his perfection and well-being—a deprivation that entails his corruption and punishment. As for the claims that worship is resolve or innate disposition, these are two weak and unsound views whose flaws are evident in many respects.

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As for the third question, he asks concerning the reports and verses about contentment with Allah’s decree:

“If sins occur apart from Allah’s decree, that is impossible and undermines belief in His oneness. But if they occur by the decree of Allah Most High, does not disliking and hating them amount to disliking and hating the decree of Allah Most High?”

The answer is that neither the Book of Allah nor the Sunnah of His Messenger contains any verse or hadith commanding people to be content with every decreed and predestined human action, whether good or evil. This is a fundamental principle that requires careful attention. People must, however, be content with what Allah has commanded; no one may resent what He has commanded. Allah Most High says:

“But no, by your Lord, they will not believe until they make you judge in their disputes, then find within themselves no discomfort at your judgment and submit completely.”

Allah Most High also says:

“That is because they followed what angered Allah and disliked His good pleasure, so He rendered their deeds worthless.”

And He says:

“If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them and had said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us. Allah will give us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger. To Allah alone we turn in hope.’”

The mention of the Messenger here makes it clear that this giving is religious and legislative, not creational and decretal. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said in