Reinterpreting Divine Love and Punishment in Islam: Exploring the Ethical Implications of God’s Mercy in the Context of Modern Human Rights and Justice.

Abstract

As the world becomes more familiar with rapid technological advancements, new discoveries, and experiences, it is also increasingly distancing itself from Allah with doubts and uncertainties affecting people’s faith. Maintaining a balance between God’s love and punishment in the modern world is essential, as God’s love calls humans towards goodness, while the fear of punishment keeps them away from evil and wrongdoing. This article will explore the ethical implications of Allah’s mercy and punishment within the framework of Islamic teachings particularly in the context of modern human rights and justice. The mercy of Allah is one that showcases Allah’s boundless compassion and guidance for humanity. Allah’s mercy is vast and always present to forgive human sins and mistakes. Allah’s mercy also encompasses the respect and protection of human rights. Allah speaks about justice and love towards human in the Quran. In other words Allah’s mercy, justice and the rights and duties of people are essential. Allah has laid down rights for people so that they can live a life on justice. In the Quran, in surah An-Nisa (4:58) Allah says: “ Allah commands you to give back trusts to those whom they are due, And when you judge between people, judge with justice.”1 Where Allah describes his mercy, the concept of his punishment is actually also present there. Allah says in the Quran : “If you strive in the way of Allah, He will surely help you, but if You go against His will, His punishment may catch up with you.”2 The concept of punishment is actually part of Allah’s justice and judiciary, and this punishment is not against justice or human rights, rather it is based on the action that a person has committed so that the person can repent and correct their mistakes.