1. Understanding the Divine Decree and Free Will
Divine decree or predestination is a topic theologians and philosophers have debated over for centuries. As Muslims we believe in the Destiny [Qadr] – that everything in existence has been decreed, measured out and is in the foreknowledge of Allah [God]ﷻ [jalla jalāluhu – Great is His Majesty]. Allahﷻ is just and wise in Hisﷻ decree and actions. Allahﷻ has will to decide what will be and whatever Heﷻ does not will, will not be. Heﷻ has knowledge of everything in the whole universe from trajectories of planets and stars, to the drops of rain, the people and animals who dwell on earth, and the tiniest creatures that are unseen to the human eye. Not a leaf stirs without Hisﷻ knowledge and Heﷻ has power over everything. Divine decree and free will [Qadr and Qadā] are defined as the Will of Allahﷻ and Hisﷻ Action [Afʿāl], both of which determine the destiny of creation pre-eternally. At the same time as believers, we are responsible for our actions and so we strive to do good in this lower world. This is the sixth pillar of faith [imān] and to believe in it is to believe that all things that happen, good or bad, do so only by the will and power of Allahﷻ.
إِنَّا كُلَّ شَىۡءٍ خَلَقۡنَـٰهُ بِقَدَرٍ۬ so
“Verily, all things have We created in proportion and measure.” QURʾĀN: The Moon [Al-Qamar] 54:49
How then can we reconcile these two very opposing facts? Do we have absolute free will or is all that we do pre-determined? And if we have no control and are forced to do what we do, what would be the purpose of being tested in this world and judged in the Hereafter?
The noble Qur’ān and the blessed teachings and practices of the beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ [sunnah] indicate that Allahﷻ is transcendent [tanzīh] and is just, and so takes a middle ground, and that Allahﷻ has absolute power and sovereignty over Hisﷻ creation, whilst we still have responsibility for our actions. The implication of the Destiny [Qadr] of Allahﷻ is that Heﷻ knows the limits and greatness of everything, as everything takes place according to Hisﷻ pre-eternal Knowledge. Despite this, humans still have free will and are not coerced to do anything. However, our free will is created by Allahﷻ according to acquisition [kasab] which is what we are taken to account for. And although we are given the characteristic of acquisition [kasab], which means to have power and ability to make action, it is ultimately up to the Will of Allahﷻ. In other words, Allah’sﷻ Will can either let us or prevent us from performing that action. Human actions are only partial; we might have the will to do something, but it does not mean it will happen if Allahﷻ does not will it. An important point to remember is that we as believers cannot be true servants of Allahﷻ if we attain everything we desire and want to do. The choice we have (though limited) is not forced on us; hence we can choose what is right and wrong.
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ
“And Allah created you and whatever you do?” QURʾĀN: Ranged in Rows [As-Ṣāffāt] 37:96
As believers we should have perfect contentment [riḍā] and accept whatever happens in our life, knowing that Allah’sﷻ will, power and knowledge encompass everything. A fine example of fully trusting the decree [Qadr] of Allahﷻ without understanding it, is when Prophet Moses [Musa] عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him] was an infant and Allahﷻ revealed to his birth mother to put him in a basket and throw him into the river to protect him from the Pharaoh. She feared the tyrant Pharaoh and yet the river was even more of a danger for her baby son. This lesson shows her perfect trust in Allahﷻ. Even though she did not want to be separated from her son, and was told to do something so dangerous for him, she wholeheartedly obeyed the command of Allahﷻ, for indeed it is Heﷻ Who had bestowed upon her the gift of a son, and in return Allahﷻ strengthened her heart and put her at ease, by giving her comfort and telling her of his future role as one of Hisﷻ noble Messengers.
