Qadr (Divine Decree / Predestination)

Belief in Divine Decree (Al-Qadar) and Free Will

Understanding how Allah’s decree coexists with human responsibility

Introduction

Belief in Al-Qadar is a pillar of faith. Everything unfolds by Allah’s knowledge and will, yet humans make real choices and are accountable for them. The balance is in affirming Allah’s absolute power while acknowledging our responsibility to strive in obedience.

Allah Has Decreed Everything

All things occur by Allah’s knowledge, will, and creation. Scholars describe four stages of decree: Allah’s eternal knowledge, His writing in Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz, His will, and His creation of all things.

“Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” Qur’an 54:49

“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed that, for Allah, is easy.” Qur’an 57:22

“Allah decided the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.” Sahih Muslim 2653

Can We Change the Divine Decree?

The eternal decree in Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz never changes. But what the angels record such as lifespan or health—may change through causes Allah has set, like supplication or maintaining family ties. Allah’s knowledge includes both the causes and the outcomes.

“Nothing can put back the decree of Allah except supplication, and nothing can extend a person’s lifespan except righteous deeds.” Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2139

Reconciling Decree and Free Will

There is no contradiction. Allah has written all things, yet humans choose freely without knowing what is decreed. Accountability is based on our choices. The Prophet ﷺ taught the Companions to act, not to abandon effort in reliance on what is written.

“Strive, for each person will be facilitated for that which he was created.” Sahih al-Bukhari 4949

“As for he who gives and fears Allah, and believes in the best reward, We will ease him toward ease.” Qur’an 92:5-7

No Point in Searching for What Is Decreed

Humans cannot uncover what Allah has written. What matters is striving in worship and obedience, avoiding sin, and trusting Allah. Belief in decree should bring peace in trials not despair or laziness.

“In order that you not despair over what has eluded you and not exult [in pride] over what He has given you.” Qur’an 57:23

Addressing Misconceptions

• Fatalism: Some say humans are forced. Islam rejects this man has choice and accountability.
• Total denial of decree: Others deny Allah’s writing of everything. This contradicts Qur’an and Sunnah.
• Supplication is useless: Some think du‘a has no effect. The Prophet ﷺ taught that du‘a influences what the angels record.

References

Primary Sources

• Qur’an 54:49 : All things are created with predestination.
• Qur’an 57:22-23 : Everything is written; prevents despair and pride.
• Qur’an 6:59 : Allah’s knowledge encompasses everything.
• Qur’an 81:29 : Humans do not will except by Allah’s will.
• Sahih Muslim 2653 : Allah decreed creation 50,000 years before creation.
• Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2516 : Ibn ‘Abbas: only what Allah decrees will happen.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 3208 : Angel writes provision, deeds, lifespan, and destiny.
• Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi 2139 : Supplication and deeds affect decree.
• Sahih al-Bukhari 4949 : Strive; each person is facilitated for what he was created.

Secondary Sources

• Ibn Abi al-‘Izz, Sharh al-‘Aqidah al-Tahawiyyah : Classical explanation of decree and free will.
• Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa : Balance of divine decree and human responsibility.