❖ Question:
Is it just that a person is punished for eternity in the Hereafter for sins committed during a brief life in this world?❖ Explanation:
This objection is commonly raised by atheists, questioning the fairness of divine justice. They argue: if a human commits sins during a short lifespan in this world, how can eternal punishment in the Hereafter be justified?This concern is based on the assumption that there should be a direct proportionality between the duration of a sin and the duration of its punishment. That is, if a sin took a few moments to commit, the punishment should last only for a similar amount of time. However, this assumption is not only illogical but also contrary to the principles of justice. Real-life examples help clarify this:
✔ A thief may commit theft in just a few moments, yet he can be sentenced to years in prison.
✔ A person might accept a bribe in a short time, but the punishment he receives may be long-lasting.
✔ A student might insult a teacher in a single moment but can be permanently expelled from the university.
❖ The Relationship Between Crime and Punishment:
The link between a crime and its punishment is not determined by time alone. Rather, it depends on the severity of the crime, the intention behind it, and its consequences.For example, a person may take a life within seconds, but the punishment for murder is far more severe than that for theft. This shows that justice considers the nature and gravity of the crime more than its duration.
❖ Disbelief and the Punishment of the Hereafter:
Likewise, a disbeliever enjoys the blessings granted by Allah in this world but refuses to acknowledge or thank the Creator. This rejection is not a temporary act, but one with deep and lasting implications:① It leads the person into persistent misguidance.
② It can influence others to rebel against divine authority.
③ The person’s intent is such that, even if given eternal life, they would persist in denial and ingratitude.
For this reason, the disbeliever becomes deserving of eternal punishment—not because of the brief duration of their sin, but due to its everlasting impact and the willful rebellion it represents.
❖ Conclusion:
Eternal punishment in the Hereafter is not about how long a sin took to commit, but about the depth, severity, and consequences of the sin.Allah, the All-Wise, dispenses justice according to perfect knowledge and fairness. He punishes with justice and may show mercy out of His infinite grace if He wills.
