We all will be judged based on our performance under given circumstances. The rich will be asked about money; the poor will be asked how they dealt with poverty. The performance of both will be judged based on what was given to them.
Poors will not be asked that why they have not spent millions on the way of Allah. Similarly, the rich will not be asked about why they were not patient on poverty. This is merely a simple and easy example to teach you the concept.
The Day of Judgment (يوم القيامة) is a day when all humans will stand before Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) to be judged for their deeds, intentions, and unique circumstances. Islam emphasizes that Allah’s judgment is perfect, considering not only actions but also intentions, circumstances, knowledge, and capabilities.
Judgment Tailored to Individual Circumstances
The Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize that Allah judges with absolute fairness, considering the conditions under which an individual lived and acted. Allah says:
“وَنَضَعُ ٱلْمَوَٰزِينَ ٱلْقِسْطَ لِيَوْمِ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ فَلَا تُظْلَمُ نَفْسٌ شَيْـًٔا ۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِثْقَالَ حَبَّةٍۢ مِّنْ خَرْدَلٍ أَتَيْنَا بِهَا ۗ وَكَفَىٰ بِنَا حَـٰسِبِينَ”
“And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We as accountant.”
— (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:47)
This verse assures us that Allah’s justice is meticulous and considers even the smallest of deeds or factors.
Case Studies from Islamic Sources
1. The Story of the Prostitute and the Thirsty Dog
In a famous hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“بَيْنَمَا كَلْبٌ يُطِيفُ بِرَكِيَّةٍ قَدْ كَادَ يَقْتُلُهُ الْعَطَشُ، إِذْ رَأَتْهُ بَغِيٌّ مِنْ بَغَايَا بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ، فَنَزَعَتْ مُوقَهَا فَسَقَتْهُ، فَغُفِرَ لَهَا بِذَلِكَ”
“While a dog was going around a well, dying of thirst, a prostitute from the Children of Israel saw it. She took off her shoe, drew water for it, and gave it to the dog. Allah forgave her for that act.”
— (Sahih Muslim: 2245)
This story illustrates that Allah considers the sincerity and compassion behind an act, even if the person has a history of major sins like prostitution. The circumstances — her seeing the dog’s desperation and acting out of mercy — outweighed her past sins, leading to her forgiveness.
2. The Man Who Killed 99 People
Another powerful story involves a man who had killed 99 people and sought repentance. When he consulted a pious man, he was told there was no hope for him, and in anger, he killed that man too, making it 100 murders. Eventually, he met another knowledgeable person who advised him to travel to a righteous land for repentance.
On his way to that land, he died. The angels debated whether he should enter Paradise or Hell. Allah decreed:
“فَأَوْحَى ٱللَّهُ إِلَىٰ هَٰذِهِ أَن تَقَرَّبِى وَإِلَىٰ هَٰذِهِ أَن تَبَاعَدِى وَقَالَ قِيسُواْ مَا بَيْنَهُمَا فَوَجَدُوهُ أَدْنَىٰ إِلَىٰ ٱلْأَرْضِ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَرَادَ فَغُفِرَ لَهُ” “Allah commanded the righteous land to come closer and the sinful land to move further away. Then He told the angels to measure the distance between him and the two lands. They found him closer to the righteous land, so Allah forgave him.”
— (Sahih Bukhari: 3470, Sahih Muslim: 2766)
This hadith underscores that Allah considers the intentions and effort toward repentance. Even though he had not yet completed his journey, his sincere intention to reform was sufficient for forgiveness.
3. The Blind, Lame, and Poor People
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) narrated that on the Day of Judgment, a blind person, a lame person, and a poor person will question Allah regarding their challenges. Allah, in His wisdom, will explain that their tests were a means to elevate them in rank or forgive their sins. (Sahih Muslim)
This shows that Allah’s judgment takes into account the challenges people face, such as physical disabilities or poverty, and rewards them accordingly for their patience and endurance.
Quranic Principles of Contextual Judgment
1. Actions Based on Ability
“لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ”
“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)
This principle ensures that people are judged according to their capabilities. For example, a person who is poor and unable to give charity will not be held to the same standard as someone who is wealthy.
2. Judgment Based on Knowledge
The Prophet (ﷺ) explained that Allah does not punish people for ignorance if they sincerely did not know any better. For example:
“وَمَا كُنَّا مُعَذِّبِينَ حَتَّىٰ نَبْعَثَ رَسُولًا”
“And We never punish until We have sent a messenger.”
— (Surah Al-Isra 17:15)
This indicates that people who lived in ignorance without access to divine guidance will be judged differently, based on what was available to them.
The Balance of Mercy and Justice
Allah’s judgment balances His attributes of justice (العدل) and mercy (الرحمة). For those who face extraordinary circumstances or repent sincerely, His mercy often prevails. As stated in the Hadith Qudsi:
“إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي سَبَقَتْ غَضَبِي”
“Indeed, My mercy overcomes My wrath.”
— (Sahih Bukhari: 3194)
Practical Reflection
For Muslims, these stories teach us not to be overly judgmental of others because we cannot fully understand their circumstances. They also emphasize the importance of sincerity, repentance, and striving to please Allah despite personal challenges.
Allah’s judgment is never a “one-size-fits-all” formula but a deeply nuanced process that considers every person’s unique situation. His mercy and justice are perfect, encompassing all circumstances.
May Allah be merciful upon us, Amen.