then he is mistaken and astray. The invalidity of his position is self-evident and established by what rational people agree upon. The Quran, the Sunnah, and scholarly consensus likewise demonstrate its invalidity.

For people generally believe in divine decree and say that aggressors must be punished—even the insane and animals are disciplined to curb their aggression, although their actions are decreed—and that all human beings pardon their aggression, although their actions are decreed.

The servant must therefore be patient and should be content with the afflictions decreed for him. He should seek forgiveness for sins and faults, not invoke divine decree to excuse them, and give thanks for the blessings and gifts Allah has decreed for him. Thus he combines gratitude, patience, and seeking forgiveness with belief in divine decree and the revealed law. And Allah knows best.