because all created things were created for an intended end, and must therefore be guided to the end for which they were created. Their well-being and intended purpose can only be fulfilled through their being guided to their ends. This helps demonstrate that Allah created things for a wise purpose and an end that they attain, as affirmed by the early generations, the majority of Muslims, and the majority of rational people.

A group, however, including Jahm and his followers, maintained that He did not create anything for any purpose. Abū al-Hasan al-Ashʿarī agreed with him, as did his followers among the jurists affiliated with the imams. They affirm that He possesses a will, but deny that He has a wise purpose that He wills. Some adherents of philosophy affirm His providence and wisdom but deny His will. Both positions are self-contradictory. The falsity of their views has been discussed at length elsewhere, along with the fact that their positions ultimately lead to a denial of realities.

For the former says:

“If He had a wise purpose for which He acted, He would necessarily have to will that purpose and benefit from it; yet He is exalted above that.”

The latter says:

“If He had a will, He would act to obtain some benefit, for will cannot be conceived of otherwise.”

Aristotle and his followers say:

“If He performed any act, that act would be for a purpose; yet He is exalted above that.”