In His saying, the Exalted: ((So kill yourselves)), is there wisdom in legislating the killing of the community itself?

The student: Shaykh? A question regarding what we read in the saying of Allah, the Exalted: He asks here, is there wisdom in legislating a community to kill itself? And is there any precedent in human history from the past?

The Shaykh : We say yes. As for this community, no. As for the religion of Islam, it is not prescribed. But as for the previous nations, they may be punished based on this, because Allah’s command for them to kill themselves is like Allah’s command for Ibrahim to slaughter his son. The intent is the test. Otherwise, as He did, He could have destroyed them by His action through earthquakes, lightning, or otherwise. He wanted to destroy them by their own actions so that this would be more severe as a test.
The student: Is it far-fetched that the outcome is that they realize something they acknowledge?
The Shaykh : No, they acknowledge it greatly. They acknowledge it greatly. For example, sometimes a master says to his slave, "Do such and such," wanting to punish him to test the sincerity of his obedience. This is not far-fetched.
The student: Some people denied it, meaning it is not acceptable by the Shari'ah or by reason that He commands them to kill themselves?

The Shaykh : These are among those about whom the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Because they interpreted the Qur'an with their opinions. They interpret the Qur'an with their opinions, so they accept what agrees with their corrupt opinion and deny what they do not accept.