Question: We believe that everything good and bad or even Kufr does not take place but by the will of Allah s.w.t, so what is the significance of this statement?

Answer: The Aqidah (belief) of Ahle Sunnah wal Jamah is that, in this dunya everything good and bad or even the kufr (disbelief) cannot exist without the will of Allah s.w.t. For everything to come into existence, the will power and intention of allah s.w.t is a binding condition. Allah has given each individual the ability to choose good or bad.

However, the pleasure and favour of Allah s.w.t relates to Iman (faith) and good deeds only. And in contrary, Kufr, Shirk (ascribing partner to Allah) and acts of disobedience  are things He does not like.

Therefore,  we are liable for our actions whether we believe or not.

References: [1] Tafseer Ma’ariful qur’an vol-7, Surah Zumar V;7 [2] Tafseer Ibn Kathir, Vol-4, p-95 [3] Tafseer Ruhul Ma’yani vol-24, p-318