And the Lawgiver is wise: a person does not know whether he will be able to repent, whether an antidote or another remedy will bring about a cure, or whether he will even be able to drink it. But if this happens and he ultimately repents sincerely, Allah has shown him kindness by granting him repentance and pardoning his past sins. Such a person may become upright only through sinning and then repenting. Had he not done this—had he not sinned and repented—he would have been worse off.

But this is a matter concerning Allah’s creation, decree, and wisdom. No one can command a person to do this, because he does not know that it will be better for him. It does not follow that whatever Allah brings into being, in accordance with His knowledge and wisdom, is something that the messengers and His servants may do or command.

The episode of al-Khidr and Moses did not contravene Allah’s revealed Law or His command. Nor did al-Khidr act as he did merely because it had been decreed, as some people suppose. Rather, what al-Khidr did is commanded by the revealed Law, provided that one knows what al-Khidr knew of the benefit involved. He did not do anything that is forbidden unconditionally. Rather, he made a hole in the ship, killed the boy, and set the wall upright. Destroying part of some property to preserve the greater part is always lawful. Likewise, killing an aggressor to protect another person’s religion is lawful, as is enduring hunger while doing good to others.

This incident thus shows that some actions may appear harmful and therefore be deemed forbidden by someone who does not know the wisdom for which they were done, even though they are permissible under the revealed Law