architecture arose from the flawless harmony of its micro-parts, urging individuals to elevate the small details of their lives to an aesthetic level.

Balance and Sensitivity in Governance

Kalin also applied these philosophical principles to state administration, arguing that the focus on "great matters" should never lead to the neglect of individual citizens' needs. He shared an example from the Ottoman era where mosques near hospitals would recite the morning call to prayer at the very earliest moment to signal the "arrival of morning" to patients in pain. "One must not become like Majnun, who fell into a pit while staring at the stars in the sky. The balance between grand affairs and fine details is essential in governance," Kalin concluded.

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