❖ The Necessity of Good Deeds Despite Predestination — Logical and Islamic Response
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil, Bayān ʿAqāʾid, Vol. 1, p. 46
If destiny (taqdīr) has already been written, then what is the need for a person to perform good deeds?
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
Such questioners should also be asked in return:
◈ If everything has already been decreed in destiny, then what is the need for a person to commit evil deeds?
◈ Likewise, if provision (rizq) has already been predetermined in destiny, then why does a person:
◈ If everything depends entirely on destiny, then a person should close all businesses and sit at home, since it is all already written!
This line of thinking is illogical.
If one were to abandon good deeds because of destiny, then by the same principle, they should also abandon evil deeds — and even stop making efforts for worldly needs — which is practically impossible.
Conclusion:
Belief in taqdīr should never be an excuse to abandon righteous actions. Just as people work hard for their worldly sustenance despite it being decreed, they must also strive for good deeds to attain the pleasure of Allāh.
Source: Aḥkām wa Masāʾil, Bayān ʿAqāʾid, Vol. 1, p. 46
Question:
If destiny (taqdīr) has already been written, then what is the need for a person to perform good deeds?
Answer:
Al-ḥamdu lillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu wa-s-salāmu ʿalā Rasūlillāh. Ammā baʿd:
Such questioners should also be asked in return:
◈ If everything has already been decreed in destiny, then what is the need for a person to commit evil deeds?
◈ Likewise, if provision (rizq) has already been predetermined in destiny, then why does a person:
- build factories?
- open shops?
- engage in farming, manual labor, or employment?
◈ If everything depends entirely on destiny, then a person should close all businesses and sit at home, since it is all already written!
This line of thinking is illogical.
If one were to abandon good deeds because of destiny, then by the same principle, they should also abandon evil deeds — and even stop making efforts for worldly needs — which is practically impossible.
Conclusion:
Belief in taqdīr should never be an excuse to abandon righteous actions. Just as people work hard for their worldly sustenance despite it being decreed, they must also strive for good deeds to attain the pleasure of Allāh.
