Answered by Shaykh Yūsuf Badāt
Question:
What is Qadr? I have read that it is God’s decree and things are pre-destined. I also heard that this knowledge of decree is only with God. If so, does this mean we as humans are merely ‘puppets’ and that whether we choose to exercise our free will or not, we are not able to escape from any good or calamity which befalls us. Does this mean the outcome of where our final destination is has already been determined regardless of our life choices? Please help me understand!
Answer:
In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Kind.
Jazak Allāh Khayr/ Thank you for contacting us with your question.
Destiny is a difficult topic for many to understand and also explain.
What we should know is that Almighty God is the One in control over all things. However, He has given some power of choice and also some control to humans. Our choices will have consequences. This power of choice has nothing to do with God apart from the fact that He is our Creator and Creator of all things. Therefore, in our choices, we are not forced, neither compelled by God.
As humans, we will be questioned and accountable to the Almighty for those things that are within our power of choice [such as how we use our time, wealth and resources]. As for those matters that are beyond our control, we will not be answerable to God [such as weather, earthquakes etc.].
That being said, it should be noted that we are either rewarded or punished for our choices. It is inappropriate to believe humans are puppets, since God has granted us will power and the ability to make choices in certain matters. We are not forced by God in those matters. However, God being the All-Knowing does have the knowledge as to how humans will use their will power and what choices they will make.
“Allah is the Creator of all things.” – (Qurʾān 13:16)
“[Humans] get the returns for what they used to earn [through their choices and actions].” – (Qurʾān 41:17)
“Choices and actions are the earnings of humans and the creations of God.” – (Al-Aqidah Al-Tahawiyyah)
And Allāh Knows Best