What is the doctrine of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah regarding the promise and the threat (al-wa'd wal-wa'īd), considering the noble verse: "And there is no city but We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment. That has been inscribed in the Book" (17:58), where punishment befalls them after the establishment of proof against them and Allah's knowledge that they will not submit?

The noble verse (And there is no city but We will destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment; that is inscribed in the Book) indicates that the annihilation of all cities has been written in the Preserved Tablet. Thus, the destruction of a righteous city is by death, and that of a disobedient one is by severe punishment.

Allah does not destroy a city with punishment unless it is unjust, and after the proof has been established by sending messengers to them. He does not punish anyone until the proof has been established against him. The establishment of proof varies according to times, places, and individuals. Punishment only occurs due to turning away from the proof or obstinately rejecting it after it has been established.