Why Do Bad People Sometimes Succeed?

This profound and thought-provoking question has occupied the minds of many throughout history. Witnessing individuals who are corrupt, oppressive, and immoral seemingly lead successful lives, possessing wealth, power, and influence, with seemingly no obstacles, can lead to discouragement and even doubt in Divine Justice. However, the Holy Quran, with its divine and deep insight, provides a comprehensive and multifaceted answer to this question, transcending superficial appearances and worldly limitations. This issue relates to several key dimensions of Divine wisdom and justice, which will be discussed in detail below, illustrating that these successes are often a test rather than a final reward. **1. Apparent Success, Not True Success: The Fleeting Nature of Worldly Life** The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that worldly life is transient and ephemeral, and whatever is gained therein is insignificant and worthless compared to the rewards of the Hereafter. Worldly successes, including wealth, power, and popularity, are merely fleeting manifestations that should not deceive humanity. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 45, Almighty Allah says: "And present to them the example of the worldly life, like water which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mixes with it, and then it becomes dry cuttings which the winds disperse. And Allah is over all things competent." This verse clearly shows that the glitter of the world is like vegetation that grows with rainwater but soon dries up and scatters. Therefore, the apparent success of evildoers will also disappear just as quickly and has no lasting value. The Quran warns believers not to cling to these deceptive beauties and not to be misled. What is gained in this world is merely a means for human testing, not a sign of divine pleasure or displeasure. This perspective encourages individuals to avoid focusing solely on material and superficial achievements and to direct their gaze towards higher, eternal goals. Bad people get caught in this superficial trap of the world, thinking these are signs of their true success, while it is only a mirage that distances them from the truth. **2. Divine Respite (Istidraj and Imhal): An Opportunity for Repentance or Deeper Sinking into Sin** One of the main reasons for the apparent success of evildoers is "Divine respite." Allah Almighty grants oppressors and sinners an opportunity, perhaps, to repent and return to the straight path. This respite, expressed in the Quran with terms such as "Imhal" (granting delay) and "Istidraj" (gradually leading towards destruction), has its own specific wisdom. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 178, we read: "And let not those who disbelieve think that Our extending to them [of worldly possessions] is better for them. We only extend it to them so that they may increase in sin, and for them is a humiliating punishment." This verse clearly states that the success and longevity of disbelievers and wrongdoers are not beneficial for them; rather, it is an opportunity for them to heavy their burden of responsibility by continuing their sins and drawing closer to eternal destruction. This apparent success is, in reality, a 'trap' or a 'test' from Allah. Some individuals, with this respite, become aware and repent, but many others, engrossed in worldly pleasures and arrogance, move further away from God and make themselves deserving of eternal torment. This phenomenon is called Istidraj; meaning Allah gradually and step-by-step leads a person towards destruction, while that person believes they are progressing and succeeding. This respite is also a lesson for believers not to be deceived by appearances and to know that Allah is aware of everything and no justice will be overlooked. **3. Divine Test for Believers: Patience and Insight** The apparent success of evildoers can also serve as a test for believers. Do believers, upon witnessing such scenes, lose their faith? Do they doubt God's justice? Or do they increase in patience and piety and remain steadfast in Allah's promises regarding the ultimate triumph of truth and the annihilation of falsehood? In Surah Al-Qalam, verses 44 and 45, the Quran states: "So leave Me to those who deny this discourse; We will lead them on by degrees from where they perceive not. And I will grant them respite; indeed, My plan is firm." These verses show that through these respites, Allah not only gradually leads the sinners towards destruction but also tests the faith and insight of the believers. True believers know that the criterion for success is not worldly wealth and power, but the pleasure of Allah and salvation in the Hereafter. This phenomenon invites them to reflect more deeply on Divine wisdom and to remain firm on their religious principles. In this way, instead of being disheartened by the apparent success of evildoers, believers understand it as a sign of a broader divine plan and remain steadfast on the path of truth. **4. Ultimate Justice in the Hereafter: The Day of Reckoning** Finally, the ultimate answer to the question of justice is that this world is a place of action and trial, while the abode of full reward and complete recompense is the Hereafter. It is possible that in this world, divine justice may not be fully and overtly realized, allowing for room for testing and choice. However, on the Day of Judgment, which is the day of final reckoning, no injustice will occur, and everyone will fully receive the reward or punishment for their deeds. In Surah Az-Zalzalah, verses 7 and 8, it is stated: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." These verses emphasize that no action, whether good or evil, remains hidden from Allah and not even an atom's weight will be wasted. Therefore, the worldly successes of oppressors are not only impermanent but will turn into regret and torment on the Day of Judgment, while the hardships of believers in this world will be transformed into immense divine rewards. Absolute divine justice will be realized in the eternal abode, and what we observe in this world is only a part of His grand design, where everyone receives their due according to their actions. This assurance of divine justice in the Hereafter brings peace to the hearts of believers and gives them hope that no effort will be in vain and no injustice will go unpunished. **Conclusion:** The apparent success of bad people in this world is part of Allah's divine plan to test His servants and to display His wisdom and justice. This success is neither a sign of Allah's pleasure nor is it lasting. Rather, it can be a respite for repentance, or a gradual drawing (istidraj) to increase the burden of sin. Believers, by understanding these truths, should not be deceived by the glitter of this world and should know that true success lies in salvation in the Hereafter and in gaining Allah's pleasure. This perspective not only strengthens one's faith but also encourages patience, steadfastness, and good deeds throughout life. Almighty Allah, with His infinite wisdom, has placed everything in its proper place, and nothing is beyond His reckoning. These apparent successes are a reminder for everyone to look deeper into the truths and move beyond deceptive appearances. This world is a place of trial, and the final outcome is determined in another world, where not a single atom of anyone's deeds will be overlooked. This concept is not only comforting but also provides strong motivation to move along the right path and to avoid worldly deceptions. Understanding this brings us to the realization that what we see today is not the whole truth, and Allah Almighty is the Most Just Judge and the Wisest Planner.