In Quranic theology, God granting prosperity, status, or extended life to the wicked or disbelievers is understood through the concepts of Imla’ (granting respite/time) and Istidraj (gradual entrapment through unearned ease).Worldly comfort is viewed as a spiritual trial rather than an indicator of divine approval.Key Quranic Verses
- Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:178):Warns against misinterpreting extended time or luxury as a sign of favor: “And let not those who disbelieve ever think that because We extend their time [of enjoyment] it is better for them. We only extend it for them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment.”
- Surah Maryam (19:75): Addresses persistence in falsehood: “Say, ‘Whoever is in error — the Most Merciful will extend for him an extension [in wealth and time] until, when they see that which they were promised… they will know who is worst in position.'”
- Surah Al-A’raf (7:182–183): Describes Istidraj, where transgressors are lulled into security through steady blessings before their downfall: “We will progressively lead them to destruction from where they do not know. And I will give them time. Indeed, My plan is firm.”
- Surah Al-An’am (6:44): Details how sudden accountability follows unheeded ease: “So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they were given, We seized them suddenly…”
- Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:55–56):Distinguishes worldly abundance from moral virtue: “Do they think that because We extend to them wealth and children, We hasten unto them with good things? Nay, but they perceive not.”
Core Theological Principles
- Material Success ≠ Divine Favor: Earthly wealth and power (dunya) are temporary and distributed to both the righteous and the unrighteous.
- Complete Moral Accountability: Deferring judgment grants human free choice full room to manifest, removing any premise for excuse during final judgment.
- The Trap of False Security: When wrongdoing leads to immediate material success rather than swift punishment, it creates a psychological delusion of impunity, causing the transgressor to double down on harm.