“And We inspired the mother of Musa (Moses), (saying): ‘Suckle him [Musa (Moses)], but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers.’ 7 So the family of Pharoah picked him up, so that he becomes for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief. Indeed Pharoah, Haman and their armies were mistaken.8 And the wife of Pharoah said, (to Pharoah about Musa), ‘He may be a delight of eye for me and you. Do not kill him. It is hoped that he will be of benefit to us, or we will adopt him as a son.’ And they were not aware (of what was going to happen). ” – QURʾĀN: The Story [Al-Qaṣaṣ ] 7-9
To comprehend this more deeply, we need first to understand different thinking strategies. As people, we cannot conceive or know reality outside of time and space, whereas Allahﷻ exists outside of and beyond time and space. The Divine Decree is not limited to the framework of time and space and exists in what we call the Unseen [Ghaybīyyāt]. With our limited minds, how can we ever comprehend and grasp the Divine Decree of Allahﷻ? Allahﷻ is the Lord of Majesty and Might and we are mere specks of dust floating in streams of sunlight.
2. The different thinking strategies
In his book Monotheism -The Way to the True God, Sheikh Mohammed Al -Ghazāli رَحْمَةُ الله عليه [rahmatullāhi ʿalayhi: May the Mercy of Allah be upon him] explores how the thinking strategy at the level of Islam (which is within time and space), which regulates our physical actions and choices, differs from the thinking strategy at the level of faith [imān] – regarding Allah’s ﷻ doings (outside time and space).
2.1 The thinking strategy within time and space – IslĀm
This is the level that falls within the Islamic Jurisprudence and Etiquette [Sharīʿah] which regulates our outward actions and pursuits. Human beings have free will at this level as Allahﷻ has told us.
هُوَ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلۡأَرۡضَ ذَلُولاً۬ فَٱمۡشُواْ فِى مَنَاكِبِہَا وَكُلُواْ مِن رِّزۡقِهِۦۖ وَإِلَيۡهِ ٱلنُّشُورُ
“Walk on the paths of earth, and eat from His provisions…” – QURʾĀN: Control [Al-Mulk] 67:15
إِنَّ هَـٰذِهِۦ تَذۡكِرَةٌ۬ۖ فَمَن شَآءَ ٱتَّخَذَ إِلَىٰ رَبِّهِۦ سَبِيلاً۬
“This is a reminder; whoever wills can start on a path to his Lord.” – QURʾĀN: Man [Al-Insān] 76:29
And so, we are granted responsibility for all our decisions and actions and will be held accountable for them. We know this because Allahﷻ has declared to us in Quranic verses:
“Verily the hearing and the sight and the heart, each of these shall be asked about.” – QURʾĀN: The Night Journey [Al-Israʾ] 36
“And their hands will speak to us and their legs will bear witness about what they used to do.” QURʾĀN: Ya-Sin [Ya-Sīn] 65
2.2 The thinking strategy outside time and space – ImĀn:
This level is beyond the physical world and our limited rational faculties. Ultimately we are utterly helpless without any true control and so we appear to be predestined. This is the metaphysical world where Allah ﷻ alone is witnessed, and everything is under Hisﷻ control.
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا ڪَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوۡلَٮٰنَاۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلۡيَتَوَڪَّلِ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنُونَ
“Say: ‘Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Master. It is in Allah that believers should put their trust.’” – QURʾĀN: Repentance [Al-Tawbah] 9:51
وَٱللَّهُ خَلَقَكُمۡ وَمَا تَعۡمَلُونَ
“Allah has created you and whatever you do.” – QURʾĀN: Ranged in Rows [As-Ṣāffāt] 37:96
To conclude, the Sunni School considers both free will and predestination. We have the free will to conceive things through our mind and pursue through our senses. Allahﷻ has given us the ability to choose, so it is ultimately up to us to discern between what is right and what is wrong, to avoid crooked and dark pathways and bad deeds and to set our hearts on the straight path of goodness and obedience to Allahﷻ. In every prayer we read the opening chapter of the Quran which has this idea as a supplication, punctuating our day as we ask Allahﷻ to grant us passage and guidance to the ways which earn Hisﷻ pleasure, seeking to follow it and not to go astray in following the ways that displease Himﷻ.
