The punishment in the afterlife for those who have sinned is inevitable, but is it possible for Allah to grant leniency to those who do not believe?
As the creator and owner of all power, Allah has the prerogative to grant leniency to His servants, even forgiving their sins and admitting them into paradise.
Two reasons why disbelievers may receive leniency in their punishment in the afterlife
First, Parents of Children who Study the Qur'an
One important reason why Allah may grant leniency in punishment in the afterlife to non-Muslims is if they are the parents of a child who studies the Qur'an.
Sheikh Ismail Haqqi Al-Hanafi, in his monumental tafsir (interpretation), Tafsiru Ruhil Bayan, emphasizes the importance of studying and following the Qur'an. For those who are rational, studying and adhering to the Qur'an is an obligation, as it contains salvation for themselves and can lighten the punishment for their parents, even if both parents are non-Muslims.
This is in line with one of the hadiths narrated that the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said,
"Whoever learns/memorizes the Qur'an, the punishment of his parents will be lightened, even if both of them are polytheists (those who associate partners with Allah - non-believers)." (Narrated by Ibn Hibban in Kitab Al-Majruhin minal Muhadditsin and Imam At-Thabrani in Kitab As-Shagir).
Second, Giving in Charity (Sadaqah)
In addition, giving in charity (sadaqah) can also be a cause of leniency in punishment for non-Muslims. Scholars have different opinions regarding the reward of charity given by non-Muslims.
The majority of scholars believe that the reward of charity given by non-Muslims is not directly given to them, but is withheld until they embrace Islam.
In other words, if they embrace Islam before their death, then they will receive the reward of the charity they have done. However, if they do not, then the reward will not be given to them.
However, Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Haitami has a different view. He was once asked about good deeds performed by non-Muslims that do not require intention, such as charity, gifts, and donations. He replied that these social deeds will be the cause of Allah lightening their punishment, just as Allah lightened the punishment of Abu Lahab every Monday due to his happiness with the birth of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him.
The opinion of Imam Ibn Hajar above is also quoted by Sheikh Sulaiman bin Umar Al-Bujairami Al-Mishri in his book. In the book, it is mentioned that Imam Ibn Hajar was asked about whether disbelievers who perform social deeds that do not require intention will receive reward.
He answered that Allah will lighten their punishment in the afterlife, specifically the punishment other than disbelief, just as Allah lightened the punishment of Abu Lahab every Monday due to his happiness with the birth of Prophet Muhammad and his freeing of Tsuwaibah when she brought the glad tidings of the Prophet's birth.
Through these two reasons, it is believed that Allah may grant leniency in punishment in the afterlife to non-Muslims who have children studying the Qur'an or who perform charitable deeds. However, it is important to note that the ultimate decision rests with Allah, and only He knows the true extent of His mercy and justice.
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