Predestination in Islam: How Allah’s Will Shapes Our Lives
Ever wondered how much control we have over our lives and how much is preordained by Allah? The concept of predestination (qadar) is one of the most profound and intricate aspects of Islamic theology, offering answers to these questions while balancing Allah’s sovereignty with human accountability. In this blog, we unravel the wisdom of predestination and how it impacts our daily lives.
Allah’s Will and Human Actions
The belief that “Whatever Allah wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen” captures the essence of predestination. Allah’s will encompasses all possibilities, as He declares in the Qur’an:
“And you do not will except that Allah wills.” (Al-Insan: 30)
This verse demonstrates that human actions, while made with free will, occur within the framework of Allah’s decree. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) reinforced this concept by affirming that both calamities and blessings originate from Allah’s will.
Refuting Misconceptions
Some groups, such as the Mu’tazilah, have argued that humans create their actions independently of Allah’s decree. They interpret guidance as merely showing the correct path and misguidance as labeling someone as misguided. However, this view contradicts the Qur’an:
“Indeed, you do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills.” (Al-Qasas: 56)
If guidance were merely about showing the way, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would have been able to guide whom he loved. Thus, true guidance and misguidance are acts of Allah’s will, reflecting His ultimate authority.
The Balance Between Patience and Repentance
Islam teaches a nuanced approach to predestination. Calamities (musibah) must be met with patience and submission, as they reflect Allah’s wisdom and justice. The Qur’an reminds us:
“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin.” (Ghafir: 55)
Sins, however, require repentance and seeking forgiveness. Predestination is not an excuse for disobedience but a framework for understanding life’s tests and challenges.
The Story of Adam and Musa
The hadith about Adam and Musa offers profound insights into predestination. When Musa blamed Adam for humanity’s expulsion from Paradise, Adam replied:
“Do you blame me for something that Allah decreed upon me 40 years before He created me?”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) testified that Adam’s argument prevailed. This hadith highlights that Adam used predestination to explain the calamity of expulsion, not to justify his sin. Predestination is a valid argument for unavoidable calamities but not for voluntary actions.
Misusing Predestination as an Excuse
One of the most significant errors is using predestination to justify sin or shirk (associating partners with Allah). The Qur’an condemns those who claim:
“If Allah had willed, we would not have associated [others with Him], nor would our fathers.” (Al-An’am: 148)
Allah’s will does not imply His approval. Misguidance occurs by His justice, while guidance is a manifestation of His favor. Humans remain accountable for their choices, as they act willingly within the scope of Allah’s decree.
Practical Lessons from Predestination
1. Patience in Calamities
Calamities are decreed by Allah to test faith and resilience. Accepting them with patience reflects true submission and contentment with Allah as our Lord.
2. Repentance for Sins
Sins require immediate repentance. Blaming predestination for faults is an evasion of personal responsibility.
3. Striving for Goodness
Effort and reliance on Allah go hand in hand. The Qur’an reminds us:
“Indeed, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Ar-Ra’d: 11)
Conclusion
Predestination in Islam is a testament to Allah’s supreme will and justice. It emphasizes human accountability within the framework of divine decree, urging believers to respond to life’s tests with patience, repentance, and reliance on Allah. At Madinah College, we strive to provide in-depth Islamic knowledge that clarifies these complex topics, empowering students to strengthen their faith and live according to the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Discover more insights into Islamic beliefs and enroll in our courses at Madinah College. Deepen your understanding of qadar and connect with a community committed to the pursuit of knowledge.