In the Name of Allāh.
Why would a person be punished in the Hereafter if he had not truly wronged himself by disregarding Allāh’s Command? The answer lies in understanding the Just and Merciful nature of Allāh. Similar to how a culprit accepts his punishment in this life, a resident of Hell will ultimately acknowledge and accept that he deserves the punishment inflicted upon him in the Hereafter.
Allāh states: “And whoever brings an evil (deed) (i.e., Shirk – polytheism, disbelief in the Oneness of Allāh and every evil sinful deed), they will be cast down (prone) on their faces in the Fire. (And it will be said to them): ‘Are you being recompensed for anything except what you used to do?’” [Sūrah An-Naml (27): 90]
This reminder is a caution that our deeds have repercussions and that Allāh administers Justice in His Judgment. Mu’ādh Ibn Jabal (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) asked him: “O Mu’ādh! Do you know Allah’s Right upon His slaves?” When I responded, “Allāh and His Messenger know better,” the Prophet (ﷺ) replied: “To worship Him Alone and to join none in worship with Him. Do you know what their right upon Him is?” I answered, “Allāh and His Messenger know better.” The Prophet (ﷺ) continued: “Not to punish them if they do so.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7373, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 30]
As we approach the Hereafter, we must contemplate the choices we have made and the path we are on. Let us not be misled by the fleeting pleasures of this world but rather direct our hearts towards the Lasting Reward that awaits us in Jannah.
I beseech Allāh to guide us, soften our hearts, and grant us the strength to remain resolute in our faith and obedience to Him. Aameen.
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