identical to the thing brought about. The negationists, however, hold that created things are Allah’s act itself: in their view, He has no act other than the created things themselves. This is why clarification was needed.

Among the indications of this principle are statements made conditional upon something, such as the words of the Most High:

“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him * and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
(al-Talāq: 2–3)

And His words:

“If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you.”
(Āl ‘Imrān: 31)

And His words:

“If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion.”
(al-Anfāl: 29)

And His words:

“Perhaps Allah will bring about something new after that.”
(al-Talāq: 1)

And the words of the Most High:

“Never say of anything, ‘I will do that tomorrow,’ * unless Allah wills.”
(al-Kahf: 23–24)

And the words of the Most High:

“That is because they followed what angered Allah.”
(Muhammad: 28)

In short, instances of this in the Book of Allah are too numerous to enumerate.

[The Sunnah’s Indications of Allah’s Acts]

Likewise, this is found in widely transmitted, authentic hadiths that have been accepted, such as the Prophet’s words—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—in what he relates from his Lord:

“My servant continues to draw near to Me through voluntary acts of worship until I love him.”

And his words: “Do you know what your Lord said