Chapter on al-mashīʾa (the Divine Will)

I asked, “Has Allah, exalted is He, ever commanded something yet not willed its coming into existence, and has He ever willed something, without commanding it, and still brought it into being?” He replied, “Yes.”

I said, “What is an example of that?” He answered, “He commanded the unbeliever to enter Islam, yet He did not will to create that acceptance; and He willed unbelief for the unbeliever, did not command it, and nonetheless created it.”

I asked, “Has Allah ever been pleased with something without commanding it?” He said, “Yes—such as the voluntary acts of worship.”

I asked, “Has Allah, exalted is He, ever commanded something of which He is not pleased?” He replied, “Whatever He commands, He is pleased with.”