to what the messengers brought than is the doctrine of the deniers. For this reason, they did not openly profess this in the time of the early generations. Rather, whenever the light of prophethood grew dimmer, they disclosed the true nature of their doctrine. It is of the same kind as the doctrine of the polytheists who rejected the messengers, and its ultimate outcome is associating partners with Allah and rejecting the messengers. These together constitute the essence of disbelief, just as affirming Allah’s oneness and believing the messengers constitute the essence of faith. Thus they have sided with those guilty of outright disbelief among the polytheists and the People of the Book. A fuller discussion of these matters belongs elsewhere.

The point here is that “the Qadarī determinists” are akin to the polytheists, just as “the deniers” are akin to the Magians. In actual fact, the determinists acknowledge nothing beyond divine power and will, while the deniers deny Allah’s all-encompassing power and will, claiming to affirm wisdom and justice. In reality, both groups deny wisdom, justice, will and power, as has been explained at length elsewhere.

Those people appeal to His words:

“He is not questioned about what He does,”

and:

“Allah does whatever He wills.”

Allah stated this to affirm His power, not to deny His wisdom and justice. Rather, He—glorified be He—made clear that He does whatever He wills: no one can oppose Him when He wills something, and He has the power to do whatever He wills. This is unlike a created being, who wills many things but cannot do them.

For this reason, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said in an authentic hadith:

“Let none of you say, ‘O Allah, forgive me if You will; O Allah, have mercy on me if You will,’ for no one can compel Allah. Rather, let him be resolute in his request.”