“Take us on the straight path. The path of those on whom you have bestowed your Grace, not of those who have incurred your wrath, nor of those who have gone astray.” QURʾĀN: The Opening [Al Fātiḥa] 6-7
However, our will does not clash with Allah’sﷻ Will; if Allahﷻ does not want something to happen, it will not happen. Heﷻ is our Master and Creator. Predestination is in the world of the unseen, known only to Allahﷻ. Therefore, we do not know what Allahﷻ decrees until it manifests in the physical world. We submit to the decree of our Creatorﷻ knowing in our hearts that Heﷻ is in control of everything in existence. We fulfil the responsibility given to us and are content that the result of that is in the perfect control of the Enabler, Allah ﷻ.
3. Believing in the Divine Decree [Qadr and QADĀ]
3.1 ALLAH’Sﷻ ALL-ENCOMPASSING KNOWLEDGE
As muslims, we believe in the all-encompassing knowledge of Allahﷻ. Allahﷻ has ‘…complete knowledge of everything.’ (Qurān: 49:16) This has been mentioned in the Qur’ān several times; its purpose is to show that nothing is hidden from Allah ﷻ on earth or in the heavens. Allahﷻ does not acquire knowledge; Heﷻ is the true Source of knowledge. Hisﷻ knowledge does not increase or decrease; it is limitless. Allahﷻ has knowledge of what has been, what is, what will be, what could have been and what has not been if it has been. So expansive is Allah’s ﷻ knowledge that He ﷻ is aware of every movement of Hisﷻ creations on land, in the heavens and in the depths of the sea.
ا
“It is Allah who has created seven heavens and of the earth, the like of them. [His] command descends among them so you may know that Allah is over all things competent and that Allah has encompassed all things in knowledge.” – QUR’ĀN: Divorce [At-Talāq] 65:12
“And in His Providence are the keys of the Unseen; none knows them except He. And He knows whatever is in the land and the sea. And in no way does a leaf fall down, except that He knows it, and not a grain in the darkness (es) of the earth, not a thing wet or dry, except that it is in an evident Book.” QUR’ĀN: Livestock [Al-Anʿām] 6:59
3.2 THE PRESERVED TABLET [LAWḤ UL MAḤFŪDH]
As muslims, we believe that Allahﷻ has inscribed every existing thing in the Preserved Tablet [Lawḥul Maḥfūdh]. Allahﷻ created the Pen and the Tablet, and then Heﷻ commanded the Pen to write what was decreed about everything until the coming of the Last Hour. The Preserved Tablet is beyond human understanding as it has a record of every known or unknown event, all thoughts, and movements (or lack of) within creation, including the Divine Scriptures. Not an atom can move without its precise time, location and direction being written upon this clear Record.
“We shall certainly bring the dead back to life, and We record what they send ahead of them as well as what they leave behind: We keep an account of everything in a clear Record.”– QUR’ĀN: Ya Sin [Yā Sīn] 36:12
“No calamity [or blessing] occurs on earth or in yourselves without being [written] in a Record before We bring it into being. This is certainly easy for Allah.” – QUR’ĀN: Iron [Al-Hadīd] 57:22
3.3 THE WILL AND POWER OF ALLAH ﷻ
We believe in and submit to the absolute will [irāda] and absolute power [qudra] of our Lord of Mercy and Might, Allahﷻ. Allahﷻ exercises Hisﷻ will all the time and it is without beginning [qadīm]. Nothing can take place without the will and power of Allahﷻ. There are limitless possibilities and limitless impossibilities, but Allahﷻ may choose a particular option for us and no one can question it.
“Your Lord creates and chooses whatever He wills – the choice is not theirs. Glorified and Exalted is Allah above what they associate [with Him]!” – QURʾĀN: The Story [Al-Qaṣaṣ ] 28:68
“If Allah touches you with harm, none can undo it except Him. And if He touches you with a blessing, He is Most Capable of everything.” – QURʾĀN: Livestock [Al-Anʿām] 6:17
3.4 ALLAH’S ﷻ CREATION
As muslims, we believe that Allahﷻ has created everything in the Universe and everything else but Himﷻ is a creation. Allah ﷻ created both good [khayr] and evil [sharr]. Heﷻ is the almighty Creatorﷻ of all things, including the actions of Hisﷻ servants. In Allah’s ﷻ pre-eternal knowledge, Heﷻ knows the choices which we will make from our own will and which are therefore predestined for us. Just as a mother who loves and understands her children, can predict what choices they will make, so Allahﷻ knows us more intimately than we know ourselves.
“Indeed We have created man, and We know whatever thoughts his inner self develops, and We are closer to him than (his) jugular vein,”–QURʾĀN: Qaf [Qaf] 50:16
“Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the Maintainer of everything.” – QURʾĀN: The Throngs [Az-Zumar] 39:62
“[Allah is] the One to Whom belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth, Who has never had [any] offspring, nor does He have a partner in [governing] the kingdom. He has created everything, ordaining it precisely.” – QURʾĀN: The Differentiator [Al-Furqān] 25:2
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Verily, the hearts of mankind, all of them, are between two fingers of the All-Merciful like one single heart, which He turned as He so wills.” – SOURCE: Sahih Muslim 2655
4. The Benefits of Believing in Destiny: QADĀ & Qadr
4.1 CONTENTMENT & CERTAINTY [RIḌĀ-WAL-YAQĪN]
As believers, we must have contentment and certainty [riḍā-wal-yaqīn] that whatever happens is in the control of Allahﷻ. When tested with affliction or hardship, we feel content and accept our circumstances. When we are content with the Divine Decree [Qadr] Allahﷻ will place certainty in our hearts and sincerity in our beliefs, and so we will not be overcome with frustration or lose hope. And so we are thankful to Allahﷻ for whatever happens to us (good or bad) as we know that Allahﷻ decrees according to Hisﷻ knowledge, and Hisﷻ knowledge encompasses everything. We also have an understanding that something that may seem to be bad or difficult, can be good and beneficial in ways that we cannot always understand. Thus, the believer is satisfied with the Divine Decree [Qadā and Qadr], having full trust [tawakkul] in Allahﷻ that their patience [ṣabr] will be rewarded.
An example of this understanding lies in the heart of the Qurʾān in the chapter of the Cave in which Musa عليه السلام [ʿalayhi salām: Peace be upon him] meets Al-Khidr عليه السلام , a slave of Allahﷻ who has been granted wisdom and understanding from his Lordﷻ.
“Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from us.” Qurʾān: The Cave [Al Kahf] 65
So Prophet Musa عليه السلام requested to travel alongside this pious saint in order to gain from his knowledge and wisdom. Al- Khidr عليه السلام granted him permission but on the condition that he was to say nothing and bear what he was to witness with patience. Three things then happened which Musa عليه السلام could not help but question. First of all Al- Khidr عليه السلام found a ship and he broke it; on the next occasion, he killed a boy without any apparent reason; finally they came across a town with a wall that was about to collapse. Although the people of the town had refused them food, Al Khidr عليه السلام repaired the broken wall without any demand for payment. On each of these occasions, Musa عليه السلام questioned him as to why he had done each thing. Finally al-Khidr عليه السلام explained to him the reasons for the things he had been unable to bear with patience.
As for the ship, it had belonged to poor people but an avaricious King was after them, seizing every boat by force. He would not seize a broken ship and so the poor people would be able to fix it and use it for their fishing.
As for the boy, he had believing parents but al Khidr عليه السلام feared he would oppress them with rebellion and disbelief and so took his life, knowing that Allahﷻ would grant them a better more righteous son, close to mercy and goodness. And as for the wall, it concealed a treasure belonging to two orphan boys in the town, whose father had been a righteous man. The wall would therefore protect their wealth until they reached the age of full strength when they could take it as a mercy from Allahﷻ.
So we can see in each case that there was an excellent reason, goodness and mercy hidden within deeds and actions which seemed to be unpleasant or wrong. This teaches us that whenever part of something is outwardly evil, the complete picture is goodness and mercy. So when the storms and bitterest winds of life rage and blow, the believer’s heart is light, trusting completely and knowing that the warm sunlight will shine again and that the gentle rains will fall by Allah’sﷻ permission and grace.
