Ibn 'Abbas said, "A man said, to the Prophet, 'Whatever Allah wills and you will.' He said, 'You have put an equal with Allah. It is what Allah alone wills.'"
Exposition of the Hadith
This narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 783 presents a profound lesson in Islamic theology. A companion uttered the phrase "Whatever Allah wills and you will," combining divine and human will in a manner that compromised tawhid (divine unity).
Theological Correction
The Prophet's immediate correction establishes the principle that Allah's will is absolute and independent, while human will is subordinate and created. This preserves the distinction between the Creator and creation.
The response "It is what Allah alone wills" affirms that all outcomes ultimately depend solely on divine decree, even as humans exercise their granted capacity for choice.
Linguistic Precision in Faith
This hadith demonstrates how everyday expressions must align with theological truths. The companion's phrase, while perhaps unintentional, implied partnership in divine attributes.
Scholars derive from this the importance of monitoring one's speech to avoid expressions that might compromise Islamic monotheism, even if spoken casually.
Practical Application
The proper formulation is "Whatever Allah wills, then you will" (mā shā'a Allāhu thumma shi'ta), which maintains the proper sequence and relationship between divine and human will.
This teaching ensures believers maintain correct belief in speech and thought, recognizing Allah's absolute sovereignty while acknowledging the subordinate agency He grants His creation.