You should rather say that actions belong to God in point of...

You should rather say that actions belong to God in point of creation and to man in point of acquisition ( kasb )[^2]. But in a later Discourse (sixteenth), he points out that to rely on kasb is shirk , i.e., association of partners with God. There is a verse in the Qur'an[^3] which refers to a particular episode in the life of Abraham. While denouncing idol-worship, he says that it is God who created you as well your handiwork ( ta`malun ).

Muslim pantheists and determinists have always used this verse in support of their contention, rendering ta`malun as “what you do,” instead of correct rendering, “what you make.” Shaikh Jilani here follows the same line, arguing for total determinism, though he does not advocate cessation of all activities.[^4] There is another verse of the Qur'an in which God says, “Enter the garden of paradise because of what you have been doing.

”[^5] Here, the text unequi­vocally points out that paradise is the reward of actions. But this being incompatible with the creed of determinism, Shaikh Jilani hastens to add, “Glory be to Him, how generous and merciful of Him!

He ascribes the actions to the people and says that their entry into paradise is on account of their deeds, whereas their deeds owe their existence to His help and mercy.”[^6] Good and evil are the twin fruits of a tree; all is the creation of God,[^7] though we should ascribe all evil to ourselves[^8]. There is, however, the question of undeserved suffering which a man of conscience has to undergo.

Shaikh Jilani thinks that the spiritual peace which is indispensable for a mystic cannot be said to be complete unless he is trained in the school of adversity. The degree of the undeserved suffering, according to him, determines his spiritual rank. He quotes a tradition of the Holy Prophet in this respect: “We prophets are beset with the greatest number of trials and so on according to rank.”[^9] What is essential is to hold fast to faith for the ultimate victory of good over evil.

This victory is possible not only in the hereafter but also in this world. If a man has faith and is grateful, these things will put out the fire of calamity in this life. Men can be divided, according to the Shaikh, into four categories. The first category includes those who have neither tongue nor heart. They are the majority of the ordinary people, who do not care for truth and virtue and lead a life of subservience to the senses.