Question about Believers, Disbelievers, and Allah’s Mercy - Assalamu Alaikum
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُم وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ. I’ve started reading the Qur’an in English to understand my deen better, but there’s something that’s been puzzling me and I’d appreciate some clarification. Everything in the heavens and earth is created by Allah SWT - believers and disbelievers alike. There are many verses that show Allah’s love and favour towards His creation. For example, Surah Al-Isra (17:70) mentions that Allah has honoured the children of Adam and provided for them. The name Al-Wadud shows Allah’s loving, merciful nature. At the same time, I’ve noticed verses that indicate that if Allah had willed, He could have guided everyone: Surah Yunus (10:99), Surah Hud (11:118), Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:31), Surah As-Sajdah (32:13), and Surah Al-Isra (17:72) among others make statements along those lines. My struggle: disbelievers are still Allah’s creation. Many people are born into Muslim families and grow up with Islam, while others are raised in different faiths or follow paths shaped by their life experiences - often without ill will toward Islam. A mother’s love for her child is almost universal; how could Allah not love those He created? Given that Allah’s will includes that not everyone is guided, does that mean some disbelievers might still be pardoned by Allah? I may be missing something and I’m sorry if I’ve shown ignorance. JazakAllahu khayran for any explanation or guidance you can share.