Does the Quran attribute the existence of evil to human ignorance or will?

In addressing the complex issue of 'evil' and its origins, the Holy Quran offers a profound and multifaceted perspective that emphasizes both human free will and the influence of ignorance, though often as a consequence of the misuse of that will. The question of whether evil stems from ignorance or from human will and choice is answered with particular nuance in Quranic teachings. Generally, the Quran attributes the primary root of moral evil and social corruption to humanity's misuse of their bestowed gift of free will and choice. However, it does not deny the role of ignorance and unawareness, though this ignorance is frequently not a forced state but rather a result of deliberate choices and human negligence. Indeed, the Quran explicitly grants humans free will and the power of choice. God created humanity with the capacity to discern good from evil, guidance from misguidance, and showed them the path. In Surah Al-Kahf, verse 29, it states: "And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills - let him believe; and whoever wills - let him disbelieve.'" This verse clearly places the responsibility of choice and freedom of action on humanity. Therefore, when a person, by their own will, chooses a false path, they commit evil. Actions such as oppression, corruption, lying, treachery, and various sins all originate from deliberate human choices. This free will enables human growth and elevation, but it can also lead to downfall and destruction. Moral evil in the world is a direct result of decisions and actions that humans undertake with their full freedom. Furthermore, the Quran emphasizes that every individual is accountable for their actions. Verses 7 and 8 of Surah Az-Zalzalah illustrate this truth: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, And whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." These verses clearly show that the consequences of good and evil directly revert to human deeds. If corruption and mischief appear on Earth, the Quran attributes it to the actions of humans themselves: "Corruption has appeared on land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned" (Surah Ar-Rum, verse 41). This verse is a strong testament that the primary source of evil is human actions and choices. Regarding the role of 'ignorance' (jahl), the Quran does not present it as an independent factor for creating evil. Instead, ignorance is often seen as a result of heedlessness, lack of contemplation, and a conscious choice to disregard the truth. Humanity possesses an inherent inclination towards truth (fitra) and intellect (aql) that can discern right from wrong. When a person acts wrongly due to ignorance, this ignorance might stem from their failure to seek knowledge, their lack of reflection on divine signs, or their disregard for the guidance of prophets. In other words, many forms of 'ignorance' are of the type known as 'culpable ignorance' (jahl taqsiri); that is, an ignorance for which the person himself is responsible and could have overcome by their own will. For example, those who disobey divine commands due to ignorance often do so because of their unwillingness to acquire knowledge and understanding. The Quran repeatedly invites people to reflect, use their intellect, ponder, and seek knowledge, and it condemns those who do not use their minds and remain in ignorance. Satan (Shaytan) plays the role of a tempter, but the Quran clarifies that he has no power over humans to force them into evil. Satan's role is merely to invite and beautify evil, and it is humanity that, by their own will, accepts or rejects this invitation. In Surah Ibrahim, verse 22, Satan will say to the inhabitants of Hell on the Day of Judgment: "And I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me." This verse also explicitly emphasizes human accountability and free will in accepting or rejecting evil. In conclusion, the Holy Quran primarily attributes moral evil and its resulting corruption to human free will and conscious choices. Although ignorance can also lead to evil deeds, this ignorance itself is often a consequence of the improper use of intellect and free will, or stems from deliberate negligence and disregard for the truth. Therefore, the fundamental root of evil in the Quranic perspective is humanity's misuse of the gift of choice, which was given to them to choose their path to felicity or wretchedness. This human accountability for actions forms the basis of divine justice in reward and punishment and gives meaning to the world's moral order. Evil is a deviation from the pure human nature (fitra) and the call of reason and revelation, a deviation that begins with human will.