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• These articles did not analyze the for their actions, indicating they do
functionalist aspect of free will in possess free will. Theologians, supported
lifestyle and focused on other by rational thought and teachings of the
dimensions of the issue. infallible Imams, assert that humans are
• Considering the breadth of research, neither compelled without will nor
they need to be supplemented as the entirely independent, as God has not
statements of Imam Ali in Nahj al- forsaken them (Ref: Rūdgar, 2016, p. 24;
Balagha are not exhaustive, and it is Miṣbāḥ Yazdi, 2010, Vol. 1, p. 44).
necessary to refer to other books as well. Therefore, it can be said that the
• In the analysis of the content, they also existence of free will is intuitively
need to be supplemented as it is necessary perceived. However, human free will
to examine conflicting narrations in the does not mean independence, which
analysis of the narrations. will be discussed further.
Given the above points and the Human Free Will from the Perspective
observed deficiencies in these articles, as of Imam Ali and Other Imams
well as the importance of a functionalist Various narrations from the Imams have
perspective on this topic, the necessity of been reported regarding determinism
addressing this discussion becomes clearer.
and free will. Some of these narrations
Proof of Human Free Will support human free will, while others, at
As previously mentioned, the principle first glance, might be interpreted as
of free will is a reality that is intuitively supporting determinism. There are also
understood and does not require proof. numerous narrations from Imam Ali on
Ayatollah Miṣbāḥ Yazdi writes on this this subject, some of which are
subject, emphasizing that human beings mentioned as follows:
naturally recognize their own free will • It is narrated that He was asked about
and ability to choose, as it is an intrinsic fate and destiny, and He said, “Do
part of their experience. In dangerous not say that God has left people to
situations, no one doubts their capacity themselves and has entrusted matters
to act to save themselves. Confusion to them, for this would weaken Him.
arises when individuals cannot reconcile And do not say that He has
free will with certain truths, such as compelled them to sin, for this would
God's omnipotence. Some mistakenly be an injustice to Him. Rather, say
believe that divine power negates human that good is by God’s guidance and
free will, rendering humans as mere evil is by God’s abandonment, and
instruments of God's will. all is foreknown by God” (Ṭabarsī,
However, this belief is flawed because 1996, Vol. 1, p. 209; Majlisī, 2012,
divine justice holds humans accountable Vol. 5, p. 95).
