2.2.4 Muslim Belief in Predestination

'Only what God has decreed will happen to us.'

— Qur'an 9:51

Predestination (Al-Qadr)

• Divine Knowledge: Allah possesses complete knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. This knowledge is perfect and encompasses all possibilities.

'Allah is Knowing and Wise.' (Surah An-Nisa, 4:26)

• Control: Allah has absolute control over all things, and nothing occurs without His will. This control signifies that every event in the universe is a part of Allah's grand design.

'Allah is Most Capable of everything.' (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:284)

• Written Destiny: Muslims believe that Allah has written the destiny of all creation in a preserved tablet known as Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz. This includes all events, actions, and outcomes for all beings.

'No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being – indeed that, for Allah, is easy' (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:22)

Human Freedom

While Allah has predestined all events, humans are endowed with free will to make their own choices. This concept is crucial for understanding human responsibility and accountability.

• Free Will: Humans have the capacity to choose their actions, whether good or bad. This free will allows for personal responsibility and moral decision-making.
• Accountability: Individuals are responsible for their choices and will be judged by Allah based on their intentions and actions. This ensures a fair evaluation of each person's life.
• Balance: There is a balance between Allah's control and human free will. While Allah knows the choices individuals will make, He does not compel them to act in a certain way. This balance allows for human freedom within the framework of divine knowledge and destiny.

Relationship to the Day of Judgement

Judgement Based on Actions: Despite the belief in predestination, humans are judged based on the choices they made using their free will.

Record of Deeds: Angels record every person's actions, which are presented on the Day of Judgement.

Reward and Punishment: Those who chose to do good and followed Allah's guidance will be rewarded

Shi'a Beliefs on Predestination and Free Will

Shi'a Muslims maintain that Allah's foreknowledge includes all choices people will make, yet they still exercise their free will.

"God does not change the condition of a people for the worse unless they change what is in themselves." (Qur'an 13:11)

They argue that judgement based on actions implies that individuals had the free will to act, suggesting that human free will and divine knowledge coexist without contradiction.