You know that I have never been known as a liar.

You know that I have never been known as a liar.' Allah revealed to him that he is but an appointed servant, and that he should deliver it to him, and that Allah is not questioned for what He does.'" The Imam (AS) again turned to Sulaiman and said: "Are you emulating the Jews on this issue?" He replied: "No! I seek refuge in Allah from (doing) that. What did the Jews say in this regard?" He (AS) said: "They said, 'the hand of Allah is tied up (5:64)'.

They meant Allah has concluded the matter and therefore He no longer originates anything. Hence, Allah said, 'Be their hands tied up and be they accursed for what they uttered.

(5:64)'" The Imam (AS) continued: "Indeed, I (personally) heard people asking my father, Musa Ibn Ja'far (AS), about al-Badaa, and he (AS) replied, 'Why should people deny al-Badaa when Allah has halted some people who wait for His command?'" (Referring to the verse: 'There are others, held in suspense for the command of Allah, whether He will punish them, or turn to them in mercy (9:106)'.) Sulaiman asked: "Could you inform me about the verse, 'We have indeed sent it down in the Night of Qadr (97:1)'?

What was sent down?" Imam al-Ridha (AS) replied: "O Sulaiman! In the Night of Qadr, Allah makes the detailed planning of what will happen until next year regarding any life, death, goodness (Khair), evil (Sharr), and sustenance. Whatever Allah measured on that night is of definite matters (Mahtum)." Sulaiman said: "Now I understand it. But, increase my (knowledge), may I be sacrificed for you." Imam al-Ridha (AS) said: "O Sulaiman!

Surely amongst the matters are suspended (Mawquf) issues that are with Allah, the Glorious. Of them, He advances what He wills and delays what He wills..." Kitab al-Tawhid, pp 443-444, Hadith #1 Uyun Akhbar al-Ridha (AS), v1, p180-182, Hadith #1 Bihar al-Anwar, v10, pp 329-331, Hadith #2 As we have seen, there are many pieces of evidence in Quran that clearly disprove the Sunni doctrine which states the Pen has dried up, having written down all future events.

In contrast, the followers of Ahlul-Bayt (AS) do not emulate the Jews who considered Allah had concluded the matter. We believe Allah's hands are open to do as He wills. Of course, Allah does not act without purpose. The changes in decree has educational purposes for people including the Prophets and Imams, peace be upon them.