How can the two noble verses: "Indeed, you do not guide whom you love" and "And indeed, you do guide to a straight path" be reconciled?
Allah created humans and granted them intellect and free will to choose between belief and disbelief. He sent messengers and revelation to clarify for them truth from falsehood. Guidance is solely in the hands of Allah; He guides whom He wills and misguides whom He wills. However, He chooses to guide those who turn to Him and misguides those who turn away from Him. Allah does not compel anyone in religion. The benefit or harm of an action accrues to the person themselves, and they are responsible for their choice. So, "whoever is guided is guided for [the benefit of] his soul, and whoever errs only errs against it." Legal accountability is lifted from those who lack intellect, but the intelligent person is free to choose, and based on this choice, there will be reward or punishment.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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