How Do We Understand Allah’s Mercy Toward Great Sinners While Some Believers May Still Be Punished?
Question
Asalamu alaykum Shaikh, in regards to your talk today in taraweeh about Allahs SWT, and his mercy with the sinful lady. Wouldn’t some say that it is unfair that she gets treated with so much mercy despite her past. While there will be muslims who worship Allah for there entire lives but will go to hell over something much less severe than what she was doing.
Answer
Alhamdulillah, wassalatu wassalamu ala rasulillah, wa ala alihi wa sahbihi ajmain.
1. The Shari Context
Islam teaches two essential truths about Allah. He is perfectly just, and He is also perfectly merciful. These two attributes are not in conflict. Rather, they operate together according to His wisdom.
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah does not wrong even the weight of an atom.”
Surat al Nisa 4:40
At the same time, Allah describes the vastness of His mercy:
“My mercy encompasses all things.”
Surat al Araf 7:156
The story often referenced in sermons is the hadith about a sinful woman who showed mercy to a thirsty animal.
The Prophet said:
“A prostitute saw a dog panting near a well. She took off her shoe, filled it with water, and gave the dog drink. Allah forgave her for that.”
Sahih al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim
This narration demonstrates the power of sincere mercy and repentance, not a dismissal of justice.
2. Scholarly Discussion
The scholars explain that actions in Islam are not judged merely by their outward size. They are judged by sincerity, repentance, humility, and the state of the heart.
A single act can become extremely great in the sight of Allah if it is done with true sincerity and humility, especially if it is accompanied by repentance. Conversely, a person may perform many acts of worship but harm them through arrogance, insincerity, or major sins that they refuse to abandon.
Scholars also clarify an important principle in creed: a Muslim who commits sins does not automatically enter Hell forever. Even if they are punished, their final destination remains Paradise if they die with faith.
Therefore, the example of the sinful woman is not meant to suggest that sin is insignificant. Rather, it demonstrates how Allah’s mercy can transform a person when they sincerely turn toward Him.
3. Application to the Question
The concern about fairness usually comes from comparing different people’s outward actions. However, human beings cannot see the state of the heart, the sincerity of repentance, or the hidden deeds that may weigh heavily on the scale.
That woman may have performed that act with complete sincerity, humility, and remorse, and Allah accepted it as a sign of genuine transformation.
Meanwhile, a person who worships for many years may still fall into serious sins such as arrogance, oppression of others, or neglect of repentance. These hidden matters affect how deeds are weighed.
It is also important to remember that Allah does not punish someone unjustly. Any punishment in the hereafter occurs only after perfect justice, and even then Allah may forgive whom He wills.
4. Relevant Usul Principle
الأمور بمقاصدها
Actions are judged by their intentions
This principle teaches that the value of an action in Islam is not determined solely by its outward form but by the intention and sincerity behind it. A seemingly small act may become immense in reward if it is done with sincere faith and compassion, while outwardly large deeds may lose their value if sincerity is absent.
Final Ruling
It is not unfair that Allah shows great mercy to a person with a sinful past. Islam teaches that Allah judges people based on sincerity, repentance, and the true state of their hearts, not merely the outward number of deeds. A single sincere act done with true faith and humility may be accepted in a way that outweighs many other deeds. At the same time, Allah never wrongs anyone, and His judgment combines perfect justice with perfect mercy.
And Allah knows best.