M6:9 — لیک دعوت واردست از کردگار / با قبول و ناقبول او را چه کار

Translation: Yet the invitation has come from the Creator; what concern has He with its acceptance or rejection? Meaning: This verse asserts that the divine invitation is perpetually extended by God, independent of human acceptance or refusal; the Creator's action is not contingent upon the creatures' response.

The divine invitation, the call of truth, and the grace of being are perpetually flowing in the world, moving towards humanity. This is an undeniable truth, for "the invitation has come from the Creator"; meaning, this invitation requires no prior conditions or specific readiness from us. It is not that God awaits our preparation or our attainment of worthiness. No, the invitation itself has arrived and presented itself to us.

Now, the question arises: "What concern has He with its acceptance or rejection?" This statement epitomizes the pinnacle of Tawhid-i Af'ali (the unity of divine acts). That is, God's action – His bestowal of existence, His grace, and this very invitation itself – is neither to compensate for any deficiency or imperfection in the divine essence, nor to achieve a perfection that was previously absent. God's act is the act of the "Absolute Beloved"; a Beloved who bestows and invites, not to prove Himself or to gain anything. This invitation is an emanation of His very essence and His infinite perfection.

Therefore, whether human beings accept this invitation or reject it, whether they appreciate it or turn away from it, has no bearing on God's will or action. This is not out of indifference or unconcern, but out of His absolute independence and perfection. God's action is complete and self-sufficient; it requires no seal of approval or even a response from us. This perspective reveals both the majesty and glory of God and the absolute freedom and responsibility of humanity regarding the acceptance or rejection of the divine call. Humanity is free to accept or reject, but this freedom does not diminish in the slightest the authenticity and steadfastness of the "invitation" itself. This invitation is like the sun that shines ceaselessly and unconditionally, even if a blind person cannot benefit from its light. In Islamic mysticism, this point reflects the philosophy of wilayat-i takvini (cosmic governorship); meaning, God directly and unconditionally manifests existence and guidance, and this flow has no relation to our reactions, for He is the "Creator," and His work is complete.

Key takeaways

• The divine invitation is unconditional and continuously present.
• God's action and grace are independent of, and not affected by, human acceptance or rejection.
• Human response (acceptance or refusal) has no bearing on God's perfect will and infinite perfection.
• This verse illustrates God's absolute independence and the perfection of His essence.
• The responsibility to accept or reject the divine call rests entirely with humanity.
• The divine invitation, like the sun, shines on its own, even if some fail to benefit from it.