Why are some people successful despite committing many sins?

The question you've posed is one of the deepest and most frequently asked concerns throughout human history: observing individuals who appear to be deeply immersed in sin and disobedience, yet enjoy worldly prosperity and success, while some righteous people endure hardship and suffering. This phenomenon can challenge anyone's mind, raising questions about divine justice and God's wisdom. However, the Holy Quran, as the guiding word of God, answers this question with insight and depth, clarifying its various dimensions so that believers do not fall into delusion or despair. Firstly, the Concept of "Istidraj" (Gradual Enticement towards Destruction): One of the most significant concepts the Quran uses to explain this phenomenon is "Istidraj." Istidraj means that Allah gradually, step by step, draws sinful and rebellious individuals towards destruction in such a way that they do not realize it themselves. This gradual descent into punishment and ruin can manifest as the granting of worldly blessings and apparent successes. In other words, Allah grants respite to sinners, and even seemingly bestows upon them more blessings and prosperity, so that they become completely engrossed in their sins and neglect returning to the path of truth. These blessings are not rewards for good deeds; rather, they are part of a test or a sign of intense divine wrath that will ultimately lead to a severe and certain punishment. The Holy Quran states in Surah Al-A'raf, verse 182: "And those who deny Our verses - We will progressively lead them [to destruction] from where they do not know." This verse clearly indicates that the apparent successes of some sinners are not proof of the correctness of their actions, but rather a sign of Istidraj and a prelude to a greater downfall. In Surah Al-Qalam, verse 44, it is also stated: "So leave Me and those who deny this discourse. We will progressively lead them from where they do not know." These verses warn us not to be deceived by the apparent prosperity of evildoers and to think that their way is correct. Secondly, the Transient and Deceptive Nature of Worldly Life: The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the temporary and deceptive nature of worldly life. Worldly successes, no matter how great or impressive, are insignificant and fleeting compared to the rewards and punishments of the Hereafter. This world is a testing ground for humanity, and what is gained in it is merely a means to live and a platform for evaluating deeds. Wealth, power, health, and fame are all adornments of this world that can be both a means to draw closer to God and a tool for rebellion and misguidance. In Surah Al-Kahf, verses 45-46, the Quran likens worldly life to water sent down from the sky, causing the earth's vegetation to flourish, but then drying up and becoming scattered. It then states: "Wealth and children are the adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord in reward and better in [the hope of] aspiration." This verse clearly shows that the criterion for value in the divine perspective is not material success, but rather righteous deeds that remain for a person's Hereafter. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20, we read: "Know that the worldly life is only play and amusement, an adornment, and boasting among you, and rivalry in [increasing] wealth and children..." This verse beautifully illustrates the insignificance of this world compared to the Hereafter and teaches us not to become attached to worldly appearances. Thirdly, Divine Patience and Forbearance, and the Delay of Punishment: Allah, the Exalted, is the most patient and forbearing. He does not immediately punish sinners but grants them respite, hoping that they might repent and return to the straight path. This deferral is itself a manifestation of His vast mercy. Sometimes, the worldly successes granted to sinners are part of this respite and a test to see if they will awaken or not. This does not mean that Allah is unaware of their sins; rather, divine justice will be executed at its appropriate time and place. In Surah Fatir, verse 45, it is stated: "And if Allah were to apprehend mankind for what they earn, He would not leave upon the [surface of the] earth any creature; but He defers them for a specified term..." This verse indicates that if Allah were to immediately punish for sins, no creature would remain on earth, but His wisdom dictates giving a respite. Fourthly, True Success is in the Hereafter, Not in This World: From the Quranic perspective, true and eternal success and salvation depend on God's pleasure and achieving Paradise in the Hereafter, not on accumulating wealth and power in this world. An individual might reach the peak of material success in this world, but if these successes distance him from God and lead to sin and disobedience, he is, in reality, the true loser and unsuccessful. Only he is truly successful who is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 185, we read: "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection. So he who is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has succeeded. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion." This verse explicitly states the criterion for salvation and success and reminds us not to be deceived by the appearances of this world. Ultimately, observing the apparent successes of sinners should not weaken the faith of believers. Rather, it should serve as a reminder for deeper reflection on divine wisdom and the difference between true success and apparent success. These phenomena are part of the system of trial and tribulation in this world, and Allah's main purpose in creating humanity is for them to reach perfection and closeness to Him, which is achieved through righteous deeds and abstaining from sin, not through accumulating worldly possessions. Therefore, believers should always ponder the ultimate goal of life, which is the pleasure of their Lord and attaining eternal bliss, and beware of being deceived by worldly appearances. This outlook on life brings tranquility to the human soul and keeps them on the right path, even if they encounter apparent difficulties.