Bismillah: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful
The sixth principle of Iman (belief), “al-Qadr”, is a concept
that cannot be rendered into one simple word.
Some have used the term “predestination” to describe this belief;
however, Islam clearly teaches that human beings are responsible for the choices they make.
Some have explained this belief as God “setting the balance”
in all things in creation. This refers to God’s ultimate power and wisdom in overseeing the flow of all events in the
created world, including individual human lives.
Some have described al-Qadr as God’s final say, or ultimate decree
in all events, the positive or negative results of any course of action.
The implication in all these descriptions of al-Qadr is that nothing can
happen that has not been allowed by God.
It does not mean that God wishes or wills evil for us. Rather, it means
that we must base our decisions on the inherent virtue of any action, rather than solely on the result we are trying to obtain.
We must ask ourselves not just what goal we are trying to attain, but if
the actions undertaken to reach this goal are truly just and honest, or if they are, on some level, unjust or unethical. This
concept is especially important in contemporary society, when many are tempted to justify immoral actions in the present,
on the basis of some intended good in the future.
In other words, the “ends never justify the means”; rather it
is the “means”, the integrity of our intentions and actions, that make all the difference. In reality, it is not
the ultimate consequences of our actions, but rather the actions we choose that are within our power. Hence God will judge
us for these choices, rather than on the basis of final outcomes we cannot ultimately control.
Applying this principle in everyday life, we may strive to achieve something
in our studies or careers, yet despite our best efforts, we do not succeed. From an Islamic point of view, we should accept
this outcome with patience, trusting that despite the immediate disappoint, there is some hidden wisdom in this negative result.
Perhaps we are not ready for the consequences of such a success at this time. Perhaps there is something that we need to learn
in terms of patience and perseverance. Perhaps this achievement, which looks positive on the outside, contains some hidden
defect or unperceived harm or evil that would be tragic for our future. Or perhaps God is closing this door so that He can
open a better one at a future time.
Similarly, when we are successful in some effort, we should not take sole
credit for it. Instead we are taught to say, “al-hamdulillah” (praise be to God), or “ma’shaAllah”,
“God has willed it.” This attitude protects us from the arrogance that infests the heart when it forgets or is
ungrateful for God’s continuous support that has allowed this success.
Although God’s decrees are
ultimate, He has reserved prayer as the sole channel that can alter what has been destined for us. Hence the Quran reminds
us to turn in prayer to the “One Who never sleeps”, Who “does not turn [from us] for even a fraction of
a second”, to Allah, Who from His 99 Beautiful Names, is called “Al-Mujeeb”: “He Who responds”
to our prayers.
Barbara (Masumah) Helms
(Courtesy of the Standard-Freeholder, November 19, 2006)
