Question:
Assalamu ‘Alaykum.
How can Allah be All-Forgiving and All-Just at the same time?
Answer:
Wa ‘alaykum assalam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh.
I pray you are well.
Allah can forgive every sin a person has. This is the meaning of His name al Ghafur. Yet, He chooses who to forgive and who not to forgive. He is al ‘Adl – the Just. He will ensure no injustice will go unanswered on the Day of Judgement.
Justice takes precedence over forgiveness when it comes to the dealings of people with each other. When it comes to their dealings with Allah, forgiveness takes precedence out of the mercy and favor of Allah. Hence, the hadith Qudsi, “Indeed My Mercy has outstripped My wrath.“ (Bukhari)
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani