Why does God not punish some oppressive people immediately?

The question, "Why does God not punish some oppressive people immediately?" is one of the most profound and frequently asked inquiries throughout human history, especially when confronted with injustice and tyranny. This question stems from humanity's inherent desire for justice and seeks to understand divine wisdom and justice in the face of seemingly unfair worldly phenomena. The Holy Quran, as the word of God, offers multiple answers to this question, all rooted in God's perfect attributes: His wisdom, mercy, justice, patience, and infinite knowledge. One of the most significant reasons for the delayed punishment of oppressors is to "provide an opportunity for repentance and return." Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, in His boundless compassion and forgiveness, grants even wrongdoers a respite, hoping that they might reflect, regret their sins, and change their ways. This delay is not born of indifference but out of love and a desire for His servants' guidance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that God keeps the door of repentance open until the very last moments of a person's life. If God willed, He could destroy every oppressor at the first instance of their wrongdoing, but this would contradict His attributes of "Al-Tawwab" (the Acceptor of Repentance) and "Ar-Rahim" (the Most Merciful). This grace period is a golden opportunity for reform, and if someone abuses this opportunity, the responsibility lies solely with them. The second reason is "to test and try the believers." Sometimes, the continued existence of an oppressor and the delay in their immediate punishment serve as a trial for the patient and the believers. This situation tests one's faith to see whether they will exercise patience when witnessing injustice, trust in God's promise, and remain steadfast on the path of truth. Witnessing the apparent success of oppressors and the delay in their retribution can exert significant psychological pressure on believers. However, steadfastness in these circumstances demonstrates the depth of one's faith and genuine reliance on God. This test elevates the degree of patience and certainty for believers, preparing them to receive immense rewards in this world and the Hereafter. The Quran frequently advises believers to be patient and to rely on God in the face of hardships and oppression. The third reason is "the accumulation of sins and the completion of the argument." At times, the respite granted to the oppressor is so that the argument against them may be completed, leaving no room for excuses. This means that God allows the oppressor to fill their measure of sins and reach the ultimate extent of corruption and transgression. In such cases, divine punishment will not only be more decisive and severe but will also become evident to all that this retribution is a direct consequence of the oppressor's own actions, embodying perfect justice. This delay does not imply God's approval of their deeds; rather, it is a form of "istidraj" (gradual leading to destruction). The oppressor may believe they have escaped punishment, while in reality, they are step by step progressing towards their inevitable fate. The fourth, and perhaps most crucial, reason is "complete justice on the Day of Judgment." This world is not the arena for complete retribution. Many actions, both good and bad, do not fully bear their consequences in this life. Allah, the Exalted, has appointed a day called "Yawm al-Din" (the Day of Recompense), on which all human beings will be held accountable for their deeds, and not a single atom's worth of good or evil will go unrewarded or unpunished. On that Day, even injustices overlooked in this world will be accounted for, and oppressors will receive their ultimate punishment. This understanding brings peace to believers, assuring them that even if they do not witness the justice they expect in this world, no right will be lost and no oppression will go unanswered in God's divine court in the Hereafter. This system of divine justice transcends worldly time and space and requires another realm for its full realization. Fifth is "the profound divine wisdom." God is the absolute Wise, and all His actions and decisions are based on His infinite knowledge and profound wisdom, the complete understanding of which is impossible for limited human beings. We only see a small fraction of the truth and are unable to grasp all dimensions of an event and its consequences within the cosmic order. It is possible that the delay in punishing an oppressor serves the greater good of others, or lays the groundwork for larger future events that are currently hidden from our view. This divine wisdom guarantees that no action goes unaccounted for, and every event has a meaning and purpose, even if we are unable to comprehend it. This wisdom includes how oppression affects society, the lessons to be learned from it, and the gradual reforms that might arise from it. Finally, "the system of divine laws and traditions" also plays a role. The universe operates according to specific laws and traditions established by God. These laws encompass natural, social, and spiritual principles. Some consequences of actions become apparent gradually over time, much like the progression of a disease or the collapse of a corrupt system, which requires time to reach its peak. The punishment of oppressors might also be part of these gradual traditions, affecting not just an individual but an entire society, leading to lessons for future generations. This system provides humans with the opportunity for development and choice, and only in specific circumstances, and to uphold overall justice and complete the argument, does God intervene immediately. Therefore, the delay in punishing oppressors is neither a sign of God's weakness nor His indifference; rather, it is a manifestation of His wisdom, mercy, patience, and perfect justice, encompassing all dimensions of this world and the Hereafter, promising that in the end, truth will prevail and the oppressor will fall.