“By Allah, I shall surely do such-and-such, if Allah wills,” he would not break his oath if he failed to do it (1), even if the act were obligatory or recommended. But if instead he said (2), “if Allah loves it,” he would break his oath if the act were obligatory or recommended.

The discerning scholars among them say:

Will in the Book of Allah Most High is of two kinds: a creative (3), decretive, universal will; and a religious, [commanding], legislative will (4). The religious, legislative will entails love and pleasure, whereas the universal will is [volition] (5), which encompasses every event that comes to pass. This accords with the Muslims’ saying: “Whatever Allah wills comes to pass, and whatever He does not will does not come to pass.” It is also like His saying Most High:

“Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whoever He wills to misguide, He makes his heart tight and constricted, as though he were climbing into the sky.”

[Surah al-Anām: 125]

And His words concerning Noah:

“My counsel will not benefit you, even if I wish to counsel you, if Allah wills to lead you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned.”

[Surah Hūd: 34]

This will (6) pertains to misguidance and leading astray. This is volition, for whatever Allah wills comes to pass.

[Another instance is His saying:

“But Allah does whatever He wills.”

[Surah al-Baqara: 253]

That is, whatever He wills, He creates (7)—not whatever He commands.] (8)

Will may sometimes (9) mean love, as when someone committing an indecent act is told: “This deed (10) is something that