Taqdīr (تقدير)
Definition
Taqdīr (Arabic: تقدير) refers to the Islamic doctrine of Fate or Predestination. It literally means “to measure” and represents the belief that all events are determined by Allah’s divine decree.
Etymology
The term Taqdīr is derived from the Arabic root “ق د ر” (q-d-r), meaning “to measure” or “to determine.” The concept of Taqdīr is closely linked to al-Qadr (القدر), another Arabic term often translated as “Divine Decree” or “Destiny.”
- Arabic: تقدير (taqdir)
- Turkish: Kader
Theological Importance
Predestination in Islam
Taqdīr forms an essential part of Islamic theology and is a fundamental tenet of the faith, often discussed in the context of Qadr. This doctrine posits that everything that happens in the universe is preordained by Allah. It encompasses several aspects:
- Preordained Events: Events that are set to happen due to divine decree.
- Human Free Will: While Allah’s will is considered absolute, Islamic scholars have debated the coexistence of divine predestination and human free will.
- Faith and Acceptance: Belief in Taqdīr encourages Muslims to have faith and accept occurrences, whether perceived as good or bad, as part of Allah’s divine wisdom.
Doctrinal Implications
Taqdīr relates closely to the six articles of faith in Islam, particularly the belief in al-Qadr (Divine Decree). It also has practical implications, influencing how Muslims view life events, challenges, and successes. Taqdīr teaches the virtues of patience (sabır) and reliance on Allah (tawakkul).
Scholarly Perspectives
Islamic scholars have diverse views on the intricacies of Taqdīr and human free will. Prominent schools of thought include:
- Ash’arism: Advocates a balance between divine preordination and limited human free will.
- Mu’tazilism: Emphasizes human responsibility and free will.
- Maturidism: Presents a nuanced view that endorses divine decree alongside human accountability.
Further Reading
For a comprehensive understanding of Taqdīr and related theological discussions, consider the following books:
- “The Conception of Fate in Early Islamic Thought” by Harry Austryn Wolfson
- “Islamic Philosophy, Science, Culture, and Religion: Studies in Honor of Dimitri Gutas” edited by Felicitas Opwis and David Reisman
- “The Divine Will and Human Agency: Ibn ʿArabī’s School and Later Islamic Thought” by Mohammad Hassan Khalil
Takeaways
- Taqdīr underscores the belief in divine predestination, a central tenet of Islamic faith.
- It integrates into the broader theological discourse on Qadr (Divine Decree) and human agency.
- Understanding Taqdīr fosters a deeper appreciation for Islamic views on fate, patience, and reliance on Allah.
Conclusion
Taqdīr (تقدير) is a profound aspect of Islamic belief that intertwines with various theological, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of the faith. By studying Taqdīr, one gains insight into the complex interplay between divine sovereignty and human free will in Islamic thought.
