At-Takwir 81:29 - Linguistic Miracle

You will not will, except if Allah allows you to will, the Rabb of ʿĀlamīn.

This statement has been misunderstood and has been the subject of much debate because one can easily take it to mean that humans do not have free will.

This verse is a تذييل - a concluding statement added at the end to reinforce or

generalize the meaning. This is why there is no direct object. You cannot will, will what? Anything. It generalizes and extends it to all decisions, in addition to choosing the right path that came in the last verse.

What Allah is saying here is this. You can choose and will, but your ability to choose comes from Allah. You only will something, because Allah allowed that will to exist in you. You choose freely, but your ability to choose comes from Allah. But since the topic is guidance and becoming upright, we need to focus there. You cannot desire to become guided and to be on the truth except by the will of Allah. Hence it naturally follows that one needs to beseech Allah sincerely for guidance. Whoever you are, whatever religion you follow, just ask God to guide you. God, lead me to the truth, wherever it is, and let me follow it. Be sincere and truthful in heart and God will lead you to it. You will recognize the truth in the Qurʾān. You will be impacted by it. What you do afterwards - whether you accept it or reject it - is up to you. The choice rests with you.

Next, Allah calls Himself Rabb of ʿĀlamīn. We have covered both words earlier. By using the word Rabb, Allah again calls to mind His kindness and love. He is your caretaker and sustainer. Ask Him sincerely and He will lead you to good. He means good for you, not bad like the devils.

This verse again recounts the theme of absolute and overwhelming power present in this surah. We saw how revelation overpowers all false religions and falsehoods, how the angel that brings revelation down is himself powerful and accompanied by a powerful army of angels. Now, we see the absolute power of the very source Himself, Allah. He even controls what you decide. Absolute power.

Lastly, this verse again highlights the will of Allah. We saw earlier how Allah said He created man according to what He willed, according to His plans, not of anyone else.

Here again, He emphasizes His will. The theme of absolute power and might runs throughout this surah.