Why does Allāh punish people? Allāh has not created us to punish us; rather He created us with the ability to choose the way we want to live our lives. And consequently, each one of us will be held accountable for his/her actions in this present life. Those who sincerely strive to obey His commandments will earn His Mercy and enter paradise, and those who are heedless of life’s purpose and denied their Creator will ultimately have themselves to blame! Allah says in the Noble Quran: “Why should Allāh punish you if you have thanked (Him) and believed in Him? And Allāh is Ever All-Appreciative (of good), All-Knowing” [Al-Quran 4:147]