“Undoubtedly, along with the hardship, there is ease.” QURʾĀN: Relief [Al Shahr] 94:5
Story of Prophet Musa (AS) – (Moses) – The Story Moses and Al-Khidr | Islamic History (alim.org)
“Sufficient for me is Allah and He is a good Protector.” – QURʾĀN: The Family of Imrān [Al-ʾImrān] 3:173
“Say [O Prophet, that Allah says], ‘O My servants who believe! Be mindful of your Lord. Those who do good in this world will have a good reward. And Allah’s earth is spacious. Only those who endure patiently will be given their reward without limit.’” – QURʾĀN : The Throngs [Az-Zumar] 39:10
4.2 RELIEF [INSHIRAḤ]
As believers, in our hearts there is relief [inshiraḥ] that Allah’sﷻ plan is the best of plans. Placing our trust in Allahﷻ eases our hearts and puts us in a state of tranquillity and comfort. This is like a medicine for the diseases which the Devil [Shayṭān] puts in our hearts – such as anxiety, anger and impatience. By placing our trust in Allahﷻ, and understanding Destiny [Qadr]we will not have such spiritual diseases. Literally our hearts are washed clean by the waters of prayer and remembrance, and we seek the gift of patience, turning our hearts to Allahﷻ as we live our lives.
“Did we not expand for you, [O Muhammad], your breast? And we removed from you your burden. Which had weighed upon your back. And raised high for you your repute. For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So, when you have finished (your duties), then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.” – QURʾĀN: Relief [Ash-Sharḥ] 94:1-8
“And [remember, O Prophet] when the disbelievers conspired to capture, kill, or exile you. They planned, but Allah also planned. And Allah is the best of planners”. – QURʾĀN: Battle Gains [Al-Anfāl] 8:30
4.3 NOT FEARING HARM FROM THE CREATION
As believers, we will not fear harm from creation. We submit to and trust in the ever-flowing mercy of the most Mercifulﷻ and we know that Heﷻ is infinitely more merciful than a mother to her child.
Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: Some prisoners of war were brought to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and a nursing woman was among them. Whenever she found a child among the prisoners, she would take it to her chest and nurse it. The Prophet said to us, “Do you think this woman would throw her child into the fire?” We said, “No, not if she was able to stop it.” The Prophet said, “Allah is more merciful to His servants than this mother is to her child.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5999, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2754
4.4 WHAT IS MEANT TO BE WILL BE
As believers, we are confident in knowing that whatever is meant for us will not miss us and whatever is not for us will not be for us. We do not fear death as we know our death-time, along with everything happening in our lifetime, has been decreed by Allahﷻ.
Abu Darda reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Everything has a reality, and the servant will not reach the reality of faith until he knows that what afflicted him could never miss him, and that what missed him could never have afflicted him.” – SOURCE Musnad Aḥmad 26944
4.5 NOT REGRETTING
As believers we will not regret what has missed us in the past.
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If anything befalls you, do not say, “If only I had done such and such!”Rather say, “Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa’ala (Allah has decreed and whatever he wills, He does).” For (saying) ‘if’ opens (the door) to the deeds of Satan.'” – SOURCE Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2664
4.6 PROTECTION FROM CALAMITY
As believers, we know that whatever Allahﷻ has chosen for us is good [khayr] for us. Only Allahﷻ, the All-Awareﷻ knows how many calamities Heﷻ is protecting Hisﷻservants from.
“Every soul will taste death. And We test you [O humanity] with good and evil as a trial, then to Us you will [all] be returned.” – QURʾĀN: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:35
It is reported that the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him, said: “When some misfortune descends, the supplication intercepts it and then they both wrestle till Qiyamah [The Day of Resurrection].” (i.e. Supplication [duʿāʾ] does not allow the calamity to descend to the earth.) – SOURCE Bazār, Tabrāni, and Hakīm from The Mother of the Believers [Umm al-Mu’minīn] Sayyidah ʿĀʾishah Siddīqah, Mustadrak al-Hakīm 1813
4.7 RELIEF FROM ANXIETY, SORROW & THE FIRE
As believers, we are relieved from anxiety [hamm], sorrow [ghamm], sadness and over-thinking and we are gifted with the light of faith and guidance. Belief that Allah ﷻ has absolute Power and sovereignty over His ﷻ creations saves His ﷻ obedient servants from the fire.
