Why Do Some Betrayers Seem to Succeed?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

How do we reconcile Surah Yusuf (12:52) stating that Allah does not guide betrayers with the apparent success of some betrayers in this world?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

Allah’s guidance does not relate to material things in this world. Allah’s guidance relates to the Hereafter and all that one would need in this world to attain success in the Hereafter.

Sometimes one’s worldly and material gains in this world may lead them to stray farther and farther from success in the Hereafter.

The following verses bring light to the above principle:

“Those who disbelieve should not think that living longer is good for them. They are only given more time to increase in sin, and they will suffer a humiliating punishment.” [Quran; 3:178]

“So let neither their wealth nor children impress you (O Prophet). Allah only intends to torment them through these things in this worldly life, then their souls will depart while they are disbelievers.” [Quran; 9:55]

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.

There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.

Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.