Likewise, if he were to say, “My intent (1) is the welfare of the one commanded,” while knowing that no benefit, but rather harm, would result from it, that would be wrong [on his part] (2). Likewise, if he performed an act for a desired end while knowing that the desired end would not be attained, that (3) would be wrong on his part.

The Qadariyyah say that [Allah] created (4) the unbelievers in order to benefit and honor them (5), intended this in creating them, and commanded them despite knowing that they would be harmed rather than benefited. Similarly, if a person saw his male or female slaves (6) committing fornication and injustice, and although able to prevent them did not do so, he would be blameworthy and acting wrongly. Yet Allah is far above being blameworthy or acting wrongly.

The Qadari says: “In creating them, He intended that they obey Him and that He reward them. Thus, He created them for their benefit, despite knowing that they (7) would not benefit.” It is well known that conduct of this kind is wrong when done by created beings, though it is not wrong when done by the Creator. It is also well known that, when a created being is able to prevent his slaves from committing evil deeds, preventing them is better than exposing them to the prospect of reward while knowing that they will receive nothing but punishment. This is like a man who gives his son or servant money with which to make a profit (8), knowing that he will use it to buy poison and consume it (9). Withholding the money from him is better than giving it to him while knowing that it will harm him.