Is a Human Being Free or Compelled?

Author: Allama Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah protect him)

Question:​

Is a human being entirely free in his actions, or is he compelled in everything he does?

Answer:​

The Islamic perspective, as understood by Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah, is that a human being is both free and compelled to a certain extent. This understanding is rooted in the following points:

1. Allah’s Preordained Decree (Taqdeer):
   Allah has written what a person will do and what will happen to him. However, this predestination does not negate a human being’s freedom to act.
2. Human Capacity and Choice:
   Allah has granted humans the ability (qudrah) and free will (ikhtiyar) to act. This capacity is what makes a person deserving of reward or punishment.
3. Allah’s Absolute Control:
   Allah has the ultimate authority to guide or misguide as He wills. As the Qur’an states:
   "And whoever Allah lets go astray—there is no guide for him. And whoever Allah guides—there is no one to mislead him."
   [Surah Az-Zumar: 36-37]
4. Prophetic Guidance:
   The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
   "Act, for everyone will find it easy to do what he was created for."
   [Saheeh Muslim]
   
   The Prophet (ﷺ) also recited:
   "As for he who gives [in charity] and fears Allah, and believes in the best [reward], We will ease him toward ease."
   [Surah Al-Lail: 5-7]
   
   This implies that Allah facilitates the path for a person, whether it is towards good or evil, based on their choices and actions.

The Position of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah​

• Human Accountability:
  A person is held accountable for their actions because they act by their own free will, using the faculties and abilities Allah has granted them.
• Divine Will:
  At the same time, no action occurs without the will and permission of Allah. As the Qur’an says:
  "But you will not will unless Allah wills."
  [Surah Al-Insan: 30]
• Sins and Divine Displeasure:
  Sins and disobedience occur by Allah’s will (irada kawniyyah qadariyyah), but they are displeasing to Him. Allah does not love sin or the sinner, and He will punish them for their misdeeds. However, these sins are still attributed to the human being, as they are the one committing the act.

Rebuttal of Extremist Views​

1. Mu‘tazilah:
   The Mu‘tazilah claimed that human beings are entirely independent in their actions and that Allah has no involvement in their deeds. This view elevates human power above Allah’s will, which contradicts the Qur’anic teaching of Allah’s sovereignty over all creation.
2. Jabriyyah:
   On the other hand, the Jabriyyah exaggerated Allah’s power to the extent that they denied human freedom entirely. According to them, humans are like puppets with no will, freedom, or choice in their actions. This contradicts the Qur’an and Sunnah, which affirm human responsibility and accountability.

Balanced View of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah​

Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama‘ah adopt a balanced position between these two extremes:

1. Humans have free will and the ability to act.
2. Allah is the Creator of human actions and their will.
3. Human freedom operates within the boundaries of Allah’s decree.

This balance preserves the consistency of Allah’s laws, the truth of His sovereignty, and the reality of human accountability.

Conclusion​

Humans are neither entirely free nor entirely compelled. They have been given the ability and freedom to act, for which they are held accountable. However, all of this occurs within the framework of Allah’s decree, which is comprehensive and absolute.

Allah knows best!