Is it permissible to ask God not to punish or to lessen the punishment?

It is permissible, rather, it is incumbent upon a Muslim to ask Allah the Almighty not to punish him and to divert His torment, wrath, and vengeance from him. The Quran is full of supplications with this meaning, and the Sunnah has also established seeking refuge from torment, seeking protection from the Fire, and asking for well-being in this world and the Hereafter. Therefore, it is strange to ask about the permissibility of supplicating that Allah not punish His servant.