Question:

According to Sunnis, we believe Allah is not fair in His judgement? Please clarify.

Answer:

All Muslims believe that God is Just. In many instances throughout the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) declares that He does not oppress any of His creatures at all, and so there is no doubt about God’s Justice amongst all Muslims.

“Surely! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an atom “ (4:40).

The discussion is regarding the definition of justice in relation to God. The Sunni school of thought believes that the criteria for justice is ‘whatever God does’ and so if God chooses to send a good person to heaven or a bad person to hell, then this is just. They argue that we cannot impose our definition of justice upon God, and so whatever God does on the Day of Judgment, it is just. They refer to the Qur’anic ayah:

“He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.” (21:23)

The Shia school of thought argues that it is not we who impose our definition of justice of God. Rather, God has prescribed upon Himself to reward good people with good, and evil people with punishment.

“Then as for those who believed and did righteous good deeds, such shall be honoured and made to enjoy luxurious life in a Garden of delight (Paradise). And as for those who disbelieved and belied Our Ayat and the Meeting of the Hereafter, such shall be brought forth to the torment (in the Hell-fire).”(30:15-16).

This is a law He prescribed unto Himself. Therefore, we believe God’s justice is that he will reward good with reward and evil with punishment. However, this falls under His Will, if God willed, He could choose to do the opposite, yet He does not, because He has prescribed such upon Himself.

“Your Lord has prescribed Mercy upon Himself” (6:12).

Answered by: Dr Ali Alsamail
Certified by: Sheikh Mansour Leghaei