"Indeed, those who disbelieve and die while they are disbelievers – it is they for whom is the curse of Allah and of the angels and of mankind, they will abide therein eternally." (Qur'an 2:161-162)
This means that those who knowingly reject the truth and persist in their disbelief without repentance will remain under Allah’s curse and will face eternal punishment. However, several key points must be considered:
1. Judgment is Based on Knowledge and Intent
- Islam teaches that people will only be held accountable if they knowingly and deliberately reject the truth after it has been made clear to them.
- Those who were unaware, misinformed, or did not receive the message properly will be judged according to their circumstances. Allah is Just and will not punish anyone unfairly.
“And We never punish until We have sent a messenger.” (Qur’an 17:15)
2. The Possibility of Repentance (Tawbah)
- If a disbeliever repents and accepts faith before death, Allah's mercy is open to them.
- Once a person dies in disbelief, however, there is no opportunity for repentance.
"But repentance is not accepted from those who continue to do evil until death approaches one of them and he says, ‘Now I repent’; nor from those who die while they are disbelievers. For them, We have prepared a painful punishment." (Qur'an 4:18)
3. Allah's Justice and Mercy
- Only Allah knows the hearts of people. Some may appear outwardly as disbelievers but were never given the right opportunity to understand the truth.
- People who were ignorant of the truth or did not have a fair chance will be judged with Allah’s justice.
Conclusion
- Yes, those who die knowingly rejecting the truth of Allah will remain in disbelief eternally and under Allah’s curse.
- However, Allah is Just and will not punish those who were genuinely unaware or misguided without fault.
- Repentance is accepted until death, and those who turn to Allah sincerely will always find His mercy.
Ultimately, the final judgment belongs to Allah, who knows the true state of every soul.