Frustration and Atonement in the Holy Quran According to Al-Sayyuri: A Semantic Study

Abstract

The theory of frustration and atonement is closely tied to the principle of Divine Grace, as the divine system in dealing with creation is fundamentally based on divine mercy in reward, punishment, forgiveness, and repentance. Its purpose is to elevate human beings to the highest ranks of Paradise and Divine Pleasure. Moreover, it is deeply connected to the doctrine of Divine Justice, particularly in ensuring the acceptance of a sinner's repentance, the forgiveness of their sins, and the atonement of their misdeeds through repentance—not as an obligation upon God, but as an act of grace or fulfilment of promise. Here, Divine Justice manifests in its most profound form in the context of forgiveness and mercy on the Day of Judgment. This is because eternal residence in Paradise hinges on the acceptance and impact of righteous deeds in the Hereafter, while the permanence of punishment in Hell is reserved for confirmed misdeeds compounded by disbelief in God and His messengers—especially disbelief in the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him), and failure to repent.
Al-Sayyuri paid significant attention to this doctrine, which is linked to the concept of Divine Unity. He asserted that the frustration of deeds applies exclusively to disbelievers, not believers. The noble traditions narrated from the infallible members of the Prophet’s household (peace be upon them) emphasize a reduction in reward rather than its nullification or frustration.