by this is whoever actually worships Him: such a person was created for worship, whereas whoever does not worship Him was not created for it.”

It is reported that Sa‘īd ibn al-Musayyib said: “I created those who worship Me only that they should worship Me.” Al-Dahhāk, al-Farrā’, and Ibn Qutaybah likewise said this—a statement referring specifically to those who obey Him. Al-Dahhāk said: “It refers to the believers.” This is also the position of the Karrāmiyyah, as mentioned by Muhammad ibn al-Haytham. He said:

“This is indicated by His preceding words, ‘So turn away from them.’ Then He said, ‘I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me’—meaning these believers who benefit from the reminder.”

They said: “This is an intended end that is actually realized, for the believers have indeed worshipped Him.” This interpretation was preferred by Abū Bakr ibn al-Tayyib, Judge Abū Ya‘lā, and others who hold that He does not act for a reason. They said—the wording is Judge Abū Ya‘lā’s:

“This is specific in meaning, not general, because the simple-minded, children, and the insane are not included in the address, even though they are human beings. Likewise, the disbelievers are excluded, as indicated by His words, ‘We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind,’ and the rest of the verse. Whoever was created for wretchedness and Hell was not created for worship.”

I say: Although the position of these Karrāmiyyah and those who agree with them is stronger than that of the Jahmiyyah and the Mu‘tazilah in what they affirm of Allah’s wisdom, their interpretation of the verse—even though they agree in it with some of the early generations—is weak. It contradicts the majority’s position and what the verse indicates. The verse plainly intends a general meaning and makes this unmistakably clear. Had only the believers been intended, there would have been no difference between them and the angels, for they have all done what they were created for.