Is Eternal Punishment for a Finite Crime Illogical?
❖ Introduction
Some individuals object to the notion that eternal punishment is assigned for finite crimes. According to them, sins committed in this world are limited in nature; hence, assigning them an unlimited punishment is unjust.
❖ Analysis of the Objection
This objection stems from a misunderstanding of the concept of infinity.
Infinity refers to something countless, innumerable, and unimaginably vast. When one shows ingratitude for the innumerable blessings of Allah ﷻ, the sin thereby becomes unimaginably severe—necessitating a punishment of corresponding magnitude. This principle is not exclusive to punishment; it equally applies to rewards.
❖ The Concept of Infinity
Atheists often interpret the infinite merely in temporal terms. But even if we consider this perspective momentarily, it remains reasonable to state that an unimaginably immense crime warrants an unimaginably prolonged punishment.
There is nothing illogical in this.
❖ The Severity of Crime and Punishment
Those who raise this objection often focus solely on the duration of the punishment,
without grasping the severity of the crime. When someone shows ingratitude for Allah’s countless blessings, that act assumes an immensely grave nature, necessitating a punishment of matching magnitude.
❖ Examples from Worldly Punishments
Even in this world, crimes committed in moments can lead to
years of imprisonment, such as in cases of murder or other grave offenses. So why is
eternal punishment in the Hereafter considered illogical?
❖ Finite Crimes and Infinite Punishments
To argue that worldly crimes are limited—for example, dropping an atomic bomb—is an oversimplification. Its consequences span generations: deaths of millions, trauma to families and future descendants, mental and physical illnesses, cultivation of hatred, and arms races between nations.
❖ Multiple Dimensions of a Crime
It is impossible for limited human intellect to comprehend all the potential consequences and dimensions of a crime.
Only Allah, through His infinite knowledge, can determine the true severity of a sin. Thus, declaring the punishment decreed by Allah as illogical based on limited human reasoning is incorrect.
❖ Conclusion
It is not possible for human intellect to fully comprehend the effects and dimensions of crimes committed in this world.
The punishment in the Hereafter is determined by Allah ﷻ based on His infinite knowledge, and it is logically consistent that a sin of unimaginable gravity should be met with a corresponding punishment.
