Is it true that Allah stroked Adam's back and said: "These are the people of the Fire, and I care not; and these are the people of Paradise, and I care not"? And what is the interpretation of Allah's saying: "Indeed, Allah leaves astray whom He wills and guides whom He wills," given that man has free will?

The mentioned Hadith about taking the progeny from Adam's loins is sound in its meaning, but the chain of narration that cites the verse from Surat Al-A'raf may contain weakness or discontinuity, and other authentic narrations do not mention the verse. This Hadith does not contradict God's justice and mercy, for God knows everything and records it, but the servant does not know what has been decreed for him and possesses will and the ability to act. Therefore, the servant must work and strive, for everyone is facilitated for what they were created. God's guidance is of two types: general, which is the showing and clarification of truth to all humanity; and specific, which is divine enabling and assistance for believers. As for misguidance, it is God's leaving the servant and not providing him with the means of divine enabling. One must strive to perform the deeds of the people of happiness and not delve into the secret of destiny, but rather believe, do righteous deeds, and ask God for guidance and steadfastness.