Q: 334 - Title: Did Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam act according to his own will or by Allah Ta'ala's will?

Question

Does Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam act according to his own will or by Allah's Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala's will? If there is a proof in the Quran or the Hadith, can you please give me that as well?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salamu 'alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.

The speech and conduct of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam is according to the orders of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. Allah mentions in the Quran:

"Nor does he speak from (his own) desire. It is not but a revelation revealed (to him). (Najm 3-4)

This verse refers to the speech of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. However, it is more general and includes even the conduct of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. A Hadith on the authority of Sa'd Ibn Hish'm Radiallahu Ta'ala Anhu states:

"I asked, O Mother of all believers, relate to me the characteristics of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam. She replied, "Haven't you read the Quran? Verily the characteristics of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam is the Quran." (Sunan Abi Dawood 2/40)

If Rasullullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam made Ijtihad on any issue which was incorrect, it would immediately be rectified through a revelation so that the error does not persist. There are examples of this in the Quran. If his Ijtihad was correct, then no Wahy would be revealed to amend it indicating the acceptance of his Ijtihad.

And Allah Ta’?la Knows Best