What is the explanation of the phrase "Good and evil are from Allah" found in the Āmantu?

To say "Good and evil are from Allah" means to declare that Allah is the Creator of both. This phrase is meant to state and emphasize that there is no creator other than Allah. From the human perspective, it means that people choose good or evil through their own partial will. Therefore, people are responsible for all their good and bad actions.

As stated in the principles of the "Āmantu," every Muslim believes in destiny and that both good and evil are created by Allah. This is because everything in the universe is under His will, decree, and power. There is no other being in the universe who truly possesses ownership, power, or authority besides Him. However, Allah is pleased with good, but not with evil. Whoever chooses good will be rewarded, and whoever chooses evil will be punished. That evil is from Allah means that Allah’s act of creation is involved in bringing about the servant’s action. However, Allah is not pleased with His servants committing evil deeds, nor does He command evil.

Allah (c.c.) is the only being who acts with absolute wisdom and order. There are also certain wisdoms in His creation of evil. Allah has created things with their opposites so that life can be distinguished from death, good from bad, and good from evil. Moreover, He has shown people ways to protect themselves from evil and has given them the power and ability to avoid it. If there were no evil in the world, the meaning of good would not be understood, and the world would not fulfill its purpose as a place of trial. Evil is created by Allah’s justice and wisdom, or to be a means for a subsequent good, or to avert a greater evil.

In everything that happens by Allah’s (c.c.) power, there may be benefits for both individuals and society. What we perceive as evil or good may not be as it seems in the end. This is explained in a verse as follows: "But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you know not." (al-Baqara, 2/216)

Source: T.C. Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı, Din İşleri Yüksek Kurulu