LessonsApplied Review: Objections and Fine Doctrinal DistinctionsQuiz

Health, means, and practical ability can exist before an act and form the basis for legal responsibility. The material and physical ability required for pilgrimage illustrates this sense.

In contrast, divine enabling (tawfīq) accompanies the performance of an act. Possessing outward means does not make the occurrence of an action independent of Allah’s enabling.

Capacity before an act and enabling with an act are not contradictory claims. They describe different aspects of ability and must not be merged.

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Two senses of capacity

Applied Review: Objections and Fine Doctrinal Distinctions

Health, means, and practical ability can exist before an act and form the basis for legal responsibility. The material and physical ability required for pilgrimage illustrates this sense.

In contrast, divine enabling (tawfīq) accompanies the performance of an act. Possessing outward means does not make the occurrence of an action independent of Allah’s enabling.

Capacity before an act and enabling with an act are not contradictory claims. They describe different aspects of ability and must not be merged.