Allah Most High does not will.” Will may also mean volition, as they say of something that did not occur: “[This was not] willed by Allah (1).”

As for religious will, it is exemplified by Allah’s words:

“Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship for you.”

[Surah al-Baqara: 185]

And His words:

“Allah intends to make matters clear to you, guide you to the ways of those before you, and accept your repentance. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Allah intends to accept your repentance, while those who follow their desires wish you to deviate greatly. Allah intends to lighten your burden, for man was created weak.”

[Surah al-Nisā: 26, 28]

And His words:

“Allah does not intend to impose any hardship upon you, but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you.”

[Surah al-Māʾida: 6]

And His words:

“Allah only intends to remove impurity from you, O people of the household, and to purify you completely.”

[Surah al-Ahzāb: 33] (2)

The will mentioned in these verses is not the kind whose object must necessarily come to pass (3), as in His words:

“Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam.”

[Surah al-Anām: 120]

It is likewise distinct from the Muslims’ saying: “Whatever Allah wills comes to pass, and whatever He does not will does not come to pass.” Rather, it is the will meant when people say of someone who commits vile deeds: “This person does (4) what Allah does not will”—meaning that Allah does not love it, is not pleased with it, and does not command it.

This division of will has been mentioned by more than one of the adherents of the Sunnah, and they stated that