How Annihilation Of Communities By Allah Is Punishment?
When scourge of God came after Ittmam ul Hujjah, and the entire community was annihilated, the good people did not die in that, they are relieved from the scourge. The Quran tells “Then [when that day arrives,] We protect Our messengers and those also who have professed faith. In a similar way, it is Our responsibility to protect those who have accepted faith.” (10:103) This annihilation is the beginning of their punishment, then they are sent to more sever punishment: “Thus God saved him from the evil of his schemes but the people of the Pharaoh were surrounded by an evil torment [after this:] the fire of Hell before which they are brought day and night and the Day the Hereafter arrives, it will be ordered: “Admit the companions of the Pharaoh into the worst torment. (40:45-46) However, innocent kids die too. But their death is but a death just like they die during any natural calamity. But it is punishment for the sinners, because it is announced by God that this is punishment.
The believers who say behind live a good worldly life as a community and they are blessed by God. God said: “Disembark Noah with Our peace and blessings, upon you and also upon those communities which will come into existence from those with you.” And [after this,] there are some communities which We shall provide for in future; then [because of their misdeeds,] a painful torment from Us will seize them as well. (11:48)