has validly qualified his oath in every case, because Allah’s will encompasses all things. Moreover, although a man may firmly intend what he has sworn to do, he has made it conditional upon Allah’s will. He is certain of his intention, but not certain that what he intends will come to pass. Nor does he will it on the assumption that it will not occur, for that is a distinction, not an act of will. He has undertaken it only if Allah wills; if Allah does not will it, he is neither bound to it by his oath nor has he sworn that it will happen. Although his intention is firm, not everything a person intends is something he binds himself by oath to do. Thus, no expiation is due from him.

What we have explained makes clear that a person may say, “If Allah wills,” while fully intending to attain what he seeks. He says it to bring about what he seeks by asking Allah’s help, not because he is uncertain of his intention. This concerns what he swears to do and intends, as in the words of the Most High:

“You will surely enter the Sacred Mosque.”

This is a statement about something Allah willed to happen, knowing that it would happen, yet He qualified it with His words:

“If Allah wills.”

The same applies to what a person says about his own future affairs when he is certain both of his intention and that the event will occur. He says, “If Allah wills,” to secure its occurrence, not out of doubt about either his intention or his knowledge that it will occur. Thus, he adds this qualification when his longing for the matter he has made conditional is at its height and his desire for it is strong. Yet fearful thoughts continue to contend with his hope, so he says, “If Allah wills,” to secure the fulfilment of his hope, despite knowing that it will happen. Likewise, he asks Allah and supplicates to Him concerning something he already knows will happen, just as:

“On the day of Badr, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had told them where the polytheists would fall. Yet after this, he entered the shelter, seeking his Lord’s help and saying, ‘O Allah, fulfil for me what You have promised me.’”

For knowing what Allah decrees does not preclude His having decreed it through certain means, and supplication is among the greatest