There is no contradiction between the fact that things are decreed and written, and the fact that we have free will when doing them, for we do not know what is written and we feel that we have complete freedom to choose what actions to take, and we distinguish between involuntary actions such as the heartbeat and the activity of the intestines, and voluntary actions that we do with our hands or feet or eyes and so on.
Question
How can we reconcile divine decree (Qadar) with human free will? If everything is already written, what role does choice play? Can supplication or deeds change destiny, and does this include life, death, or health?
Bottom Line
Everything is written, but you’re still accountable. Dua shifts what angels record, not what’s in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz.
Quick Answer
Qadar has four levels: Allah’s knowledge, His writing, His will, and His creation. Our choices are real and accountable, though Allah knows them eternally. Dua, kinship, and good deeds can alter what angels write, but Allah’s eternal decree in the Preserved Tablet never changes.
Key Points
- Everything happens by Allah’s decree.
- Humans still choose and are accountable.
- Belief in decree builds patience and strength.
Detailed Answer
Allah Has Decreed Everything
Allah created all things by decree. He wrote decrees 50,000 years before creation. Nothing escapes His knowledge.
Can We Change the Divine Decree?
What’s in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz never changes. If Allah decrees someone’s lifespan or fate, it stands. Causes are decreed too, like dua, charity, and kinship, which we’re commanded to act upon.
What Aspect Can Change?
Angelic records may change through causes.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Nothing repels decree except supplication, and nothing increases lifespan except righteousness and kinship.”
These “changes” are only from the angels’ view; Allah knew them eternally. The four matters written for a fetus provision, lifespan, deeds, and outcome, are fixed at creation
Reconciling Qadar and Free Will
We experience voluntary actions distinct from involuntary ones. Accountability proves choice is real.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Strive, for each person will be facilitated for what he was created.” Bukhari 6596, Muslim 2647.
Thus, humans choose freely within Allah’s will, Qur’an 81:29
Wisdom of Knowing the Decree
Belief in Qadar calms the heart in hardship and prevents arrogance in success. It fuels steady action, sincere dua, and trust in Allah, avoiding fatalism or despair.
On Fearing You Will “Cause” Someone’s Death
No one dies except at their appointed time. Causes and effects unfold only by Allah’s permission. Your duty is to act by Sunnah and consult scholars if disclosing sensitive matters risks harm. Lifespan is fixed, though angels may record changes through kinship, dua, or charity.
What This Means for You
Your choices matter, and you’ll be judged for them. Keep making dua, uphold kinship, do good, and avoid shirk. Trust Allah’s perfect decree, act with hope, and face trials with patience and tawakkul.
And Allah knows best.
References
Primary Sources
Qur’an
- Qur’an 54:49: All created with decree
- Qur’an 6:59: Allah’s exhaustive knowledge
- Qur’an 57:22 23: Trials decreed for balance and patience
- Qur’an 81:29: You do not will except Allah wills
Hadith
- Muslim 2653: Decrees written 50,000 years before creation
- Bukhari 3208, Muslim 2643: Four matters written for the fetus
- Tirmidhi 2139: Dua repels, righteousness extends lifespan
- Tirmidhi 2516: Ibn Abbas — “the pens have been lifted”
- Muslim 2647: “Strive, for each is facilitated”
Secondary Sources
- Ibn Taymiyyah, al-‘Aqidah al-Wasitiyyah: Foundational creed text, affirming Qadar’s four levels.
- Ibn al-Qayyim, Shifa’ al-‘Alil: Deep exploration of causes, decree, and wisdom behind trials.
- Ibn al-‘Uthaymeen, Sharh al-Wasitiyyah: Modern commentary clarifying Qadar and human responsibility.
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