According to search-discovered classical Islamic scholarship, the concept of punishment ('Adhab, 'Iqab) is an integral component of Divine Justice ('Adl). It is never arbitrary but is the direct consequence of humanity's rejection of divine signs and transgression of sacred limits. Across the Quran, punishment manifests in diverse forms, as synthesized from the tafsirs of Ibn Kathir and al-Qurtubi. These include the sudden, overwhelming destruction of rebellious ancient nations like Thamud, described as a 'sayhah' (awful cry) or 'rajfah' (earthquake) (7:78, 11:67), serving as a stark warning. It also encompasses specific punishments in the Hereafter, such as the Fire for major sins like murder (4:30), and divinely sanctioned, regulated penalties in this world designed to preserve social order and deter immorality, such as those for lewdness (4:15) and marital rebellion (nushuz) (4:34). The synthesis of these contexts reveals that punishment is a multifaceted reality aimed at upholding justice, deterring evil, and reminding humanity of ultimate accountability to Allah.