Why do some sinners seem to live comfortably in this world?

The question you’ve posed, "Why do some sinners seem to live comfortably in this world?", is a profound and thought-provoking one that has occupied human minds for ages. From the perspective of the Holy Quran, answering this question requires understanding several key concepts regarding divine wisdom, the nature of worldly life, and Allah's system of justice. The Quran teaches us that the apparent state of worldly life can be deceptive, and we cannot make a final judgment based solely on what is visible. The comfort and ease experienced by wrongdoers are not signs of divine approval; in many cases, they can be part of Allah's divine plan, known as "Istidraj." The Concept of Istidraj (Gradual Enticement): Perhaps one of the most direct Quranic explanations for this phenomenon is the concept of "Istidraj." Istidraj means leading someone step-by-step towards their doom, in a way that they do not perceive. Allah grants worldly bounties to individuals who persist in their sins and disbelief, not as a reward or a sign of His pleasure, but as a test, or to allow them to sink deeper into heedlessness. These individuals, observing their abundance of blessings and comfort in life, may falsely assume that their path is correct and that Allah is pleased with them. However, this superficial perception only leads them towards destruction and a more severe punishment. Verses like Surah Al-A'raf (7:182) clearly point to this concept: "And those who deny Our verses - We will progressively lead them [to destruction] from where they do not know." This verse indicates that apparent comfort can pave the way for greater heedlessness and ultimately, a sudden downfall. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Qalam (68:44-45), we read: "So leave Me to those who deny this discourse. We will progressively lead them from where they do not know. And I will give them respite. Indeed, My plan is firm." These verses emphasize that granting respite and apparent prosperity is part of Allah's firm plan and should not be interpreted as an exemption from punishment or an endorsement of the wrongdoers' actions. This temporary ease serves to deepen their attachment to this fleeting world, making their separation from it, and facing the consequences of their deeds, all the more agonizing. They might enjoy health, wealth, and status, but their hearts are diseased, and their spiritual connection to God is severed, leading them towards an unforeseen calamity. The Transient Nature of Worldly Life (Dunya) vs. the Eternity of the Hereafter (Akhirah): The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that worldly life is transient, temporary, and merely a place of trial, whereas the Hereafter is the eternal and true abode. What is perceived as "comfort" and "ease" in this world is insignificant and worthless when compared to the eternity of the Hereafter. Individuals who dedicate all their efforts to worldly pleasures and neglect the Hereafter, even if they reach the pinnacle of wealth and power in this world, are in reality the ultimate losers. Surah Az-Zukhruf (43:33-35) beautifully illustrates this truth: "And if it were not that the people would become one community [of disbelievers], We would have made for those who disbelieve in the Most Merciful - for their houses - ceilings and stairways of silver upon which to ascend, and for their houses - doors and couches, upon which to recline, and adornments. But all that is not but the enjoyment of worldly life. And the Hereafter with your Lord is for the righteous." These verses clearly show that worldly possessions and wealth, even at their highest degree, are merely fleeting provisions, and true value is found in the Hereafter and with Allah. The focus of a believer should not be on accumulating worldly goods or envying those who do, but on striving for the eternal bliss. The apparent comfort of sinners is merely a brief sparkle that will soon fade, leaving behind only the consequences of their actions. True comfort, inner peace, and lasting joy are found in obedience to Allah, regardless of one's material circumstances. Divine Justice and the Delayed Reckoning: Allah Almighty is the Absolute Just, and He permits no injustice. Although the reckoning for some wrongdoers might be delayed in this world, this does not mean that Allah overlooks their deeds. The Day of Judgment is when perfect justice will be established, and every soul will receive its full reward or punishment for its actions. Verses like Surah At-Tawbah (9:55) implicitly touch upon this by advising not to be impressed by the wealth and children of the disbelievers: "So let not their wealth or their children impress you. Allah only intends to punish them thereby in worldly life and for their souls to depart while they are disbelievers." While this verse specifically addresses hypocrites and hints at a form of worldly punishment (such as regret over spending wealth in vain or losing children), its general meaning is that worldly possessions are not necessarily a sign of divine favor and should not amaze the believer, as a bad end awaits them. Furthermore, many of the apparent "comforts" of sinners are, in reality, devoid of inner peace and true contentment. They may possess wealth and power, but they are deprived of tranquility, spiritual serenity, and the true meaning of life. The fear of losing wealth, constant anxiety, fragile human relationships, and inner emptiness can be a hidden and more painful torment than any material deprivation. These individuals, even at the peak of their worldly indulgences, are deprived of true blessings such as spiritual health, peace of heart, and connection with the Creator. This deprivation itself is a form of torment and punishment that is not outwardly visible. Tests for Believers and Lessons Learned: Witnessing the apparent comfort of sinners can also be a test for believers. Will their faith waver? Will they doubt Allah's justice? Or will they persevere with patience and remain steadfast on the path of truth? This situation reminds believers that the world is not the ultimate abode for reward and punishment, and one should not be deceived by appearances. The path to Paradise is often accompanied by hardships and trials, and true success lies not in acquiring worldly comforts, but in attaining Allah's pleasure and achieving eternal bliss. Therefore, when we observe this phenomenon, we must look at it with a deeper, Quranic perspective. The comfort of sinners is neither a sign of weakness in divine justice nor an indication of the superiority of their way. Rather, it is part of Allah's grand plan to test His servants, grant respite to the defiant, and separate truth from falsehood, so that ultimately, everyone receives what they deserve. This understanding brings peace and insight to the believer, enabling them to remain firm on the path of truth and not be deceived by the fleeting allure of this world, knowing that ultimate accountability awaits and the full recompense for one's deeds will be seen in the Hereafter.