the Hereafter,” is that the threat meant is a “specific threat,” such as the threat of the Fire, wrath, or a curse. This is because a specific threat concerning the Hereafter is comparable to a specific punishment in this world.

Among the punishments people are commanded to administer, a distinction is drawn between prescribed penalties—amputation, execution, and one hundred or eighty lashes—and punishments whose extent is not prescribed, namely “discretionary punishments.” Likewise, among the punishments with which Allah chastises His servants—rather than commanding people to administer them—a distinction is drawn between specified punishments, such as wrath, a curse, and the Fire, and punishments described only in general terms.

This “criterion” is free of the objections raised against the others, for it encompasses everything established by the revealed texts as a major sin: associating partners with Allah, murder, unlawful sexual intercourse, sorcery, accusing chaste, unsuspecting believing women of adultery, and other major sins carrying prescribed legal penalties. It also encompasses fleeing the battlefield, devouring an orphan’s wealth, taking usury, mistreating one’s parents, knowingly swearing a false oath, and giving false testimony. These sins and others like them carry specific threats, as Allah says concerning fleeing the battlefield:

“And whoever turns his back on them that day—unless maneuvering for battle or joining another group—has incurred Allah’s wrath. His refuge is Hell—what an evil destination!”

And He says:

“Indeed, those who unjustly consume the wealth of orphans are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will burn in a blazing Fire.”

And He says:

“But those who break Allah’s covenant after pledging to uphold it, sever what Allah has commanded to be joined, and spread corruption on earth