Adam, peace be upon him, did not appeal to divine decree in his argument with Moses on the assumption that a sinner may plead divine decree as an excuse. No Muslim or rational person would say this. Were it an excuse, it would also excuse Satan, the people of Noah, the people of Hūd, and every disbeliever. Nor did Moses blame Adam for the sin itself, for Adam had repented to his Lord, who then chose him and guided him. Rather, he blamed him for the calamity that had befallen them because of that sin. This is why he said, “Why, then, did you bring us and yourself out of Paradise?” Adam answered that this had been written before he was created. Thus, both the deed and the calamity resulting from it had been decreed. One must submit to whatever calamities have been decreed, for this is part of being fully content with Allah as one’s Lord.

As for sins, Allah’s servant has no right to commit them. If he does sin, he must seek forgiveness and repent. Thus, he repents of his faults and patiently endures calamities. Allah Most High says:

“So be patient. Surely Allah’s promise is true. And seek forgiveness for your sin.”

Allah Most High also says:

“If you are patient and mindful of Allah, their schemes will not harm you at all.”

And He says:

“If you are patient and mindful of Allah, that is indeed a matter requiring firm resolve.”

Joseph said:

“Indeed, whoever is mindful of Allah and patient—Allah never lets the reward of those who do good go to waste.”

Likewise, regarding the sins of others, a person must enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong—to the best of his ability—strive in Allah’s cause against the disbelievers and hypocrites, be loyal to Allah’s allies and oppose Allah’s enemies, and love for Allah’s sake and hate for Allah’s sake. As Allah Most High says:

“O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies