Chapter: Divine Will (al-Mashīʾa)

I asked, “Has Allah, Exalted is He, ever commanded something yet not willed to create it, and has He ever willed something yet not commanded it, while still bringing it into being?” He answered, “Yes.”

I said, “What is an example of that?” He replied, “His command to the unbeliever to embrace Islam, even though He does not will to create faith in him; and His willing unbelief for the unbeliever—without commanding it—yet He creates it.”

I then asked, “Is Allah ever pleased with something He has not commanded?” He said, “Yes, such as the supererogatory acts of worship.”

I asked, “Has Allah ever commanded something yet not been pleased with it?” He replied, “No, for whatever He commands, He is indeed pleased with.”