Very good thread as this is indeed what others ask Muslims to show that our Allah is somewhat cruel and all that. While they present a softer version for so called christian god that he is only forgiving and every one will be forgiven if they just accept Jesus in their lives.
I have the following option that I deduce from my readings. I will present some verses first and especially what GL says that some of those verses may have allegorical interpretations.
10:4
To Him is your return. This is Allah’s promise that will certainly come true. Surely it is He Who brings about the creation of all and He will repeat it so that He may justly
reward those who believe and do righteous deeds; and that those who disbelieve may have a draught of boiling water and suffer a painful chastisement for their denying the truth
11:7
And He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six days – and [before that] His Throne was upon the water that He may
test you, who of you is better in conduct If you were to say (O Muhammad): ‘All of you will surely be raised after death’, then those who disbelieve will certainly say: ‘This is nothing but plain sorcery.
45:22
Allah created the heavens and the earth in Truth that each person may be
requited for his deeds. They shall not be wronged.
53:31
To Allah ˹alone˺ belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth so that He may
reward the evildoers according to what they did, and reward the good-doers with the finest reward
As per my understanding, the whole concept is Law of Mukafat - retribution - every act of human (good or bad) determines its result
Remember the fact that the very objective of the creation of human beings would be fulfilled if they develop their potential abilities by following the Allahs message and then devote themselves to establishing the universal social order for nurturing all mankind. Allah has created the heavens and earth in 6 stages and he has all control over everything including source of life which is water, he provided us with free will so we may choose to live a balanced life. Those who in this life did not believe in Allah will be raised again after death and they will be shocked to see the truth because they are the one who used to say that WHATEVER WE DO , WE WILL NOT BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE, at the very least we will perhaps spend a short time in hell till maybe our intercessors-false gods secure forgiveness from the almighty. That is when Allah ask them did you obtain such a promise from HIM? because Allah never goes back on his promise.
God did not create all that is there heavens and earth and in between just in vain, while everything is created based in Law of Mukafat.
'Law of 'Mukafat' is universally applicable. Mukafat may not find an exact translated form, however it could be taken as a reaction to an unlikable, unwanted or an untoward act—reckoning, reprisal or retribution. In the divine realm, it encompasses not only individuals, but it hold good for nations composed of individuals, no change is fashioned unless there is willingness to change inner-selves. God helps those, who help themselves—be it on an individual level or on the national level, as enshrined:
''He has a succession; before him and behind him, protecting him by God's command. God does not change the condition of people until they change what is within themselves. And if God wills any hardship for a people, there is no turning back; and apart from Him they have no protector.'' (13:11)
Allah's law of Mukafat encompasses a human being from all sides, what is before him and what is behind him and brings all actions to logical conclusion. The protection in whatever form it comes is by God's command. And since a nation comprises of individuals, of people who live within the confines of the nation, what holds good for an individual holds good for the nation on mass level.
On an individual level or en-masse, God helps those who help themselves. The change obviously takes place in accordance with intentions, desires and actions. The change has to be wrought from within. And, when it is said from within, it translates to spiritual enrichment by noble deeds, instead falling prey to the base material needs. Falling prey to base material needs lead to corrupting influences, polluting the society. It could lead to national ruin.
The 'Law of Mukafat' is so strict that when chastisement comes, none can avert it, nor can people have any protection besides Allah. And, divine protection has to be earned by treading on the straight path, and not on the path, which is deviant.
source:
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial/friday-focus-law-of-mukafat-2