How can one respond to irreligious people who believe in the existence of a Creator of the universe, yet wonder about His sending messengers and revealing scriptures, and find that God's names, such as "the Avenger" (Al-Muntaqim) and "the Compeller" (Al-Jabbar), are unfitting for Him, claiming that He should be merciful only?

Atheists do not acknowledge the existence of a Creator. As for those among them who do acknowledge His existence, they should seek the wisdom behind creation and the attributes of the Creator. Whoever acknowledges the Creator's mercy must also acknowledge that mercy has effects, the greatest of which is the Creator's self-introduction and revelation of His message to His servants through messengers and heavenly books, clarifying the paths of good and evil.

The Great Creator must be characterized by mercy and justice. It would be unjust to treat equally those who differ in doing good and avoiding evil. Justice necessitates differentiating between those who cause corruption on earth and the righteous believers. This does not contradict mercy; rather, it affirms it. Therefore, the Creator must be characterized by attributes that establish justice and uphold truth.

Despite Allah being characterized by the attributes of justice and retribution, His mercy precedes and overwhelms His wrath, as stated in the noble Hadith (definition): "Indeed, My mercy has preceded My wrath." The meaning of this is the abundance and comprehensiveness of His mercy.