1310 — Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn Mahdi informed us; ‘Uthman ibn Muhammad ibn Harun informed us. He said: Ahmad ibn Shayban narrated to us. He said: ‘Abd Allah ibn Maymun al-Qaddah and Ja‘far ibn Muhammad narrated to us, from his father, who said:

It was said to ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, “There is a man here speaking about the divine will.” He said—and addressing him—“O servant of Allah, did Allah create you for what He willed or for what you willed?” He replied, “Rather, for what He willed.” He said, “And does He cause you to fall ill when He wills or when you will?” He replied, “Rather, when He wills.” He said, “And does He heal you when He wills or when you will?” He replied, “When He wills.” He said, “And does He cause you to die when He wills or when you will?” ⦗783⦘ He replied, “When He wills.” He said, “And will He admit you wherever He wills or wherever you will?” He replied, “Wherever He wills.” He said, “By Allah, had you said otherwise, I would have struck with the sword the part containing your eyes.”

He then recited: “But they will not be reminded unless Allah wills. He is worthy of being feared and worthy of forgiveness.” [al-Muddaththir: 56]