Qadariyyah

Overview

Qadariyyah refers to a classical Islamic theological school that emerged between the seventh and ninth centuries, primarily known for its emphasis on human free will. The Qadariyyah advocated the belief that humans have the ability to make their own choices and hence are accountable for their actions. This doctrine was a significant point of theological debate within early Islam and was later integrated into the principles of the Mu’tazilite school, while being rejected by Ash’ari theology.

Etymology

The term Qadariyyah (القدرية) is derived from the Arabic word Qadar (قدر), which signifies “power” or “decree.” In this context, it relates to the concept of divine decree and predestination.

Key Beliefs

1. Human Free Will: The Qadariyyah posited that human beings possess free will, and this capability is essential for moral responsibility. It provided a foundation for asserting human accountability in terms of ethical and judicial matters in Islamic law.

2. Divine Justice: The theological stance of the Qadariyyah emphasized that God’s justice necessitates human free will. Without free will, the moral accountability of humans would be meaningless, and God’s punishment or reward would be unjust.

3. Rejection of Predestination: Contrary to the doctrine of predestination prevalent in other theological schools like the Ash’ariyah, the Qadariyyah maintained that attributing all human actions directly to the will of God would absolve individuals of responsibility and undermine justice.

Influence and Legacy

Adoption by Mu’tazilis

The principles of the Qadariyyah were largely absorbed by the Mu’tazilite school, a rationalist theology that also valued human rationality and justice as key components of the divine order. The Mu’tazilis extended and developed these teachings significantly.

Rejection by Ash’arism

The dominant theological school of Ash’arism, established by Al-Ash’ari, rejected Qadariyyah’s emphasis on free will, instead advocating for a form of occasionalism where all actions are directly caused by God. This position became more prevailing within Sunni orthodoxy.

Arabic and Turkish Translation

• Arabic: القدرية
• Turkish: Kaderiyye

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “Islamic Theology: Traditionalism and Rationalism” by Binyamin Abrahamov
2. “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
3. “Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader” by John Renard

Takeaways

• The Qadariyyah school is important in early Islamic intellectual history for its emphasis on human free will and responsibility.
• Theological debates on free will vs predestination were central to the development of Islamic thought, notably influencing the evolution of Islamic jurisprudence and ethics.
• Though its views were eventually overshadowed by Ash’arite orthodoxy, Qadariyyah’s legacy continued through the Mu’tazilites and ongoing theological discourse.

Conclusion

The Qadariyyah represents a significant yet contentious strand of Islamic theology that championed the concept of human free will as crucial to divine justice and human moral responsibility. The intense theological debates it engendered shaped early Islamic thought and continue to be a reference point in contemporary discussions on morality, justice, and the nature of divine decree.