WHO IS IN CONTROL?

BobaFett

An assumption that Allah does not know how we are going to act and that's why He is testing us - is against my fundamental conception of Allah (which is based on 2255 where it is clearly stated that He knows what is before us and what is after us).

Selam bro.

I think 2255 can also be interpreted as saying, He knows what awaits us in the next life.

By the way, it would be interesting to know your analysis of some of the verses quoted by brother Kayvon especially 7630.

Sure, mate.

853 That is because God was not to change anything He bestowed to a people, unless they change what is in themselves. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

I agree that one of the main criteria we are judged by are our intentions. But not the only one. I mean, I may intend to one day help the needy but this is meaningless until I put my intention into action.

I also have no problem with 335, we are responsible for our intentions. I read this as saying as long as we mean well in our actions then there is no sin if things take an unintended turn for the worse because of our actions.
Let's say I finally get off my butt and put my intention of helping the needy into action by going to a soup kitchen to help, but I accidentally spill all the soup on the floor. What I did was bad since people will go hungry because of me but my intention was good so I have not sinned.

If we look at some of the preceding verses, I think they support my view as well.

332 - But follow that which comes to thee by inspiration from thy Lord for Allah is well acquainted with (all) that ye do.

If God is the one directing our will then this instruction is pointless, isn't He the one who decides if we "follow that which comes to thee by inspiration" according to your viewpoint? Also it says God is acquainted with all that we do, not what we will do.

334 - ...This is but a saying of your mouths. But Allah saith the truth and He showeth the way.

If God directs our every action then how is it a "saying of their mouths?" If you are right, the people He was referring to here only said what He willed them to say.. right?

76.30. You cannot will unless God wills. Surely God is All-Knowing, All-Wise

We have freewill because God has bestowed it on us, and He can take it away. Since He didn't just create the universe but sustains its existence at every moment, we need Him to sustain our freewill at every moment. So we cannot will unless He wills us to be able to do so. I don't think this means He dictates our will, just allows us to have it.

817 It was not you who killed them, but it was God who killed them. It was not you who launched when you did, but it was God who launched. So that those who acknowledge would be tested well by Him. God is Hearer, Knowledgeable.

They were following Gods order, therefore God took responsibility for their actions. Like in the military, if something goes wrong the commanding officer is held responsible and even if they are not, an honourable leader will often hold themselves responsible anyway.

2115 To God belongs the east and the west, so wherever you turn, there is God's presence. God is Encompassing, Knowledgeable.

This seems to be reffering to omnipresence.. I don't see the relevance.

6411 No misfortune strikes except with God's leave. Whosoever acknowledges God, He will guide his heart. God is fully aware of all things

This is similar to 7630. No misfortune strikes without God's leave, yes, but neither does fortune. Anything that happens good or bad happens because God allows it to happen, I am not sure that this necessarily means He is directly causing it to happen.

4717 Those who are guided, He increases their guidance, and grants them their righteousness

I think this helps my point. Those who are guided He increases in guidance? This makes no sense.. God is the one Guiding us, so because He chose to guide us He will increase our guidance?

It's like saying "since I decided to give you ice cream, here have some more ice cream."

I think it makes much more sense if we read it as "Those who seek guidance(through our own volition) will have help from God". It is still us who have to want to take the first step towards Him and then continue to want to be on His path.

Just to be clear these are just my opinions and I am fairly new to this, I don't want it looking like I am trying to pass any of this stuff off as facts.

Armanaziz

Just to be clear these are just my opinions and I am fairly new to this, I don't want it looking like I am trying to pass any of this stuff off as facts.

Salamun Alaika Brother. I share similar sentiment - I engage in discussion so that we can learn from each other. I do believe we as humans can never grasp the true essence of God / Allah. He is simply beyond our imagination. It is always a journey.

May Allah guide us all to the straight route.

Best regards,
Arman

unknownuser

Boba you made some interesting points, I will have to study further. Thank you for taking the time to give such a thorough reply. God bless.