What do the esteemed scholars, the imams of religion—may Allah be pleased with them all—say concerning the words of Allah Most High:

“Our word to a thing, when We intend it, is only that We say to it, ‘Be,’ and it is.”

If the one addressed already exists, then bringing into existence what already exists is impossible. But if it does not exist, how can addressing something nonexistent be conceived?

And concerning His words, exalted is He:

“I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”

If the particle lām indicates the eventual outcome, that outcome has not come about. If it indicates purpose, this would entail that none of His creatures should fail to worship Him, yet that is not the case. How, then, can this difficulty be resolved?

And concerning the reports and verses enjoining contentment with Allah Most High’s decree, and the Prophet’s words—may Allah bless him and grant him peace:

“The Pen has dried concerning what is to be.”

And concerning the meaning of His words, exalted is He:

“Call upon Me; I will respond to you.”

If supplication, too, concerns what is destined to occur, what benefit is there in commanding it, when it must inevitably occur?

Shaykh al-Islām Abū al-ʿAbbās Ahmad ibn Taymiyyah—may Allah have mercy on him—replied:

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.