The Holy Quran, a divine scripture and the source of human guidance, encompasses profound and multilayered concepts, each shining like a gem within the fabric of existence and serving as a guide for humanity on the path towards perfection and felicity. Among these concepts, punishment, oppression, justice, enemy, numbers, and arrogance occupy a special place, for these terms not only refer to theological and ethical dimensions but also encompass philosophical, social, and psychological aspects. These concepts, like a mirror, reflect the divine system of justice and the complexities of human behaviour. In this treatise, with a profound and methodical perspective, these concepts are analysed in the light of the verses of the Holy Quran. The objective is to elucidate these concepts in a clear and comprehensive manner, relying on a scholarly and refined linguistic structure, so as to facilitate a deeper understanding of Quranic knowledge. This study, utilising precise verses and exegeses, is akin to a journey through the city of Quranic wisdom, where each stage opens a new window to divine insight.
The concept of punishment in the Holy Quran flows like a deep and tumultuous river through more than 264 verses, with unparalleled variety and complexity. This concept, which is an aspect of divine justice, is examined in various dimensions worldly and otherworldly, ethical and social, individual and collective. Punishment is not merely retribution for wrongful deeds, but also a warning to return to truth and rectify behaviour.
Punishment in the Holy Quran is described in various forms such as alm (painful), shadd (severe), mahin (humiliating), harq (burning), and nr (fiery). This diversity, like the different colours in a grand painting, indicates divine wisdom and precision in tailoring the penalty according to the type and severity of the sin. For instance:
وَعَذَّبَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
And those who disbelieved, We punished them with a painful punishment.
(Srah Midah, Verse 73)
This verse demonstrates that the painful punishment is a direct consequence of disbelief and illustrates the proportion between crime and penalty. This diversity, like the branches of a mighty tree, signifies the depth of divine knowledge that meticulously adjusts every punishment.
Punishment in the Holy Quran depends on divine will and intention, as stated:
يَغْفِرُ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَنْ يَشَاءُ
He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills.
(Srah Baqarah, Verse 284)
This verse, like a bright lamp, reveals the absolute sovereignty of God over the system of punishment and forgiveness. Divine will, rooted in boundless knowledge and wisdom, is never unjust and applies punishment only where wisdom necessitates.
Punishment in the Holy Quran is divided into worldly and hereafter categories. Worldly punishment, such as that which befell the peoples of d and Thamd, serves as a warning to reform behaviour, whereas hereafter punishment, such as the eternal torment in Hell, is the ultimate consequence of sinful acts:
وَلَنُعَذِّبَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا
And We will punish them in this world.
(Srah Sajjadah, Verse 21)
This verse, like a mirror, shows that worldly punishment offers an opportunity to return to God and amend ones course, while hereafter punishment is the end of those who fail to utilise this opportunity.
One aspect of punishment is creative punishment which is inflicted even upon creatures under the command of the prophets, such as animals:
لَأُعَذِّبَنَّهُ عَذَابًا شَدِيدًا
I will surely punish him with a severe punishment.
(Srah Naml, Verse 21)
This verse, from the story of Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him), like a note of divine authority, demonstrates the comprehensiveness of the justice system that encompasses even animals. This punishment indicates the order and regulation of divine law from which no creature is exempt.
The Holy Quran regards punishment as a direct consequence of human actions:
قُلْ يُعَذِّبُكُمْ بِذُنُوبِكُمْ
Say: He punishes you because of your sins.
(Srah Anm, Verse 15)
This principle, like an immutable law, signifies the inseparable link between deeds and recompense. Punishment is not arbitrary, but arises like a shadow from ones actions.
Divine knowledge, like a blazing torch, guarantees justice in the implementation of punishment:
رَبُّكُمْ أَعْلَمُ
Your Lord is most knowing.
(Srah Isr, Verse 54)
This verse indicates that God, with full awareness of human intentions and deeds, distributes punishment with precision and justice. This knowledge, like a meticulous engineer, designs each penalty proportionate to the crime.
The variety of punishments, such as painful, humiliating, and burning, reflects the complexity of the divine system in response to sins:
لَهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌ بِمَا كَانُوا يَكْذِبُونَ
For them is a painful punishment because they used to lie.
(Srah Baqarah, Verse 10)
This diversity, like an artistic weave, signifies the flexibility of the divine system which responds to every sin with an appropriate penalty.
In some cases, punishment is not mitigated:
