Fate (Predestination) in Islam
Definition
Fate (Predestination) in Islam, known as Qadar (قدر) in Arabic, refers to the divine decree and predetermined events that Allah (God) has ordained for all creation. It encompasses all aspects of life, from daily occurrences to monumental events, and is a core tenet of Islamic belief, affirming Allah’s omnipotence and omniscience.
Etymology
- Arabic: قدر (Qadar)
- Turkish: Kader
The term “Qadar” derives from the root verb “قدّر” (qaddara), meaning “to measure” or “to determine.” This highlights the notion that everything is measured, planned, and determined by Allah.
Theological Implications
Six Articles of Faith
Belief in Qadar is one of the Six Articles of Faith (Arkan al-Iman) in Islam. Muslims affirm that both good and evil are predestined by Allah, yet human beings are endowed with free will to choose their actions, which are then judged by Allah.
Balance Between Predestination and Free Will
The concept of Qadar does not negate the idea of human responsibility. Islamic theology maintains a balance between divine predestination and human free will. The nuanced understanding acknowledges that while Allah’s decrees are absolute, humans are still accountable for their choices:
- Jabariyyah: A school of thought that emphasizes total predestination, arguing that human free will is an illusion.
- Qadariyyah: This sect posits that humans have complete free will and are entirely responsible for their actions, minimizing the role of divine decree.
- Ash’ariyyah and Maturidiyyah: The mainstream theological schools that strive to harmonize both perspectives, advocating that humans have partial free will within Allah’s divine decree.
Applications and Significance
Daily Life and Rituals
- Prayers: Muslims regularly pray for guidance and ask Allah to decree what is best for them.
- Contentment: Belief in Qadar encourages contentment and patience during trials, as everything occurs by Allah’s will.
- Ethics: Muslims are urged to perform righteous deeds while acknowledging that the ultimate outcome rests with Allah.
Eschatology
In Islamic eschatology, fate plays a crucial role in the events leading to the Day of Judgment. Muslims believe that everyone’s fate, including their salvation or damnation, is preordained, yet it reflects their deeds and intentions.
Key Texts
Qur’anic References
- Surah Yunus (10:61): “Not a leaf falls but that He knows it.”
- Surah Al-Qamar (54:49): “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.”
Hadith
- Sahih Muslim: “Everything has been preordained by Allah.”
Recommended Books for Further Studies
- “Divine Will and Predestination in Islamic Thought” by Sophie Gilliat-Ray
- “Destiny and Human Initiative in the Philosophy of Al-Farabi” by Ibrahim Anis
- “Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism” by Binyamin Abrahamov
Takeaways
- Qadar (Predestination) is a fundamental belief in Islam, affirming Allah’s omnipotence.
- A balance is maintained between divine decree and human free will in Islamic theology.
- Understanding Qadar enriches the Muslim perspective on life’s trials and successes.
Conclusion
The concept of Fate (Predestination) or Qadar in Islam underscores a profound theological principle. It seamlessly integrates Allah’s absolute authority with human agency, guiding Muslims to strive for virtue while placing their trust in divine wisdom. This dynamic interplay offers a rich, reflective approach to understanding life’s mysteries and challenges.
