Does the verse, "And those who disbelieve will not cease to be afflicted by what they have done with a [striking] disaster or it will descend near their home until there comes the promise of Allah," apply to a disobedient monotheistic Muslim, and can a disaster befall someone else because of his disobedience, so that he may learn a lesson from it?
There is no evidence that a believer's sin can cause a calamity to befall those around them as a lesson for the disobedient. However, Allah may grant a reprieve to some disobedient individuals and punish others, so that those who are safe may learn. Calamity may also descend due to the sins of some, encompassing everyone, and only those who enjoin good and forbid evil will be spared, in accordance with the Almighty's saying: "And fear a trial which will not strike exclusively those who have wronged among you," and the Prophet's (PBUH) saying: "Shall we be destroyed while there are righteous people among us?" He said: "Yes, if wickedness becomes widespread." The rectitude of people is achieved by enjoining good and forbidding evil. Thus, when punishment descends, those who forbid evil are saved. As for a sin that is hidden, it harms no one but its perpetrator. However, if it becomes apparent and is not denounced, it harms the general public.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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