What is the explanation of the hadith: "If you see Allah giving a servant what he loves of this worldly life despite his disobedience, then it is merely a gradual enticement (istidraj)," and what is the meaning of the verse: "So when they forgot that by which they had been reminded, We opened to them the doors of every [good] thing until, when they rejoiced in that which they had been given, We seized them suddenly, and they were in despair"?

The Hadith indicates that the abundance of worldly possessions given to the disobedient is among Allah's ways of granting respite and gradual enticement (istidraj), and it is not evidence of their honor or of Allah's love for them. Rather, it is part of Allah's subtle plan against them, where He gives them what they desire, then suddenly takes it away, as stated in the Almighty's words: "Have you considered if We were to allow them enjoyment for many years, and then there came to them that which they were promised - what would all that enjoyment avail them which they were granted?" (Quran 26:205-207). The Hadith also points to the insignificance of this world in the sight of Allah, as He did not make it a reward for the obedient nor a punishment for the disobedient. In contrast, Allah made Paradise a reward for the obedient and a consequence for disobedience.