and this is discussed at length in its proper place.

The point here is that He, glorified be He, has explained that He created all things only for a wise purpose. This is the meaning of His words:

“in truth.”

He has condemned those who suppose that He created them in vain and without purpose, saying:

“Did you think that We created you in vain and that you would not be returned to Us?”

And He says:

“Does man think that he will be left unchecked?”

And He says:

“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of night and day are signs for those of understanding—”

“those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth: ‘Our Lord, You have not created this in vain. Glory be to You! Protect us, then, from the punishment of the Fire.’”

People must therefore be recompensed for their deeds. Hence it was said:

“So pardon with gracious forbearance.”

In everything Allah creates, glorified be He, there is a wise purpose that He loves and is pleased with. He, glorified be He, has made everything He created good and perfected everything He has made. Whatever evil exists among created things has come into being for the sake of that intended wise purpose which He loves and is pleased with. Thus, as an act of Allah, it is good and beautiful, and He, glorified be He, is praised for it. All praise belongs to Him in every circumstance, even though it may be evil in relation to certain individuals.

This is a momentous subject that has been discussed at length elsewhere. Concerning the Lord’s creation and commands, and why He acts as He does, people occupy two extremes and a middle position.

The Qadariyyah among the Mu‘tazilah and others sought to exalt the Lord and declare Him free of actions they considered evil or unjust. They therefore denied the all-encompassing nature of His power and will, and did not regard Him as the Creator