Suhaib reported that the Prophet, peace, and blessings be upon him said: “Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight, he thanks [God], thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shows resignation [and endures it patiently], there is a good for him in it.” – SOURCE Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2999 2
5. Good [Khayr] and Evil [Sharr] in the Divine Decree [QADĀ & Qadr] – Why does evil happen in the world?
We have established that everything that happens in the heavens and the earth takes place according to Allah’sﷻ Will, Power and pre-eternal Knowledge. The Qur’ān tells us that nothing happens without the Will of Allah ﷻ; Heﷻ is the Creator of everything – good [khayr] and evil [sharr]. Belief in Allah’s ﷻ Divine Decree [Qadā and Qadr] includes being happy with both the good and the bad.
When faced with anything good, the believer should remain grateful to Allahﷻ, and when faced with hardship, the believer should strive to have patience. Nevertheless, Allahﷻ has given us the will to choose between right and wrong and has sent us Messengers to show us the right path and warn us against the wrong path. Through this will we are able to choose between marriage or fornication/adultery [zina], alcohol or milk, stealing or working etc.
“We guided him to the right path, whether he was grateful or not.” – QURʾĀN: Man [Al-Insān] 76:3
“And point out to him the two clear ways [of good and evil]?” – QURʾĀN: The City [Al-Balad] 90:10
However, our will never goes against Allah’sﷻ Will. If we want something to happen, it will not happen without the permission of Allahﷻ.
“And in no way can you decide except [when] Allah [so] decides, The Lord of the worlds.” – QURʾĀN: Shrouded in Darkness [Al-Takwir] 81:29
Though Allahﷻ created both good and evil, we do not associate the evil with Allahﷻ because Heﷻ does not create complete evil without wisdom and goodness behind it. Evil is from the creation and is not in Allah’sﷻ actions [ʾafʿāl].
“Whatever hardship befalls you is because of what your own hands have committed, while He overlooks many [of your faults].” – QURʾĀN: Consultation [Ash-Shūrā] 42:10
Everything Allahﷻ decrees, whether it is hardship or ease is always good for us, even if we do not see the benefit of it. For example, Allahﷻ created the devil [Iblīs] to differentiate between the good people and bad people. Martyrs die for the sake of Allahﷻ, but their death is compensated with a high place in Paradise [Jannah]. Indeed, the limited (humans) cannot understand the Limitless (Allah)ﷻ. And also, we should have good manners towards Allahﷻ and ascribe only goodness to Himﷻ.
“And we know not whether evil is intended for those on earth, or whether their Lord intends for them a Right Path” – QURʾĀN: The Jinn [Al-Jinn] 72:10
Through Allah’sﷻ all-encompassing knowledge, Heﷻ operates the universe in the way Heﷻ deems fit. We, as believers, can never grasp the wisdom behind Hisﷻ Will. We accept and surrender to everything Allahﷻ does because Heﷻ is just and good.
The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, as do the faithful. They all believe in God, His angels, His scriptures, and His messengers. ‘We make no distinction between any of His messengers,’ they say, ‘We hear and obey. Grant us Your forgiveness, our Lord. To You we all return!’ – QURʾĀN: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:285
“Qaddara Allahu wa ma sha’a fa’ala [Allah has decreed and whatever He wills, He does].” – SOURCE Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2664
5.1 WISDOMS BEHIND THE CREATION OF EVIL
There are countless wisdoms behind the creation of evil and sufferings.
5.1.2 BREAKING THE LAWS OF ALLAH ﷻ
Suffering occurs when the laws of Allahﷻ (physical and moral) are violated. For example, if we do not care for our health, we get sick. Despite our negligence of the laws Allahﷻ has set, Heﷻ still saves us through Hisﷻ mercy.
