Did God want us to lag behind other nations?

The will of Allah Almighty is divided into two types:

1. A Universal, Predetermined Will (الإرادة الكونية القدرية): This is synonymous with His 'Mashi'ah' (desire/decree). Its characteristic is that it must come to pass. It may involve things that Allah loves or does not love, as in the verse: "And my counsel will not benefit you if I should intend to advise you, if Allah intends to put you astray. He is your Lord, and to Him you will be returned" (Hud 11:34).

2. A Religious, Legislative Will (الإرادة الدينية الشرعية): This is synonymous with His 'Mahabbah' (love). Its characteristic is that it may or may not come to pass, and it only involves things that Allah loves and is pleased with, as in the verse: "And Allah wants to accept your repentance" (An-Nisa 4:27).

Based on this, Allah willed for us, universally and predeterminately, to lag behind other nations because everything occurs by His will. However, He did not will for us to lag behind religiously and legislatively, because He does not love that; rather, He loves for the Muslim Ummah to be the leader. For this reason, the Ummah will be held accountable for this backwardness due to its failure to achieve the means of advancement and progress. The Universal, Predetermined Will is not an excuse for people to commit sins and transgressions, and Allah has condemned the idolaters for making such an excuse.

In summary, Allah did not will for us to be backward in His religion and legislation, even if it is occurring in the universe by His will.