What is the wisdom behind the death of the Children of Israel by lightning, then their resurrection, even though all people will die and then God will resurrect them on the Day of Resurrection?
Allah mentioned the story of the children of Israel being struck by lightning and resurrected after death in two places in the Quran: Al-Baqarah/55-56 and An-Nisa/153. The lightning strike was a punishment for their audacity towards Allah and their demand to see Him openly, despite the signs He had shown them. Then, Allah resurrected them after their death so that they would realize the greatness of His favor upon them and thank Him for the new opportunity to repent. This is what the verse in Surat Al-Baqarah concludes with: "so that you may be grateful." Ibn Kathir, Ibn Uthaymeen, and Ibn Ashour all mentioned that the lightning strike was death and a punishment, and the resurrection thereafter was a grace and a blessing for them to repent and be deterred.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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