Section

As for the statement, “We have no power over any of our actions,” whoever says this has spoken falsely. Allah, glorified be He, has distinguished between those who have power and ability and those who do not. He says:

“So fear Allah as much as you are able.”

And He says:

“And pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to undertake it.”

And He, Most High, says:

“Allah is the One who created you in weakness, then gave you strength after weakness, then weakness and grey hair after strength.”

Allah has affirmed that the servant has a will and performs actions. As He, Most High, says:

“For whoever among you wills to take a straight path.”

“But you do not will unless Allah, Lord of the worlds, wills.”

And He says:

“As a reward for what they used to do.”

Yet Allah, glorified be He, is the servant’s Creator and the Creator of all his power, will, and deeds. For there is no Lord besides Him and no deity worthy of worship except Him. He is the Creator, Lord, and Sovereign of all things.