They therefore split into two camps: the Baghdadis—who were the most extreme in their innovation regarding the divine attributes and predestination—denied the very reality of will. Al-Jahiz asserted that it signifies nothing beyond the absence of coercion. Al-Kaʿbi claimed that it signifies only the act itself when it concerns God’s own action, and only the command itself when it concerns His servants’ obedience.

The Basrans, represented by Abu ʿAli and Abu Hashim, held that a will comes into being yet inheres in no locus.