It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) turned to us and said: ‘O Muhajirun, there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them: Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them. They do not cheat in weights and measures, but they will be stricken with famine, severe calamity, and the oppression of their rulers. They do not withhold the Zakah of their wealth, but rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals, no rain would fall on them. They do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, but Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands. Unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek all good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause them to fight one another.’” – SOURCE Sunan Ibn Mājah 4019
5.1.3 TEST
Suffering occurs because Allahﷻ is testing us. Four reasons for being tested are: to establish that we are believers; to raise our rank in Paradise [Jannah]; that Allahﷻ is warning us, or it may be a form of punishment. So many good people go through suffering to bring goodness and hope for others. For example, soldiers give their lives for their countries to protect their people. Even the noble Messengers were tested through suffering to teach their communities patience and steadfastness:
“I do not complain of my anguish and sorrow to anyone but Allah,” QURʾĀN: Joseph [Yūsuf] 86
“And (remember) Ayyub (Job), when he called his Lord saying, “Here I am, afflicted by pain and You are the most merciful of all the merciful.” (83) So, We answered his prayer and removed whatever pain he had, and gave him (back) his family and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Our own Self and as a lesson for the worshippers.” QURʾĀN: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 83-84
“You who believe, God is sure to test you with game within reach of your hands and
spears, to find out who fears Him even though they cannot see Him: from now on, anyone who transgresses will have a painful punishment.” – QURʾĀN: The Feast [Al-Māʾidah] 5:94)
“Every soul is certain to taste death: We test you all through the bad and the good, and to Us you will all return.” – QURʾĀN: The Prophets [Al-ʾAnbiyāʾ] 21:35
“Do the people think that they will be left to say, ‘We believe’ and they will not be tried?” – QURʾĀN: The Spider [Al-ʿAnkabūt] 29:2
“But We have certainly tried those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars.” – QURʾĀN: The Spider [Al-ʿAnkabūt] 29:3
“And most certainly shall We try you by means of danger, and hunger, and loss of worldly goods, of lives and of [labour’s] fruits. But give glad tidings unto those who are patient in adversity.” – QURʾĀN: The Cow [Al-Baqarah] 2:155
5.1.4 BEING PURIFIED FROM SINS
Suffering occurs because we are being purified from our sins.People commit sins every day, and through hardship our sins are wiped clean. This is because whenever we feel pain, we return to Allah ﷻ, beg for forgiveness and ask for ease. This purifies our soul and brings us closer to Allahﷻ.
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira: “The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.’”– SOURCE Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhāri 5641, 5642
5.1.5 OPPOSITES
Suffering occurs because Allahﷻ is teaching us about opposites. Through grief, distress, and hardship we appreciate joy, comfort, and ease.
- SUMMARY:
In conclusion, to believe in the Divine Decree [Qadā & Qadr] is compulsory [wājib] upon every believer. We must believe that everything in existence occurs according to the decree of Allahﷻ. Hisﷻ Will, Power and Knowledge encompass everything, and it is only through His ﷻ Will that we make choices.
Moreover, our free choices are created by Allahﷻ according to acquisition [kasab]. However, this does not mean we use the Divine Decree [Qadā and Qadr] as an excuse to disobey Allahﷻ. Allahﷻ has commanded us to follow the straight path, and thus, we cannot stray under the false pretence of Predestination [Qadr]. We are given the choice to choose right from wrong, to obey Allahﷻ or disobey Himﷻ. This is what we are taken into account for on the Day of Judgement.
The Will of Allahﷻ is over all things, including our own actions, the good and the bad. However, whatever evil happens in the world comes from our own actions and we do not ascribe evil to Allahﷻ. Allahﷻ, who is fair and just, gave us free will and through Hisﷻ pre-eternal knowledge, Heﷻ has placed those actions in Hisﷻ Decree [Qadr]. Believers are those who are satisfied with the Divine Decree [Qadr] of Allahﷻ, even when tested with affliction, because they have full trust [tawakkul] in Himﷻ.
GLOSSARY:
1. Qadā:
Linguistic meaning: the completion of something and its performance whether it be a word, act or intention.
Theological Meaning: the beginningless Will of Allahﷻ that is connected to creation it relates to the way the creation will be brought into existence. It is that Allah decided how everything will be since beginningless eternity.
