In some books, it is written that the auspiciousness of sinners influence the people around them. Does Allah hold people responsible for the sins of other people?

In some books, it is written that the auspiciousness of sinners influence the people around them. Does Allah hold people responsible for the sins of other people?

Dear Brother / Sister,

It would be better to interpret the negative influence of sinners against others as a side effect. For example, you are also influenced by a person who smokes next to you. In the same way, when the punishment because of an oppressor is suffered, it can affect others, too. Especially, the punishment over a particular place where the rate of crime is high may come in a general form.

This issue is pointed out in a verse as follows:“And beware and guard yourselves against a trial that will surely not smite exclusively those among you who are engaged in wrongdoing; and know that Allah is severe in retribution.” (the Qur’an, al-Anfal,8:25) For instance, if Allah punishes a country with famine where such crimes which summon Allah’s rage as adultery, bribe, interest, murder or polytheism, innocent people will also suffer from this famine. This suffering of the innocent people is the side effect of the punishment sent to unjust people. Even if this punishment is not directly for them, they are perforce disturbed by it. However, Allah grants them their reward. He makes the innocent people become martyrs and accepts their goods as sadaqah in an earthquake which has been sent as a punishment. From the dead people in the same earthquake, disbelievers are delivered to Hell while believers are delivered to Paradise. Yet, the death of believers and disbelievers in the same earthquake is about the mystery of trial.

The side effect of the punishment due to oppressors is pointed out in a verse in the Qur’an as follows: “If God were to take people to task for whatever wrong they commit (and accumulate to their account), He would not leave on earth any living creature. But He grants them respite to a term appointed (by Him). When the end of their term falls (He treats each as He wills, according to his just deserts), for surely He sees His servants well.” (the Qur’an, Fatir, 35:45) The statement in the verse “He would not leave on earth any living creature” is the obvious evidence for this.

Even if it is the closest relative of the innocent people who is excluded from this side effect, he/she not to be punished because of  the crime of an oppressor because it is against divine understanding of justice. This issue is clearly pointed out in the verse from the Qur’an : “Say: "Am I, then, to seek after someone other than God as Lord when He is the Lord of everything?" Every soul earns only to its own account; and no soul, as bearer of burden, bears and is made to bear the burden of another. Then, to your Lord is the return of all of you, and He will then make you understand (the truth) concerning all that on which you have differed.” (the Qur’an, al-An’am, 6:164)

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