Predestination (Qadar)

Predestination (Qadar) in Islam

Definition

Predestination, known as Qadar (قدر‎) in Arabic, refers to the divine concept of preordering or measuring out everything that happens in the universe. It is a fundamental doctrine in Islam that underscores the belief that all events, good or bad, are decreed by God and have been recorded in a preserved tablet.

Etymology

• Qadar (قدر): Arabic term generally used in the Hadith literature. It means “measuring out” or “decreeing.”
• Taqdīr (تقدير): Arabic term commonly used in theological works, translating to “preordering.”

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Arabic: Qadar (قدر), Taqdīr (تقدير)
• Turkish: Kader

Theological Significance

Predestination is the sixth article of the Islamic creed, affirming that everything in the cosmos is determined by the Divine Will. This doctrine has profound implications for the belief system and the ethical framework within which Muslims navigate their lives.

Scriptural Basis

Numerous verses in the Qur’an support the concept of divine predestination:

• Sūrah 54:49: “All things have been created after fixed decree” (Qadar).
• Sūrah 3:139: “No one can die except by God’s permission according to the book that fixeth the term of life.”
• Sūrah 87:2: “The Lord hath created and balanced all things and hath fixed their destinies and guided them.”
• Sūrah 8:17: “God slew them, and those shafts were God’s, not thine.”

Hadith on Predestination

Hadith literature also provides insights into the nature of predestination:

• Creation of Adam and Decreed Destinies: God created Adam and predetermined the paths of his descendants, some being destined for Paradise and others for Hell.
• Key Hadith References: Traditions by al-Bukhari and Muslim detail how God decrees the life span, actions, dwelling-places, and destinies of every soul.

Diverse Theological Schools

Islamic thought on predestination is diverse, chiefly categorized into three main schools:

1. The Jabrīans (Jabarīyūn):

   • Believe in compulsion, denying human free agency.
   • Assert that man acts according to God’s eternal and unchangeable decree.

2. The Qadrīans (Qadarīyūn):

   • Deny God’s absolute decree for every act.
   • Emphasize human free will and responsibility for actions.

3. The Ashʿarīans:

   • Integrate aspects of both divine predestination and human free will.
   • Argue that God’s will encompasses both good and evil, yet humans are responsible agents.

Philosophical Perspectives

Islamic philosophers like Averroes attempted to reconcile predestination with the notion of human free will. His perspective highlighted the role of external causes influenced by God’s universal laws, a concept enveloped within the theological terminology of predestination.

Recommended Texts for Further Study

1. “Faith of Islam” by E. Sell
2. “Islam: Beliefs and Observances” by Caesar E. Farah
3. “Islamic Theology and Philosophy” by Michael E. Marmura
4. “Mélanges de Philosophie Juive et Arabe” by S. Munk

Key Takeaways

1. Qadar is a crucial doctrine in Islam that declares all happenings as part of God’s unalterable plan.
2. Different schools of thought within Islam provide varied interpretations on the extent of human free will.
3. Both the Qur’an and Hadith are essential sources for understanding the nuances of predestination.
4. Philosophical discourses seek to bridge the gap between divine foreknowledge and human autonomy.

Conclusion

The doctrine of Qadar or predestination holds a significant place in Islamic theology, representing the intricate balance between divine sovereignty and human agency. Studying this concept offers profound insights into the broader framework of Islamic belief and ethics, fostering a deeper understanding of how Muslims perceive fate and free will.

By examining the doctrine of predestination in Islam, one gains a deeper understanding of the theological complexities and the ways in which these beliefs shape the ethical and spiritual lives of Muslims.