Thus, the cosmic will is His volition concerning what He has created, and all created things fall under His cosmic will and decree. The religious will, by contrast, carries His love and approval; it encompasses everything He has commanded and made a binding law and religion. Its scope is restricted to faith and righteous deeds. Allah, exalted be He, says:

“Whomever Allah wills to guide, He opens his breast to Islam, and whomever He wills to mislead, He makes his breast tight and constricted, as though he were climbing into the sky.”

Noah, peace be upon him, said to his people:

“My counsel will not benefit you, even if I desire to counsel you, should Allah desire to lead you astray.”

The Most High also says:

“When Allah intends ill for a people, it cannot be turned back, and they have no protector apart from Him.”

Regarding the second kind of will, He says:

“Whoever is ill or on a journey shall make up the number on other days. Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”

And in the verse on purification He says:

“Allah does not wish to burden you, but He wishes to purify you and to complete His favor upon you, so that you may give thanks.”

After mentioning what He has made lawful and unlawful in marriage, He says:

“Allah wishes to make things clear to you, to guide you to the ways of those who came before you, and to turn toward you in mercy. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. And Allah wishes to turn toward you in mercy, whereas those who follow their passions wish that you deviate far away.”