❖ Question:
Does Allah being Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Ar-Raheem (The Especially Merciful) not imply that creation should not have taken place or that humans should not have been subjected to tests, especially since failure would result in consequences borne by humans, not by Allah?❖ Commentary:
This question hinges on three significant aspects:① What is the purpose of testing?
② What does the concept of mercy entail?
③ What is the relationship between a human's end and God’s will?
Each of these points is addressed briefly below:
❶ Purpose of Divine Testing
It is essential to recognize that the purpose of articulating Allah’s attributes is not merely to list them, but to understand how they relate to creation and humanity. The concept of divine testing allows the manifestation of multiple divine attributes—such as Truth (Al-Haqq), Justice (Al-‘Adl), Forgiveness (Al-Ghafoor), and Retribution (Al-Muntaqim).The ongoing struggle between truth and falsehood is itself a reflection of these divine attributes. Without testing, these attributes would remain abstract and unexpressed.
❷ Implication of Divine Mercy
Allah is not only Ar-Rahman but also Al-Haqq (The Truthful) and Al-‘Adl (The Just). If we judge Allah’s decisions solely on the basis of His mercy, we disregard His other attributes. Such an approach would be contrary to the divine balance presented in His names and attributes.Mercy does not imply the absence of testing. Rather, through testing, individuals attain a sense of achievement, an entitlement to blessings, and the opportunity to excel over others—all of which would not be possible in the absence of trials.
Take the example of a teacher: if the teacher were to dictate answers during an exam out of "mercy," it would not be seen as compassion but as an act of injustice.
❸ Relationship Between Humans and Their Outcome
Allah is Al-‘Adl, the Just. Man has been granted free will, and based on his deeds, he will receive reward or punishment. The outcomes in the Hereafter are based on man’s choices and volition, not divine compulsion.As for the debate on predestination (Jabr wa Qadr), it has been the subject of extensive discussion. The relationship between Allah’s will, His foreknowledge, and His justice is a complex issue that transcends human intellect. Hence, it is emphasized that Allah should be understood only to the extent He has revealed about Himself.
