In verse 101 of Surah at-Tawbah, there is evidence that man is punished with two types (or instances) of torment, after which comes the "Great Punishment." which comes after the execution of the two prior punishments, as established within the text itself. The coordinating conjunction "then" (thumma) signifies succession and order, and the verb {they will be returned} indicates a previous state to which they are being sent back. The "Great Punishment" is the finality of all torments; it occurs in the Hereafter where no reincarnation follows. As for the torments that precede it, they are served in this world—the "lesser punishment."

A question from Miss Dima Al-Sadr: "Does the soul remain immortal, never dying? Does it transition permanently through reincarnation from one body to another? And does the state of reincarnation stop at a specific stage, such as the stage when people rise before the Lord of the Worlds?"

The Answer (and God is the Granter of correctness): Yes, the soul is immortal because it was fashioned by the hand of God; the immortality of the creation stems from the immortality of its Creator—Exalted is His Might. The state of reincarnation stops at the limit of fulfilling all rights and obligations. Whoever fulfills what is due from them deserves what is due to them. May you remain sound in heart, mind, soul, and body.