Muslim Belief in Predestination (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A (8062))
Revision Note
Written by: Glenn Millington
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Predestination & Human Freedom
Predestination
Predestination is the idea that God has already decided everything that is going to happen
Islam teaches that God is responsible for all things and that he has a divine plan for all of us (al-Qadr)
Muslims believe that we can never know the reasons behind the universe, but that it is all part of a larger picture
‘Only what God has decreed will happen to us. He is our Master: let the believers put their trust in God’ (Qur’an 9:51)
God is the all-knowing one; his knowledge is complete and perfect. He even knows the secrets of our hearts (meaning he knows our thoughts and intentions as well as our actions)
‘He knows what is within the heavens and the earth and knows what you conceal and what you declare. And God is Knowing of that within the breasts’ (Qur’an 64:4)
The word ‘insha’Allah’ expresses the belief that all events are outside of our own control; they are in the hands of God
When a Muslim says insha’Allah they are acknowledging that they are in submission to God
They will only succeed in their plans if God is also willing to make it happen
He has written down everything that will happen in a book of decrees
The Decree of Allah is written in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuud before the creation of the universe. This destiny, written in the preserved tablet, is never changed and encompasses everything that will be
‘Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely’ (Qur’an 9:51)
Human Freedom
The belief that everything is pre-planned without any human choice is opposed to the Muslim belief that humans have freewill
Many view this as a contradiction and question if it is possible for your future to be planned out and yet you are able to make choices
The Sunni article of faith al-Qadr (predestination) and the Shi’a root of Adalat (the justice of God) influence views of human freedom and the consequences of the Day of Judgement
Sunni Muslims believe in Al-Qadr meaning that everything happens as a result of Allah’s will and nothing is ever random or without reason. God's Will is supreme and that he has predestined everything
Some Sunni Muslims believe that because God is all-powerful He has already determined everything that will happen in the universe
This view places greater emphasis on God’s omniscience and less emphasis on human freedom, but it does not mean that people have no choice about how they behave
Humans are not forced to follow their purpose; they can freely choose for themselves whether this is how they wish to live
Humans have to take responsibility for as much as they can and then put their trust in Allah
Being responsible also means being accountable for actions
For Shi’a Muslims, there is a greater emphasis on human free will and personal responsibility for a person’s own afterlife
Shi’a Muslims believe that God knows all but does not decide all meaning we have free will
God is the creator of time and therefore is not bound by it. He is outside of time
This means he knows what has happened, is happening and what will happen
Human freedom (freewill) is important for all Muslims as this links to the Day of Judgement where all Muslims will be judged on their actions
The decision they make is significant because it will be written down by the angels and read on the Day of Judgement in order to determine whether they go to heaven or hell in the afterlife
‘And most certainly you will be questioned as to what you did’
Thus, this life is seen as a preparation for the next as: ‘Your Lord will give everyone full due for whatever they have done. He is aware of everything they do’ (Quran 11: 111))
Impact of Belief in Predestination on the lives of Muslims
The Impact of Predestination on Muslims Life
A belief in predestination means that Muslims may not be afraid of death as the outcome is already determined by Allah
It may make them more conscious of the presence of Allah and so they may be eager to try their best to live good lives
The belief that God already has a plan for Muslims can be comforting particularly during situations when things are going wrong
Many Muslims will feel as though they are being guided by Allah with the decisions that they make
Alternatively, some Muslims may blame actions on 'God's plan' rather than taking responsibility for their own actions
Worked Example
Explain two ways in which a belief in predestination influences Muslims today
(4 marks)
Answer:
One way in which a belief in predestination influences Muslims is that they believe that they cannot choose to do something if Allah has not already chosen that path for them. Some Muslims like this idea and find it reassuring that if a bad thing happens it must be part of God's plan
Another way is that Mulsims may be less scared of death because the outcome of judgement has already been determined by Allah
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Ideas around predestination and freewill seem contradictory. How can humans be free to choose their own destiny when their destiny has been predetermined by God?
Many Muslims believe in a mix of these two ideas. Some Muslims believe that humans choose their actions, but Allah made it impossible that they will choose anything other than what has been decided. Some believe that once they have chosen to act, the act becomes theirs so they can be judged for it.
It is important to recognise the philosophical problem that belief in predestination and freewill creates and this may be helpful if you are asked to evaluate a statement relating to Al-Qadr (predestination)
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