Qadar (Belief in Divine Predestination)
The belief in divine predestination, known as "Qadar" (القدر) in Arabic, in Islamic theology is a complex and multifaceted doctrine that addresses the belief in Allah's absolute knowledge and control over all things. This belief forms one of the six articles of faith in Islam and is fundamental to the Islamic understanding of the universe and human existence.
At its core, Qadar refers to the idea that every aspect of creation, including human actions, is predetermined by Allah. This predestination encompasses everything from the grand scale of cosmic events to the minutest details of daily life. It suggests that Allah, in His omniscience, knows everything that will happen, and in His omnipotence, has ordained everything that occurs.
However, this concept does not imply that human actions are coerced or that free will is nonexistent. Instead, Islamic teachings suggest a balance between divine predestination and human free will. Humans are believed to possess a degree of free will that allows them to choose between right and wrong, and they are held accountable for their choices. Yet, these choices and their outcomes are within the knowledge and will of Allah.
Qadar also entails a belief in the four stages of divine decree:
Knowledge: Allah's knowledge encompasses all things, past, present, and future. Nothing escapes His awareness.
Writing: Allah has recorded everything that will happen in the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz). This includes all events and destinies, written at the dawn of creation.
Will: Everything occurs according to Allah's will. Nothing happens either in the heavens or on earth without His decree.
Creation and Formation: Allah is the creator of everything, including human actions. He creates humans' capacity for actions and the circumstances in which they act.
The belief in Qadar helps Muslims understand and accept the trials and tribulations of life. It fosters an attitude of trust and reliance on Allah, encouraging believers to strive for righteousness while accepting that the outcomes of their efforts are in Allah's hands. The doctrine also brings comfort in times of distress and hardship, providing a perspective that all occurrences, whether perceived as good or bad, are part of a divine plan.
This concept, while affirming Allah's ultimate power and knowledge, also emphasizes human responsibility, as the Quran repeatedly urges people to act righteously and warns them against transgression. In this way, Qadar is a nuanced belief that upholds both divine sovereignty and human agency, central to Islamic theology and ethics.
Comprehensive Divine Knowledge: Muslims believe that God possesses perfect and comprehensive knowledge of all things. His knowledge encompasses everything, including events, actions, and choices made by individuals.
God's Divine Decree: Qadar involves the concept that God has preordained and decreed all events and outcomes in the universe, including the destiny of every individual. Nothing happens outside of God's divine plan and knowledge.
Balance of Free Will and Predestination: Islamic theology teaches that while God has decreed all things, He has also granted human beings free will. People have the capacity to make choices and decisions, and their actions are a result of their own choices. The belief in Qadar does not negate human free will but rather emphasizes that God's knowledge encompasses all choices made by individuals.
God's Wisdom and Purpose: Muslims believe that God's divine decree is based on His wisdom and knowledge of what is best for His creation. Even when faced with adversity, believers trust that God's plan is ultimately for their benefit, even if they may not fully understand it.
Submission and Trust: Belief in Qadar encourages Muslims to submit to God's will and trust in His wisdom and plan. It fosters patience and contentment in the face of life's challenges and difficulties.
Test and Accountability: The belief in Qadar underscores the concept of a divine test for human beings. How individuals respond to the events and circumstances that God has decreed for them will determine their accountability on the Day of Judgment.
Supplication and Prayer: While God's decree is final, Muslims are encouraged to pray and make supplications to God for their needs and desires. Prayer is seen as a means of seeking God's guidance and blessings within the framework of His divine plan.
Acceptance of Fate: Muslims are taught to accept their fate and trust in God's plan, even when faced with adversity or tragedy. Believers are encouraged to say, "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ), which means "Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return," as an expression of acceptance of God's decree in times of loss or hardship.
Theological Debates: The concept of divine predestination has been a subject of theological debates within Islam. Different theological schools and scholars have varying interpretations of how divine predestination and human free will coexist.
God's Mercy and Justice: Muslims believe that God's decree is ultimately an expression of His mercy and justice. God's judgment is just, and His plan is designed to ensure fairness and accountability for all human beings.
Belief in divine predestination (Qadar) is a foundational concept in Islam, emphasizing God's absolute knowledge and control over all things while acknowledging the role of human free will. It provides a framework for understanding the purpose and meaning of life's events and challenges within the context of God's divine plan.
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Qadar (Belief in Divine Predestination)
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Muslims believe in divine predestination, which encompasses God's knowledge of all things past, present, and future. While God has decreed all events, including human actions, Muslims also believe in free will and the responsibility of individuals for their choices and actions.
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