Denial of Qadar (Predestination)

Authored by: Sheikh Al-Islam Muhammad bin Abdul Wahhab (رحمه الله)
Translated by: Maulana Mukhtar Ahmad Nadwi (Hafizahullah)

Introduction​

The people of Jahiliyyah (pre-Islamic ignorance) rejected the concept of Qadar (predestination) and used it to argue against Allah’s commands, creating contradictions between divine predestination and divine law. The issue of Qadar is among the most intricate aspects of the Islamic faith, understood only by those to whom Allah grants insight. Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (رحمه الله) authored a comprehensive book on this topic, Shifa' Al-'Aleel fi Al-Qada' wa Al-Qadar wa Al-Hikmah wa Al-Ta’leel.

Quranic Refutation of Their Misconception​

Allah refutes this ignorant belief in the Quran:

"Those who associated others with Allah will say, 'If Allah had willed, we would not have committed shirk, nor would our fathers, nor would we have made anything unlawful.' Similarly, those before them denied until they tasted Our punishment. Say, 'Do you have any knowledge that you can produce for us? You follow nothing but assumption, and you are only falsifying.' Say, 'Then to Allah belongs the conclusive argument. If He had willed, He would have guided you all.'”

(Surah Al-An‘am: 149)

Explanation of the Verses​

1. False Justification by the Mushrikeen:
   The disbelievers claimed, "Had Allah willed, neither we nor our forefathers would have committed shirk or declared anything unlawful." They argued that their actions aligned with Allah’s will, suggesting that these acts were therefore permissible.
2. Misinterpretation of Allah’s Decree:
   
   • The disbelievers used Allah’s decree (Qadar) as an excuse to justify their shirk and unlawful actions.
   • They falsely equated Allah’s will (Mashiyyah) with His approval (Rida’), claiming that whatever Allah wills is automatically good and acceptable to Him.
3. Divine Response:
   
   • Allah dismisses their argument, emphasizing that their understanding is flawed and their justification is invalid.
   • He likens their behavior to previous nations who denied the truth and faced the consequences of their rejection.
   • Allah clarifies that His decree does not negate human responsibility. People are accountable for their choices within the framework of Allah’s divine will.

Misuse of Qadar by the Disbelievers​

The disbelievers’ argument boiled down to the claim that their actions were in accordance with Allah’s will. Hence, they rejected any responsibility for their actions and dismissed the Prophets’ calls to monotheism and righteousness.

The Correct Understanding of Qadar​

Islam rejects both extremes in understanding Qadar:

1. Jabariyyah (Fatalists):
   They claim humans have no free will and that all actions are entirely predetermined, leaving no room for personal accountability.
2. Qadariyyah (Free-Will Extremists):
   They deny Allah’s involvement in human actions, asserting complete independence of human will.

The truth lies between these extremes:

• Human beings have free will and are responsible for their actions.
• However, their free will operates within the framework of Allah’s knowledge, will, and decree.

Divine Wisdom in Accountability​

1. Accountability and Free Will:
   Accountability arises from the interplay of human free will and Allah’s decree. Actions are judged based on the individual’s effort and choice.
2. Prophets’ Role:
   Prophets conveyed Allah’s guidance, making the truth evident. Rejecting their message, as the disbelievers did, amounts to arrogance and ignorance.
3. Clarification in the Quran:
   The Quran repeatedly emphasizes that Allah’s guidance is granted to those who seek it sincerely. Allah states:
   
   "And those who strive for Us—We will surely guide them to Our ways."
   (Surah Al-Ankabut: 69)

Refutation of False Claims​

1. Invalidity of Their Argument:
   The disbelievers argued that their shirk and disobedience were decreed by Allah, hence justified. Allah refutes this, clarifying that while everything occurs by His will, it does not mean He approves of all actions.
2. Divine Justice and Guidance:
   Allah guides those who choose the path of righteousness and misguides those who willfully deviate. His decree aligns with divine wisdom and justice, not arbitrary compulsion.

Lessons from the Quranic Response​

1. Accountability Despite Qadar:
   Humans are held accountable for their actions because they act with free will within Allah’s decree.
2. The Role of Prophets:
   Prophets’ role is to deliver Allah’s message clearly. They are not responsible for forcing people to believe or practice.
3. Avoiding Extremes in Belief:
   Denying Qadar or attributing human actions solely to Allah’s decree, without recognizing human free will, leads to misunderstanding and misguidance.

Conclusion​

The denial of Qadar and its misuse to argue against divine law was a hallmark of the Jahiliyyah mentality. Such arguments have no basis in reason or revelation and are refuted by the Quran. The correct belief lies between the extremes of compulsion (Jabr) and absolute independence (Tafwid). Recognizing this balance preserves the essence of divine justice and human responsibility.

May Allah grant us a correct understanding of Qadar and protect us from the misguidance of false beliefs.