Sunni Credal Position on Wretchedness & Felicity

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Imam Abu Manswur Muhammad ibn Muhammad al-Maturidi (r.a.) said that the wretched person could become felicitous, and the felicitous person could become wretched.  Imam Abu al-Hasan ‘Ali ibn Isma’il al-Ash’ari (r.a.) said that there is no consideration given to either felicity, or wretchedness, except during the end, death, and the requital.  According to Imam al-Maturidi (r.a.), felicity is defined as Islam, and wretchedness is defined as disbelief.  According to Imam al-Ash’ari (r.a.), felicity is dying upon Islam, and wretchedness is dying upon disbelief.

In summary, the difference between the Maturidi and the Ash’ari is when one has attained Salvation.  According to the Maturidi, Salvation or damnation swings upon our belief, and disbelief, every moment of our life.  According to the Ash’ari, there is no such state until the closing of the books of deeds, upon death.