2.1. Learning about the divine decree, its definition and different aspects of it is to be based on the Qur’an and Sunnah only, and it is forbidden to argue about it

To learn about the divine decree, its definition and different aspects of it, we should rely on the Qur’an and Sunnah, and we should not rely on human reasoning or use of analogies, for human reasoning cannot by itself set out guidelines to save the individual from deviation and misguidance regarding this matter. Those who argued about this issue on the basis of their reasoning were misguided and became lost. Some of them disbelieved in the divine decree, some thought that believing in the divine decree would inevitably lead to believing that man is compelled to do what he does, and some contradicted Islamic teachings on the grounds of what they thought about the divine decree. Any such deviation from correct belief causes problems in real life.

Islam has explained to people and given them clear guidelines on how to believe in the divine decree. It is based on the idea that Allah knew everything that is to happen; He wrote it, willed it and created it. It is very easy for the human mind to grasp these facts, and there is no difficulty, no mystery and no complexity. As for seeking out subtle aspects of the divine will and delving deep in discussion of the divine decree, that is a waste of mental energy, because it is something that is beyond the ability of human reason to grasp. It is a matter of the unseen in which it is obligatory to believe, but it is not permissible to ask about how it is.

Scholarly views regarding that:
i. Ja‘far ibn Muhammad said: “The one who looks into the issue of the divine decree is like one who stares directly at the sun: the more he looks, the more confused he will be.”
ii. al-Tahawi said: “In principle, the divine decree is the secret of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, in His creation; He has not disclosed that to any angel who is close to Him or to any prophet who was sent. Thinking hard about that or looking into it is a sign of failure, leads to being deprived of divine mercy and sound thinking and is a transgression of the limits. So be very cautious and do not think about it, contemplate it or become obsessed with this matter, for Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, has kept the knowledge of the divine decree away from His creation and has forbidden them to seek knowledge of its subtleties.”
iii. Ibn Abi’l-‘Izz said: “In principle, the divine decree is the secret of Allah in His creation, and it is He Who brings into existence and destroys, Who causes people to be rich or poor, causes death and grants life, lets people go astray or guides them.”

2.2. To what extent human reason can understand the wisdom behind divine commands and actions and what they include, good or bad
There are reasons for what Allah commands and creates, and there is wisdom behind that; He only issues commands for a reason and only creates things for a reason.

Ibn Taymiyah said, “Whether a certain action of people is good or bad is based on whether the action is beneficial or harmful for people. This is something concerning which there is no doubt that it may be learned on the basis of reason.… As reaching such conclusions within a religious framework, that is to be based on what Allah loves and is pleased with, and what He hates and is displeased with, and His joy at the repentance of His slave, and so on.

There are many religious texts which indicate that Allah has great wisdom in what He creates and commands, including the following (interpretation of the meaning), "And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me." (al-Dhariyat 51:56) "And We have not sent you, O Muhammad, except as a mercy to the worlds." (al-Anbiya’ 21:107)

Human reasoning can grasp some of these wise reasons, because it is able to understand how an action may be good or bad. So, for example, it can understand that wrongdoing and oppression, lying and stealing are bad things, and that justice, honesty and reconciling between people are good things. This opens the door for sound minds to seek the brilliant wisdom and purpose for which Allah created creation and prescribed rulings and laws. This is something which strengthens faith and increases certainty.

Ibn al-Wazir al-Yamani said, “Belief in the wisdom of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, is too clear to need a report from a Sahabi, Tabi‘i or Muslim whose fitrah (sound human nature) that Allah instilled in him has remained intact. Therefore this idea is something that is affirmed by ordinary people of every group.… There is no confusion and no doubt that perfect deeds must be based on perfect wisdom, as the purpose of these perfect deeds is to serve the greater interest and lead to good consequences. The more that is present in actions, the greater indication there is of the wisdom, good choice and praiseworthy character of the doer of those actions.… Whoever denies that the actions of Allah have purpose and are based on wisdom is effectively regarding them as being of lesser value than the actions of children and lunatics in their play and lunacy!