81. Al-Muntaqim — The Avenging
Al-Muntaqim is the One who avenges the deeds of the disobedient for the sins they commit, and punishes whomever He wills with the greatest punishment, and His punishment is severe. He brings calamity upon the disobedient and those who act tyrannically, and makes severe the punishment of those who are oppressive. All of this comes after He gives warning and postponement, for if Allah, the Most High, hastened the punishment, then it would not necessitate a severe punishment.
The most praiseworthy punishment given by a servant is when he punishes the enemies of Allah, the Most High. And the greatest enemy to himself is his own ego (nafs). He ought to punish one who commits sin or neglects worship, as is narrated from Abu Yazid al-Bustami, who said: "For some nights I was lazy in my litanies, so I punished myself by not giving it water for one year." Its benefit One who cannot confront his enemy should remember (dhikr) with this name, but let him be reminded that as Allah punishes his enemy, perhaps one day He will punish him as well, so be careful!
It is mentioned in the hadith that if a servant curses the one who oppresses him, then Allah says: "My servant, you curse the one who oppresses you, while the one whom you oppress also curses you. If I grant your curse, then I will also grant the curse of the one who curses you!"
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