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I understand that the common notion is that humans have free will and that this is easily accepted in Islam. What I'm wondering is, is it necessary to believe humans (and jinns) have free will, or could one remain Muslim while rejecting a belief in free will?

As it came up in a comment: an explanation of what Islam means by "free will" - particularly a discussion of in what way it is "free" - would be helpful too.

I'm hoping for answers from the mainstream schools of aqida of sunnism or shiism.

I understand that the common notion is that humans have free will and that this is easily accepted in Islam. What I'm wondering is, is it necessary to believe humans (and jinns) have free will, or could one remain Muslim while rejecting a belief in free will?

As it came up in a comment: an explanation of what Islam means by "free will" - particularly a discussion of in what way it is "free" - would be helpful too.

I'm hoping for answers from the mainstream schools of aqida of Sunnism or Shi'ism.