Qadarīyah: Asserters of Free Will in Islamic Theology
Introduction
The Qadarīyah (قَدَرِيَّة), often referred to as the “Asserters of Free Will,” are a group within Islamic theology who emphasize human free will against the concept of predestination. The name Qadarīyah derives from the Arabic word “Qadar” (قَدَر), meaning “fate” or “destiny”. These groups were involved in heated debates over the extent of divine vs. human control over actions and destiny.
Etymology
- Arabic: قَدَرِيَّة (Qadarīyah)
- Turkish: Kaderiyecilik
Subdivisions and Doctrines
The Qadarīyah are divided into several sub-groups, each advocating unique perspectives on free will, divine justice, and other theological matters.
1. Aḥadīyah
- Doctrine: Accept the injunctions of God but reject those of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Significance: Illustrates a distinct separation between divine command and prophetic tradition.
2. S̤anawīyah
- Doctrine: Advocate dualism, believing in two eternal principles: good, emanating from Yazdān (God), and evil, originating from Ahriman.
- Significance: Reflects influence from Zoroastrian dualism, focusing on an eternal struggle between good and evil.
3. Kaisanīyah
- Doctrine: Propose two possibilities: our actions are either creations of God or they are not.
- Significance: Highlights the complexity and ambiguity surrounding divine involvement in human actions.
4. Shait̤ānīyah
- Doctrine: Deny the personality of Satan, possibly viewing evil as an abstract force.
- Significance: Alters the traditional Islamic understanding of Iblis (Satan).
5. Sharīkīyah
- Doctrine: Claim faith (Iman) is “uncreated” (g͟hair mak͟hlūq).
- Significance: Positions faith beyond temporal creation, emphasizing its eternal nature.
6. Wahmīyah
- Doctrine: Assert that human actions are inconsequential whether good or evil.
- Significance: Challenges the moral and ethical foundation of human accountability.
7. Ruwaidīyah
- Doctrine: Maintain the world has an eternal existence.
- Significance: Contradicts the common belief in the temporal creation of the universe.
8. Nākisīyah
- Doctrine: Justify resisting and fighting against the Imām or Khalīfah.
- Significance: Approaches political authority and resistance from a theological angle.
9. Mutabarrīyah
- Doctrine: Claim divine non-acceptance of repentance from sinners.
- Significance: Offers a severe perspective on divine mercy and forgiveness.
10. Qāsit̤īyah
- Doctrine: Advocate the acquirement of wealth and learning as a religious duty commanded by God.
- Significance: Connects material wealth and education directly with religious observance.
11. Naz̤āmīyah
- Doctrine: Legitimizes speaking of God as a “thing” (shaiʾ).
- Significance: Influences discussions on the transcendence and immanence of divine nature.
12. Mutawallifīyah
- Doctrine: Argue indeterminacy in whether evil is decreed by God or not.
- Significance: Represents a neutral stance on divine determinism concerning evil.
Important Works for Further Study
- “Divine Justice and Human Destiny: An Islamic Perspective on Free Will” by Alarief Abdul Hakim.
- “Islamic Theology and Philosophy: Studies in Honor of George F. Hourani” edited by Michael E. Marmura.
- “Islamic Philosophy and Theology: Texts and Studies” by Marmura, Michael E.
Takeaways
- Qadarīyah represents significant theological diversity within Islam, focusing on the concept of free will.
- Each subgroup presents unique interpretations of divine justice, human agency, and ethical consequences.
- These theological debates continue to shape Islamic thought and doctrine, influencing both historical and contemporary discourse.
Conclusion
The Qadarīyah are a crucial component in the tapestry of Islamic theological traditions. Their emphasis on free will and the diversity within their doctrinal subdivisions foster deep and ongoing discussions on the nature of divine decree, human agency, and accountability in Islamic thought.
By understanding the Qadarīyah and their diverse beliefs, we gain richer insights into the complexities of Islamic theology and its enduring impact on religious and philosophical discussions.
