God's justice and mercy and his punishment of the corrupt
- Updated On Saturday, 26 July 2014
- Written by Ayatullah Musavi Lari
- Editor Kawther Rahmani
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Tuesday, 06 March 2012
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- Hits: Why must God punish the corrupt for their deeds?
One cannot call God just and merciful unless He punishes the corrupt for their deeds, for it is His absolute justice that prevents an atom's weight of good and an atom's weight of evil from remaining unaccounted for. The punishment of hell, and the belief in its existence and agonies, have many educational benefits in this world. They can be considered as strong factors in preventing man from neglecting the rights of others and committing transgressions. The Commander of the Faithful (A) said: "If God gives respite to the oppressor, his punishment is never cancelled. Not only are his comings and goings under God's surveillance; He watches closely what passes through his gullet." (1) He also said in a similar vein: "I swear by God that if my hands and feet were to be chained and I were made to turn back and forth night and day on a bed of thorns, I would prefer it to meeting God and His Messenger on the Day of Resurrection as one who had oppressed people and usurped their wealth." (2)
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References 1. Nahj al-Balagha, ed. Subhi Salih, p. 141. 2. Ibid., p. 246.