Using the divine decree as an excuse for sins

Question:
'Abdullah from Jeddah says: I have a colleague at work who has some matters that are detrimental to his religion, but when I ask him to leave them, he says, "This is the divine decree (qadar) of Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) upon me, and it was decreed for me while I was in my mother's womb." What is the wisdom behind that?

Answer:
This is a false statement. One does not cite the divine decree as an excuse for sins. One does not cite the divine decree as an excuse for sins; rather, one cites it for what befalls one. As for sins, citing the divine decree as an excuse for them is a false claim. Allah (Mighty and Majestic) has made clear to you the good from the evil, clarified the matters, and commanded you and prohibited you. It is obligatory for you to obey the commands and prohibitions of Allah, stay away from sins, and increase in good deeds. This is within your power. This is within your power; you are capable of it. Yes.

The presenter:
May Allah reward you and reward you with good,