How does each school explain kasb?

Hanbali Position

Ibn Balban in Qala’id al-Iqyan says, “The servant is a chooser, facilitated in acquiring obedience and in acquiring sin—without coercion, compulsion, or duress. Allah is the creator of what the servant acquires, earns, and does, and [He is the creator of] the power, the object of power, the choice, and the one who chooses.” In summary, the process of choice is a mystery. Something experienced more than explained.

Ash'ari Position

Allah creates the choices of human beings, but at the same time, humans don't feel forced to make those choices. Then Allah creates the action chosen by these humans.

Maturidi Position

Allah creates the ability to choose in human beings; human beings use this ability to make choices. Allah creates the action chosen by these humans.

Written by: John Starling & Amira bint Yusuf