What Names Were Taught To Adam (AS)?
I think the key in understanding the concept of predestination (and consequently free will) as opposed to pre-knowledge, lies in the understanding of the concept of time. Time is a creation, just like the space, and together they make up this material universe around us. It is time that gives us the perception of past, present, and the future. If we consider this universe without the dimension of time then there remains no concept of a continuum of past through present flowing into the future – rather everything just is. From what we know and believe about God, He is eternal – timeless. For Him things don’t flow from one event to another – rather He is just fully aware of everything. However, His knowledge that encompasses everything doesn’t interfere with what He knows. Our free will remains intact within the bounds of time, while from His perspective, everything just is.