Clarification of the Objection
This objection encompasses two main dimensions:① Status of the Afflicted in God’s Grand Plan
- Does labeling the lives of those born with congenital or physical limitations as a “punishment” fall within Islamic understanding?
- Especially when it is implied that they are deprived of God’s boundless blessings, this touches upon the physical and mental capacities God has decreed for each individual.
- Key Point: In Islam, we do not view such lives intrinsically as a divine punishment.
② Application of God’s System of Reward and Punishment
- How does the system of recompense operate for those whose ability to comprehend or accept rewards and punishments is inherently limited?
- This aspect merits a detailed discussion on how God’s justice accounts for varying human capacities.
Standard of God’s Justice
◈ Divine Knowledge: God is fully aware of every person’s inner state, intentions, and inherent abilities.◈ Fair Reckoning: On the Day of Judgment, each soul will be given a complete opportunity to account for its deeds.
◈ Capacity-Based Judgment: God’s justice demands that people be judged according to the capacities and opportunities granted to them.
Decision Based on Opportunities and Capacities
① God’s Omniscience: He knows precisely who has the ability to recognize and accept the truth.② Appropriate Reckoning: Those with a valid excuse (“ʿudhr”) will be judged in light of that excuse.
Assessing the Validity of an Excuse
◈ Beyond Human Judgment: Determining how reasonable an individual’s excuse is lies beyond our human limits.◈ Divine Determination: Only God, with His infinite knowledge, can accurately assess whether someone’s inability was genuine.
◈ Outcome: If a person truly lacked capacity, God’s mercy prevails; if not, they are held accountable.
Types of Excuses
① Unreached by Revelation: Those who never received the full message of guidance.② Innate Incapacity: Those without the natural faculties to comprehend or act upon the truth.
- Divine Clemency: In both cases, God’s compassion and grace may grant them leniency.
Conclusion
- Ultimate Justice: God will hold every individual to account in perfect accordance with His knowledge and justice.
- Mercy for the Excused: Anyone with a legitimate excuse will find God’s door of mercy open.
- Accountability for the Rest: Those without a valid excuse will be rightly subject to divine recompense.
