How can the verses that indicate that guidance and misguidance are in God's hands, and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, to Ali, may God be pleased with him, regarding forsaking deeds and relying on the Book, be reconciled with the idea that man has free will and acts by his own volition?

The belief of the Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah regarding divine decree (Qadar) is clear: guidance and misguidance are solely in the hands of Allah. The servant is not compelled in their actions; rather, they possess will, desire, and ability, by which they choose to do what they intend. Allah Almighty created for the servant will, desire, and ability, and He sent messengers and revealed books to cut off any excuse. Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah said: "Servants are truly agents, and Allah is the Creator of their actions. Servants have ability over their deeds and they have will, and Allah is their Creator and the Creator of their ability and their will."

The noble Hadith, "Work, for everyone is facilitated for what he was created for," indicates the obligation of striving in work and obedience, and not being lazy by relying on divine decree. There is no contradiction between striving and working, and the fact that what the servant does is decreed for them. Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar said: "The outcome is hidden from the accountable individual, so they must strive to do what they have been commanded."

Delving into the issue of divine decree leads one into labyrinths. The path to safety is to be keen on good and to strive for it, for Allah has given humanity intellect and understanding, and sent messengers so that humans may choose their actions. Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: "Allah has given him choice for action and ability over it, by which he acts if he wills, or refrains."