- Qadr:
Linguistic Meaning: to determine the quantity of something.
Theological Meaning: the bringing of Qadā into existence with precision and perfection according to Allah’sﷻ beginningless Knowledge and Will
Note: The Qadā and Qadr does not mean that a person is compelled; rather it signifies that Allahﷻ had pre-eternal knowledge with regards to what His servants will acquire, and through Hisﷻ omnipotence, Heﷻ brought them into existence.
- Allah’sﷻ attribute of POWER [QUDRA]: meaning Power – it is also known as omnipotence, which means that Allahﷻ is All Powerful. [powerful in all directions]
Definition: A beginningless eternal existent attribute that subsists in Allah’sﷻ essence by virtue of which every possible thing may be created or destroyed.
- Allah’s ﷻ attribute of WILL [IRĀDA]: meaning Allahﷻ has the Will to do as Heﷻ pleases.
Definition: This is a beginningless, eternal attribute that subsists in Allah’sﷻ essence by virtue of which possible things are specified [determined/chosen] to possess some of the characteristics that are possible for them.
- Allah’sﷻ attribute of KNOWLEDGE [ʿILM]: meaning Allahﷻ is All-knowing, also known as omniscience.
Definition: A beginningless, eternal, existent attribute that subsists in Allah’sﷻ essence by virtue of which everything is revealed to Allahﷻ without prior obscurity [i.e., not knowing]
INDEX:
PAGE NUMBER(s) | KEYWORDS FOR SEARCH FUNCTION |
1 | Destiny, Qada, Qadr, Will, Power, Knowledge, Faith, Iman, Free will, Determines, Acquisition, Kasab |
2 | Contentment, Rida, Musa (peace be upon him), Time & Space, Thinking strategies, Unseen, Ghaybiyyat |
3 | Thinking strategy, Time & Space, Islam, Faith, Iman, Free will |
4 | Predestination, Metaphysical, Will, Unseen, Free will, Submit, Content |
5 | Knowledge, The Preserved Tablet, Lawh ul Mahfudh, Pen, Record |
6 | Will, Irada, Power, Qudra, Beginningless, Qadeem, Good, Khayr, Evil, Sharr |
7 | Contentment, Rida, Certainty, Yaqin, Qadr, Qada, Divine Decree, Hardship, Sincerity, Good, Bad, Knowledge, Trust, tawakkul, Patience, sabr |
8 | Relief, Inshirah, Tranquility |
9 | Fear, Death-time, Decreed, regret |
10 | Good, Khayr, Anxiety, Hamm, Sorrow, Ghamm, Sadness, Overthinking, Fire, power, Qudra |
11 | Will, Power, Knowledge, Good, Evil, Qada, Qadr, Grateful, Hardship, Patience, sabr, Wisdom, |
12 | Devil, Iblis, Martyr, Paradise, Jannah, Manners, Knowledge, Wisdom, Will |
13 | Wisdom, Evil, Suffering, Law, Test, Believers, Rank, Warning, Punishment, Patience, Steadfastness |
14 | Suffering, Purified, Sins, Pain, Forgiveness, Ease, Soul, Opposites, Grief, Joy |
15 | Divine Decree, Qada, Qadr, Will, Power, Knowledge, Choices, Acquisition, Kasab, Predestination, Obey, Disobey, Good, Evil, Free will, Trust, Tawakkul |
REFERENCES:
Al-Laqani al-Maliki, I. [2019] An Outpouring of Subtleties upon the Pearl of Oneness. Translated by A. Khalfe. 1st Edition. Sunni Publications.
Bewley, A. [2010] Islam: Its Basic Practices and Beliefs. London. TA-HA Publishers Ltd.
Parrot, J. [2017] Reconciling the Divine Decree and Free Will in Islam. Available on: https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/reconciling-the-divine-decree-and-free-will-in-islam#ftnt8 [Accessed January, 2020].
Yahya, H. [2015] Allah Almighty’s Infinite and Greatness. Available on: https://www.arabnews.com/islam-perspective/news/689991 [Accessed March, 2020].
