Abstract

This study aims to analyze the meaning of suffering in the social construction of Ahmadi in Cisalada Bogor. This study uses a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods. Collecting data in this study uses observation and in-depth interviews with several informants. Informants were selected based on their testimonies and experiences in dealing with forms of persecution, discrimination, and stigmatization. The study results showed that Ahmadi constructed suffering as a test. Suffering is interpreted as a gift from God to purify faith. Suffering is also constructed as a sacrifice and lived as altruism action. This Ahmadi construction shows the importance of theodicy for religious groups. Theodicy can be viewed as guidance in dealing with suffering.