of their own actions. Allah Most High is capable of bringing about a servant’s willing and choosing, and making him act through his own ability and will. He is too exalted and powerful to compel or coerce another into doing something He wishes him to do.

Rather, when He wills, He makes that person perform it of his own will. He is also capable of making him do something despite his aversion to it, so that he wills to do it and carries it out despite disliking it—just as a sick person may drink medicine despite disliking it. Allah Most High says:

“To Allah prostrates whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.”

And He says:

“To Him has submitted whoever is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly.”

Thus, whatever people do through their own will and choice, He is the One who makes them do it through their own will, whether they do it willingly or dislike it and do it reluctantly. He, glorified be He, does not coerce them into doing what they do not will, as one created being coerces another: he coerces him into something even though the other does not will it, yet he cannot make him will it and do it, whether with or without aversion.

This is why a servant may be said to have compelled another to act, whereas Allah is too exalted, majestic, and powerful to be described as compelling in this sense.

The word “compulsion” may also be used more broadly, encompassing anyone who overpowers another and has mastery over him, making him do what he wishes him to do—even if he himself brings about the other’s will and ability to do it. Concerning Allah’s name “al-Jabbār (the Compeller),” Muhammad ibn Kaʿb al-Qurazī said: “He is the One who compels