Why are Some People Happy Despite Sinning?

The question of why some individuals appear happy despite engaging in sinful acts is a profound and thought-provoking one that occupies the minds of many. At first glance, it might seem as though divine justice is being questioned, but by delving into the verses of the Holy Quran and understanding Islamic teachings more deeply, illuminating answers to this phenomenon can be found. The Quran provides a comprehensive worldview that transcends superficial worldly appearances, pointing to the ultimate truth of existence and human destiny. From a Quranic perspective, what manifests as 'happiness' or 'success' in this world is not always a sign of divine pleasure or true felicity; rather, it can encompass various wisdoms and trials. One of the most significant concepts used to explain this phenomenon is 'Istidraj.' Istidraj refers to the gradual and progressive drawing of someone towards punishment who insists on their sinfulness and rebellion. Allah mentions in several verses that He grants respite to sinners and may even expand worldly blessings upon them, but this expansion of blessings is not out of approval. Instead, it is so that the proof may be established against them, and they may delve deeper into their heedlessness and rebellion, leaving no excuse for them at the time of accountability. This granting of respite is a great test in itself. An outward appearance of happiness and success might deceive them into believing their path is correct, whereas this is precisely the trap that leads them to ruin. Surah Al-A'raf, verses 182 and 183, clearly refers to this concept: “And those who deny Our verses – We will progressively lead them [to punishment] from where they perceive not. And I will grant them respite. Indeed, My plan is firm.” This verse indicates that the worldly successes of some sinners are not a divine reward but rather a prelude to a more severe punishment in the future, because despite all opportunities and blessings, they have deviated from the path of truth and submerged themselves in their ignorance and heedlessness. Furthermore, the Holy Quran places great emphasis on the transient and deceptive nature of worldly life. Whatever human beings acquire in this world, be it wealth, power, social status, or even fleeting pleasures, is insignificant and worthless compared to eternity. Happiness derived from sin is often superficial and temporary and cannot bring inner peace and true felicity. The Quran describes worldly life as mere play, amusement, and adornment, whose ultimate outcome is nothing but an illusion. Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, clarifies this truth: “Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, an adornment and boasting among yourselves, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children - like the example of a rain whose vegetation has pleased the farmers, then it dries and you see it yellowed, then it becomes [scattered] debris. And in the Hereafter is severe punishment and forgiveness from Allah and approval. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?” This verse reminds us that any worldly happiness or success built upon sin and heedlessness is like vegetation that quickly grows and just as quickly withers and perishes. True felicity is the peace and contentment that comes from connection with Allah and walking on the path of truth, not from deceptive material achievements. Moreover, the concept of 'felicity' or 'happiness' in Islam is far deeper than the mere absence of sorrow or the presence of material pleasures. True felicity in the Quran refers to inner peace of heart, contentment with divine decree, spiritual richness, and Allah's pleasure with His servant. This type of happiness can exist even in difficult life circumstances and divine trials. A person who sins might seemingly live in prosperity, but their heart is deprived of true peace; they might suffer from inner anxieties, fear of the future, and emptiness that no wealth or power can compensate for. Conversely, a believer who practices piety, even in poverty or illness, can possess inner peace and contentment because their reliance is on Allah, and they believe in divine promises. Almighty Allah is absolutely just and wrongs no one. Delaying the punishment of sinners does not mean forgetfulness or injustice; rather, it is part of divine wisdom and a test for His servants. This world is not a place of immediate retribution; the main retribution is in the Hereafter, where everyone will see the full consequences of their deeds. Surah Ibrahim, verse 42, states: “And never think that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them for a Day when eyes will stare [in horror].” This verse assures us that even if wrongdoers appear happy in this world, their respite is temporary, and the ultimate reckoning is yet to come. This respite is also an opportunity for repentance and return, but if someone abuses it and persists in their sin, their punishment will be more severe. Therefore, the apparent happiness of some sinners is a complex phenomenon that, from the Quranic perspective, has various dimensions: it can be a form of 'Istidraj' leading them towards ultimate punishment, it can stem from the deceptive nature of worldly life and its fleeting pleasures that distance the heart from real peace, and it can be part of divine wisdom in testing servants and granting them time to repent. Ultimately, what matters is true and eternal felicity in the Hereafter, which is attained only through faith, righteous deeds, and divine piety, not through superficial and unstable worldly successes built upon sin. The true believer knows that real peace and happiness lie in closeness to Allah, and any joy derived from sin is baseless and transient, leading to a painful end. This perspective deepens our understanding of divine justice and wisdom and reminds us not to be deceived by appearances but always to seek truth and the pleasure of our Lord.