Idtirar
Definition and Explanation
Idtirar (Arabic: اضطرار, Turkish: zorunluluk) is a theological term in Islam that describes actions performed under compulsion or coercion, by means of physical force rather than moral persuasion. It is often discussed in contrast to ikhtiyar (اختيار), which refers to actions performed out of free choice.
Theological Context
In Islamic theology, especially among Sunni Muslims, there is an important discourse regarding human actions. These include:
- Af’al al-Ikhtiyariyya (Actions of Free Will): Actions carried out with the exercised autonomous decision-making.
- Af’al al-Idtirariyya (Actions of Compulsion): Actions executed involuntarily due to external coercion.
The majority of Sunni scholars hold that all human actions, whether acquired skills (such as writing, driving, or painting) or involuntary motions (such as breathing or blinking), are ultimately created by God. The prevailing viewpoint reconciles divine omnipotence with human accountability by asserting that while God creates all actions, humans acquire these actions through their intentions (known as Kasb or “acquisition”).
Etymology
The term Idtirar is derived from the root ضرر (ḍ-r-r), which carries the meaning of being compelled or forced. It shares linguistic roots with words like ḍarrar (harm) and maḍrur (in distress), emphasizing the state of being under duress.
Related Concepts
- Jabr (جبر): A related theological concept, which denotes absolute predestination and a stricter form of determinism. Followers of Jabriyya (determinists) hold that humans have no real agency beyond what God decrees.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: اضطرار (Idtirar)
- Turkish: zorunluluk
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism” by Richard M. Frank
- “The Incoherence of the Philosophers” by Abu Hamid Al-Ghazali
- “Divine Will and Human Choice: Freedom and Determinism in Islam” by Asma Afsaruddin
- “Predestination and Free Will: The Controversy over Human Freedom in the Late Islamic Middle Ages” by W. Montgomery Watt
Takeaways and Conclusion
Idtirar serves as a pivotal concept in Islamic theological discussions concerning the nature of human actions, freedom, and divine will. The balance and tension between idtirar (compulsion) and ikhtiyar (free choice) forms a crucial dimension of Islamic ethics and responsibility. It invites Muslims to constantly reflect on the intersection between divine sovereignty and human agency, emphasizing a nuanced understanding of accountability in the framework of faith.
Understanding Idtirar encapsulates the wider discourse on free will versus predestination in Islamic thought, offering a glimpse into the depths of Islamic theological reflection and ethical considerations.
