As for its final cause:

He created it only for a wise purpose in light of which it is good, even though it is evil in relative terms. If evil is attributed to Him in isolation, someone might imagine the doctrine of Jahm ibn Safwān: that Allah created pure evil containing no good for anyone, with no wise or merciful purpose. The Quran, the Sunnah, and reasoned reflection refute this.

For example, saying, “Muhammad and his community shed blood and spread corruption on earth,” would disparage them and would be false. But saying, “They fight so that Allah’s word may be supreme, and kill those who prevent them from achieving that,” would praise them and would be true.

Likewise, the following statement is true and constitutes praise of the Lord: “The Lord Most High is Wise and Merciful. He has perfected everything He created, and He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy. Good is in His hands, and evil is not ascribed to Him. He does nothing but good. Whatever He has created of pain in some living creatures, or of their blameworthy deeds, contains great wisdom and immense blessing.”

But saying, “He creates evil containing no good or benefit for anyone, with no wisdom or mercy in it, and punishes people without their having sinned,” would not praise Him, but rather the opposite.

We have already explained some of the wisdom and mercy in the creation of Hell, Iblīs, and evil deeds; what we do not know is greater still. Allah, glorified and exalted be He, deserves praise, love, and contentment with Him, both for who He is and for His beneficence. Praise for His beneficence is praise in gratitude, while praise for who He is is unqualified praise.

Elsewhere, we have explained that whatever He has created is a blessing for which He deserves thanks. It is among His favours. Hence He says at the end of Sūrat al-Najm:

“Then which of your Lord’s favours will you doubt?”