The Qur'an and Free-Will

Ambiguity and contradictions abound in the text of the Qur’an in relation to many of its themes. One such theme relates to God’s Plan and man's free-will vis-a-vis the Creator.

In the early formative years of Islam, when Islam was weak, the Qur’an stresses free-will and defines Muhammad role to be that of an apostle with no power to watch over the believers.[1]

“He who obeys
The Apostle, obeys Allah:
But if any turn away,
We have not sent thee
To watch over
Their (evil deeds) ” Al-Nisaa:80

The message of freewill is repeatedly hammered into the Qur’an in verses such as:

”This is an admonition:
Whosoever will, let him
Take a (straight) Path
To His Lord” 76:29

“If it has been thy Lord’s Will,
They would all have believed,
All who are on earth!
Wilt thou then compel mankind,
Against their will to believe!” 10:99 [2]

Richard Bell, however, notes the apparent contradiction between 76:29 and 76:30-31 [3] The idea of predestination is introduced to limit man’s will by that of Allah. Man is now admitted to Allah’s Mercy only if Allah wills it:

“But ye will not,
Except as Allah wills,
For Allah is full of
Knowledge and Wisdom.” 76:30

“He will admit
To His Mercy Whom He will;
But the wrong-doers,
For them has He prepared
A grievous Penalty.” 76.31

With man’s free will being limited by that of Allah, the verse commanding the faithful to slay the unbelievers (lX:5), that Allah did not admit into his mercy, casts a long shadow over Allah’s justice and mercy.

References:
[1] ) Richard Bell. The Qur’an translated (The verse al-Nisaa: 80 is believed to have been revealed in Medina, following the Uhud battle)
[2] ) Ali places this Sura in the late Meccan period before the hijra (immigration) to Medina whereas Richard Bell places it in the year 2 or 3 (Islamic calendar) following the rift with the Jews in Medina.
[3] ) The Sura belongs to the early Meccan period with the possible exception of some verses, according to Ali. Richard Bell agrees and notes the contradiction between 29 and 30-31