1.6 The meaning and importance of belief in Islamic teaching on al-Qadar and human freedom
Al-Qadar: Allah’s control of future events
Belief in al-Qadar is very important for Muslims. Muslims believe that everything that
happens to us in life is because Allah is in control and knows what will happen in the future.
That means both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ things. Muslims should accept that Allah decides what is
best for them.
Al-Qadar is important because:
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It is stated in the Qur’an
It was taught by the Prophet Muhammad
Submitting to the will of Allah is at the heart of being a Muslim
It helps Muslims make sense of the world – knowing that everything that Allah has knowledge of everything
(omniscient) and is in control of all events must mean that everything happens for a reason
When Muslims plan anything in their lives, they often say, “insh Allah”, which means ‘if Allah wills it’. Muslims accept
that our lives are predestined and that the choices that they make are all within Allah’s knowledge.
Free will
Muslims believe that everything that happens in this world and in our lives is under the control of
Allah because Allah is all-powerful (omnipotent) – there are no limits or restrictions on what He can
do. At the same time, Allah has given all human beings free-will, which means that they are free to
choose whether to act in a good or evil way. This is one the one thing that makes humans different
from animals.
On Judgement Day, Muslims believe they will be judged by Allah on how they have lived their lives.
Without free-will, the judgement would be unfair –it would not be just to reward or punish if they were
simply robots, unable to think for themselves. This means, therefore, that humans are responsible for
all their actions – they must give an answer to Allah on the Day of Judgement for what they have
done, good or evil – and because Allah knows all, Allah cannot be deceived.
Muslims generally do not try to resolve the apparent conflict between al-Qadar and free-will.
However, they do believe that Allah knows best, and that Allah will always be fair.
Exam Question
(d) ‘Muslims are free to do what they like with their lives.’ In your answer you should refer to Islam.
(i) Do you agree? Give reasons for your opinion.
(3)
Yes:
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It is stated in the Qur’an that Allah has given people free will and so people are able to choose whether to act
in a good or evil way
Without free will, Allah’s Judgement would be unfair – it would not be just to reward or punish human beings if
we are simply robots, unable to think for ourselves
Human beings are unique from animals because we have the ability to make decisions for ourselves. We
experience free will when we choose to act and rise above our instinctive nature
(ii) Give reasons why some people may disagree with you.
(3)
No:
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Muslims believe in the concept of al-Qadr - that Allah is in control and knows what will happen in the future
Although Muslims accept that Allah has given us the gift of free will, God is omniscient (all-knowing) and
everything there is a reason for everything that happens to us
Although there is an apparent conflict between al-Qadar and free-will, Muslims put their complete trust in Allah
and believe that He knows best, and that God will always be fair.