A Summary of the Concepts of Ahl al-Sunnah
Divine Will (Shar'iyyah) and Cosmic Decree (Kawniyyah): Agreement and Divergence
Divine Will, in conjunction with Cosmic Decree, has several states.
Firstly, the two wills may coincide.
This is exemplified in the case of a believing obedient person, the faith of the believer.
Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, wills faith from him by divine law (shar'an).
And He decrees it for him cosmically (kawnan).
Secondly, both wills may be absent.
This is seen in the case of the non-disbelieving believer.
Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, does not will disbelief from the believer by divine law.
Nor does He decree it for him cosmically or by fate.
Thirdly, one may exist while the other is absent.
This occurs in two situations.
The first is the non-belief of the disbeliever.
Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, wills faith from the disbeliever by divine law.
However, He has not decreed it for him cosmically.
As Noah, peace be upon him, said to his people.
“My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord and unto Him ye will be brought back.” (11:34)
“My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord and unto Him ye will be brought back.” (11:34)
“My counsel will not profit you if I were minded to advise you, if Allah's will is to keep you astray. He is your Lord and unto Him ye will be brought back.” (11:34)
The second is the disbelief of the disbeliever.
Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, does not will disbelief from the disbeliever by divine law.
But He decrees it for him cosmically.