Thus, the servant must believe in Allah’s decree and predestination, and in His law and command. Whoever considers the reality of divine predestination while disregarding the commands and prohibitions, promises of reward and threats of punishment, resembles the polytheists. Whoever considers the commands and prohibitions but denies divine decree and predestination resembles the Magians. Whoever believes in both, praises Allah when he does good, seeks Allah’s forgiveness when he does wrong, and knows that all of this occurs by Allah’s decree and predestination is one of the believers.

When Adam—peace be upon him—sinned, he repented, and his Lord chose him and guided him. Iblīs, however, persisted, acted arrogantly, and invoked predestination as an excuse, so Allah cursed him and banished him. Whoever repents is like Adam, while whoever persists and invokes predestination as an excuse is like Iblīs. The blessed follow their father Adam, while the wretched follow their enemy Iblīs.

We therefore ask Allah the Magnificent to guide us to the straight path—the path of those upon whom He has bestowed His favour: the prophets, the steadfastly truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And Allah knows best.