Al-Qadar (القدر) is the concept of divine decree and predestination in Islam. It emphasizes Allah’s complete knowledge, power, and control over all events, while affirming human free will within His divine plan.
Key Aspects of Al-Qadar:
- Allah’s Knowledge (Ilm):
Allah has perfect and eternal knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. Nothing escapes His knowledge. - Divine Will (Mashiah):
Whatever Allah wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen. His will governs all aspects of creation. - Creation (Khalq):
Allah is the Creator of all things, including human actions, while granting humans the capacity to choose. - Written Destiny (Kitabah):
Allah has recorded everything in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) before creation.
Balance Between Divine Decree and Free Will:
- Humans have free will to make choices, but these choices occur within the framework of Allah’s divine knowledge and decree.
- Accountability in Islam is based on the use of free will; individuals are rewarded or punished for their intentions and actions.
Importance of Al-Qadar:
- Fosters Trust in Allah: Belief in Al-Qadar encourages reliance on Allah in times of hardship and gratitude in times of ease.
- Teaches Responsibility: While everything is decreed, humans are still responsible for their choices and actions.
- Provides Comfort: Understanding that Allah’s plan is perfect helps Muslims find peace in difficult situations.
Al-Qadar highlights the balance between Allah’s sovereignty and human accountability, forming a cornerstone of Islamic belief.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.