Muslim Belief in Predestination | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Predestination & Human Freedom

Predestination

• Predestination refers to the concept that God has predetermined all events that will occur.
• In Islam, it is believed that God oversees everything and has a divine blueprint for everyone's life (al-Qadr).
• Muslims hold that the reasons behind the universe's workings are beyond human understanding, yet everything fits into a grand divine scheme.

The Qur’an states, ‘Only what Allah has ordained will come to pass for us. He is our Guardian: let the faithful place their trust in Allah’ (Qur’an 9:51).

• God possesses complete and flawless knowledge, aware even of the innermost thoughts and intentions of people.

‘He is aware of all that is in the heavens and the earth, knowing both what you hide and what you reveal. And Allah knows what lies within the hearts’ (Qur’an 64:4).

• The phrase ‘insha’Allah’ reflects the belief that all outcomes are beyond human control and rest in God’s hands.
• When Muslims say insha’Allah, they express their submission to God’s will.
• Their plans will only come to fruition if God wills it.
• God has recorded all that will happen in a divine book of decrees.
• The Decree of Allah, inscribed in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuud before the universe’s creation, remains unchangeable and includes all that will ever occur.

‘Say, “We will only be affected by what Allah has destined for us; He is our protector.” And let the believers place their trust in Allah’ (Qur’an 9:51).

Human Freedom

• The notion that everything is preordained without room for human choice conflicts with the Islamic belief in free will.
  • Many see this as a paradox, questioning whether one’s future can be fixed while still having the ability to make choices.
• The Sunni belief in al-Qadr (predestination) and the Shi’a principle of Adalat (God’s justice) shape perspectives on human freedom and accountability on the Day of Judgement.
• Sunni Muslims believe in al-Qadr, meaning that all events occur according to Allah’s will, and nothing happens by chance. God’s will is ultimate, having predetermined all events.
• Some Sunni Muslims emphasize God’s omnipotence, believing He has already decided everything that will take place in the universe.
• This perspective prioritizes God’s all-knowing nature over human freedom, but it does not imply that individuals lack choices in their behavior.
• People are not compelled to follow a set path; they have the freedom to decide how they want to live.
• Humans are responsible for their actions as much as they can be, and are encouraged to trust in Allah.
• Taking responsibility also means being accountable for one’s actions.
• Shi’a Muslims place greater emphasis on human free will and personal accountability for their fate in the afterlife.
• Shi’a Muslims believe that while God knows everything, He does not dictate all actions, allowing for free will.
• As the creator of time, God exists outside of it and is not constrained by it.
• Thus, He is aware of the past, present, and future simultaneously.
• Human free will is significant for all Muslims because it is tied to the Day of Judgement, where actions will determine one’s fate.
  • The choices individuals make are crucial, as they are recorded by angels and reviewed on the Day of Judgement to decide whether a person enters heaven or hell.
  • ‘And you will surely be questioned about what you have done’ (Qur’an).
  • This life is viewed as a preparation for the afterlife, as the Qur’an states: ‘Your Lord will fully reward everyone for their deeds. He is fully aware of all they do’ (Qur’an 11:111).

Impact of Belief in Predestination on the Lives of Muslims

The Influence of Predestination on Muslim Life

• Believing in predestination can alleviate fear of death for Muslims, as the outcome is already set by Allah.
• It may heighten their awareness of Allah’s presence, motivating them to strive for righteous living.
• The belief that Allah has a predetermined plan can provide comfort, especially during challenging times.
• Many Muslims feel guided by Allah in their decision-making.
• However, some may attribute their actions to “God’s plan” instead of taking personal responsibility for their choices.