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Why Does Allah Keep Giving Blessings to Flagrant Sinners?

27 September, 2023
Q Assalamualaikum. I want to know, why people that do bad things are having a good life, are successful. For example, a guy who does a lot of relationships with many girls before marriage and still manages to get married to a good girl. They continue their old lifestyle, continuously lie but still, their life is perfect. Why doesn't Allah punish them? Thank you.

Answer

Short Answer: 

  • It is true that Allah delays the worldly punishment for some sinners. We wonder, when we behold their sins, why Allah does not stop them?
  • Allah states that He deliberately delays the worldly punishment of wrong-doers. This is so that they may increase in sin, which works further against their favor. Wrong-doers are stricken suddenly, in order to increase the shock and impact of the punishment.

………….

Asalaamu alaykum, and thank you for sending in your question to our website.

It is good to know, sister, that you are pondering upon the realities of life. Wise is the Muslim who reflects upon the subtle ways that Allah decrees provision. Indeed, mankind should ponder upon the effects of their deeds. If we all used our intellect and reason to reflect, there would be fewer calamities. We would learn from mistakes (ours and others’) and become closer to Allah.

Our Perception of Fortune vs True Fortune

Sister, first of all, I would like to ask you a question. Suppose you behold two people. One is humble, of modest means, and a righteous Muslim. The other is wealthy, famous,  and a flagrant transgressor of Divine laws.

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Now, which one of them do you think is successful?

Most of us define success and fortune with the yardstick of money and material assets. In addition, we include power, prestige, authority, and influence over people. We think that whoever possesses these things, is indeed fortunate.

In fact, Allah says something worthy of reflection, in the Quran:

So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them through them in worldly life, and that their souls should depart [at death] while they are disbelievers.” [9:55]

Is it not obvious, sister, for what purpose Allah has given transgressors wealth and children? According to the above verse, it is in order to torment/punish them.

True, wealth and children are regarded as great blessings, by a believer. Nevertheless, that is not always the case in Allah’s book. For some among mankind, a marriage, the birth of a child, or material asset is decreed as a harbinger of torment.

The apparent “blessing” is actually a punishment in disguise! Even if, at first, it seems to bring joy, celebration, and a boost in social prestige.

The Delay is Part of the Punishment

It is true that Allah delays the worldly punishment for some sinners. We wonder, when we behold their sins, why Allah does not stop them? The serial killer who kills victim after victim, without being caught. The drug lord who strikes off deal after deal, living in (apparent) luxury. The two-faced liar who keeps enjoying a high-flying social life. The womanizer who parties with a never-ending bevy of beauties.

We wonder why Allah allows such people to get away with their doings?

One of the aspects of the answer is that the delay is there for a purpose. Allah says in the Quran:

And let not those who disbelieve ever think that [because] We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.” [3:178]

Allah states that He deliberately delays the worldly punishment of wrong-doers. This is so that they may increase in sin, which works further against their favor.

He also says in the Quran:

So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly, and they were [then] in despair.” [6:44]

In the above verse, Allah mentions how the delay (plus an increase in worldly blessings) actually adds to the punishment. Wrong-doers are stricken suddenly, in order to increase the shock and impact of the punishment.

I ask Allah to save us all from the misguidance and sins that trigger His wrath. Amen.

A Divine Writ for Every Decree

In the end, I would like to point out one more important thing, sister.

In the Book of Allah, every decree has its appointed time. Allah says in the Quran:

For every term, there is a decree.” [13:38]

He also says:

Man was created of haste. I will show you My signs, so do not impatiently urge Me.” [21:37]

Sometimes, we question why something does not happen soon enough. That is, at the time that we want it to happen. The same haste and impatience apply to our desire to quickly see a sinner get punished.

One of the names of Allah is Al-Sabur. This means the one Who is extremely patient. This attribute of Allah explains why He does not immediately punish or exterminate sinners who commit grave sins. For example, those who curse Him, or dare Him to send down His punishment. He is so just, so patient, that He sends His punishment only at the time appointed for it. Also, He mercifully gives them repeated opportunities to repent and turn back to Him.

And Allah knows best.

I hope that this answers your question.

Salam. Please stay in touch.

(From Ask About Islam archives)

Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:

Does Allah’s Mercy Depend on Sin?

What Is the Concept of Sin in Islam?

Storms – A Form of God’s Wrath & Punishment?