Why Does the Quran Express Some Divine Promises Conditionally?

The Holy Quran, the eternal word of God, wisely and comprehensively speaks not only about the essence of the Almighty, creation, and the afterlife, but also delves into the intricacies of human life and its connection with divine will. One of the prominent features of the Quran's style of expression is the conditional nature of many divine promises. This conditionality not only indicates a just and wise divine system but also contains profound lessons and wisdom for humanity that, if contemplated carefully, can guide their conduct and well-being in this world and the hereafter. There are several reasons for this Quranic approach, which we will discuss in detail below. The first and perhaps most important reason is the **emphasis on human free will and autonomy**. God Almighty has created human beings as creatures with free will, capable of choosing between good and evil, obedience and disobedience. Conditional promises perfectly reflect the truth that rewards and consequences of actions are directly linked to human choices and deeds. If promises were stated unconditionally, the concept of human free will and accountability would be questioned, and human life would turn into absolute determinism. For instance, the promise of Paradise is conditional upon faith and righteous deeds, and the promise of punishment is conditional upon disbelief and corruption. This opens the field of action for humans to choose their life path with awareness of the consequences of their actions. This conditionality reminds humans that their destiny is in their own hands, and the outcomes of their lives reflect their deeds and intentions, not merely a predestined fate without reason or wisdom. This system not only testifies to divine justice but also provides the groundwork for human growth and perfection. The second reason is the **embodiment of absolute divine justice**. God is just and never wrongs anyone. Reward and punishment are based on human actions; there is no reward without an action performed, and no punishment without a sin committed. Conditional promises are a manifestation of this justice, as they clearly state that divine favor and mercy, or wrath and vengeance, are not granted indiscriminately, but rather based on specific criteria and regulations. These criteria are human actions, intentions, and states of heart. Imagine if God had promised Paradise to everyone unconditionally; in that case, His justice and wisdom would be questioned, as He would not differentiate between the righteous and the wicked. Therefore, the conditionality of promises stems from the foundations of divine justice and assures humanity that every atom of good and bad deeds has its account and reckoning. The third wisdom is to **create motivation for effort and striving**. If all divine promises, both worldly and otherworldly rewards, were unconditional and guaranteed for everyone, what motivation would remain for doing good deeds, striving in the way of God, abstaining from sin, and practicing piety? Humans are naturally inclined towards ease and benefit, and if they knew they would achieve desirable results without any effort, they would cease striving. Conditional promises compel humans to act and exert effort, making them understand that to attain divine favors, they must also make an effort. This significantly contributes to the spiritual growth and development of human beings, lifting them out of stagnation and indifference. For example, the promise of divine victory is conditional upon supporting God's religion. This condition encourages believers to strive and exert effort in God's path, keeping them active and dynamic in realizing divine objectives. The fourth reason is the **divine test and trial**. The worldly life is a stage for trial and tribulation. God tests human beings with ups and downs, hardships and ease, blessings and calamities to gauge their faith, patience, gratitude, and steadfastness. Conditional promises are part of this testing system. When God promises, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (Ibrahim: 7), this is a test to see who is truly grateful and who shows ingratitude. Or when He promises victory conditional on patience and piety, this is a test to measure the believers' steadfastness and adherence. This conditionality distinguishes true believers from claimants of faith and ultimately identifies those truly deserving of divine rewards and favors. The fifth aspect is **human education and upbringing**. The Quran is a book of guidance and upbringing. Conditional promises teach humans that there is a deep relationship between cause and effect, action and result. This relationship is not only true in the material world but also prevails in the spiritual realm. Good deeds lead to good results, and bad deeds lead to adverse consequences. This style of expression gives humans a deeper understanding of the laws governing existence and guides them towards improving their behavior and correcting their intentions. This upbringing helps in shaping an independent, responsible, and thoughtful character in humans, deterring them from being passive and expecting miracles without effort. The sixth wisdom is to **leave the door open for repentance and return**. Even in cases where the promise of punishment or deprivation of blessings has been stated conditionally (e.g., if someone commits a sin), this very conditionality gives humans the opportunity to change the situation through repentance and return, thereby escaping the unfavorable promise. This demonstrates the vastness of divine mercy, which does not close the door of hope on servants even after their misdeeds, but rather gives them a chance to compensate. The conditionality of promises means that the relationship between humans and God is a dynamic and changeable one, and humans can change their destiny by changing themselves. In conclusion, the conditional nature of divine promises in the Quran is not a flaw in the divine word; rather, it portrays the pinnacle of divine perfection and wisdom. This method of expression is just, motivating, educational, and compatible with the nature of human free will. These promises outline a roadmap for humanity to tread the path of well-being, with awareness of the outcomes of their actions, and to move towards perfection and proximity to God. Every condition is, in essence, an invitation to contemplation, action, and self-correction, the result of which will manifest not only in this world but also in the eternal abode.