Why Is Punishment Not Sent Down for Abominations?

Question

Nowadays it is happening that a father commits zina with his daughter, a brother commits zina with his sister, and a stepson commits zina with his stepmother. In such a case, why does God the Exalted not give such people the severest of punishments in this world, so that others, seeing them, may take a lesson?

Answer

For punishment, the abode of the Hereafter (dar al-akhira) has been appointed in principle; this world is for deeds. However, some effects of evil deeds appear in this world too; sometimes, through the blessing of righteous deeds, those effects are even lessened; and wherever this goes on, its effects are there as well.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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