Fate and Destiny in Islam
Let me ask you a question.
When you woke up this morning, did you know you would be reading this article?
Most likely you did not. Most likely you made a random set of choices that led you to this page. In a small sense, those choices you made, brought forth your destiny which was reading this page.
However, it is your freewill to continue reading. You have the choice to stop reading now and do something else. Whatever you decide to do, will effect your destiny.
Many people, Muslims included, are confused about fate and destiny. They are not sure how much freewill they really have. They are not certain if they have the freedom to make their own choices, or if Allah has forced them upon a certain path.
I always believe the best way to tackle any problem is to start with the basics. So first, let’s lay some groundwork.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Allah is the creator of all things, including our actions.
Belief in Allah’s power, knowledge and control of all things is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. This is called Qadar, loosely translated as Divine Destiny.
A person has the freedom, the choice, to do as he/she wants.
We have no control over the outcome of those choices.
The outcome of these choices is our destiny. Only Allah knows what this destiny is.
Do You Control Your Destiny? Or Are You A Slave To Fate?
For example, say for instance you decide to go into business for yourself. You do all the necessary research. You consult others in the field. You draw up a sound business plan and line up multiple investors. You do everything possible to ensure that your business is a success.
Does any of this guarantee that your business will be successful? Not at all. The economy may falter. You may have miscalculated certain expenses. A natural disaster might wipe out everything you own. There are innumerable occurrences that could adversely effect your business.
It is vital to the Muslim’s belief that we understand this concept. After all, the word Muslim means “one who submits to the will of Allah.” By accepting Allah’s power, knowledge and control of our destiny, we learn to submit to what He has prescribed for us.
Belief in Qadar, divine destiny, prevents us from becoming too boastful or too despondent. When tragedy strikes us, we must understand that it is the will of Allah, for it to happen. That way, we learn to accept it with patience and humility rather than despair and frustration.
Of course, one may become saddened or upset about unfortunate events in their life. We are only human and it is natural to react a certain way with tragedy befalls us. However, the Muslim understands that no matter how difficult said tragedy is, it was within the will of Allah, and we cannot let it paralyze us.
And if something good happens to us, belief in Qadar will prevent us from becoming too boastful or arrogant. Many successful people believe that they have attained their wealth and status because they are inherently better than others. Or that they are smarter, wiser, stronger, or just more deserving of success than others.
The truth is, they have no control over their success. They may have made certain choices, but it is Allah that made those choices work out well for them. If they had control over their success, then they should be able to control every aspect of their life and never face any sort of adversity. But the reality is that even the most successful individuals face some hardships at some point in their life.
Man may choose a certain path. But it is Allah’s will that controls what destiny that path will lead them.
Fate And Destiny According To The Quran And Sunnah
It is also important to understand that Allah has knowledge over all things. Allah knows what will happen to us before we do. Allah knows the outcome of all of our decisions. And Allah has stated in His book, the Holy Quran, that everything that will happen throughout all creation was already written.
Surah Al-Hadid (The Chapter of Iron) verse 22 states:
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.”
And Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has stated:
“Allah wrote down the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.”
From these two statements, we understand that Allah has written all things in a Book of Decrees known in Arabic as Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz, and that this was done 50000 years before He created the heavens and earth.
This does not mean that we are forced to walk upon a certain path, or that we have no freewill. This only means that Allah is already well aware of all actions that we will take, and the outcome of those actions.
At the same time, whatever we choose to do is governed by the will of Allah. If Allah does not will for something to take place, then it will not happen no matter how hard we try. And if He wills for something to happen, it will take place no matter what we do to stop it.
Muslims must believe in destiny, or more accurately, Divine Destiny (Qadar). But we should not believe in Fate. Fate is defined as: “an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future.”
Nothing is inevitable as Allah has control over all things. And Allah controls the Divine Destiny. People who accept fate, or that certain things are inevitable, are fatalists, and tend to leave things to whim.
But a Muslim who believes in Qadar (Divine Destiny) will try to live according to the laws of Islam, pray to Allah for guidance when making decisions (Istikhaarah), and put their best effort forward in everything they do. Then, they leave the outcome of these actions to Allah and accept whatever He has decreed.
In summary, Muslim beliefs in Qadar (Divine Destiny) is made up of four things:
Understanding that Allah’s knowledge encompasses all of creation and He knows everything that His creation will do. Even before they do.
Believing that Allah has written all that has happen in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz).
Accepting that whatever Allah decrees will take place, and whatever He does not will, does not take place.
Knowing that Allah has created all things, including the actions of His creation.
Accepting Allah’s Qadar (Divine Destiny) will lead us to a more satisfying and productive life, Inshallah.
And Allah knows best.
Let me ask you a question.
When you woke up this morning, did you know you would be reading this article?
Most likely you did not. Most likely you made a random set of choices that led you to this page. In a small sense, those choices you made, brought forth your destiny which was reading this page.
However, it is your freewill to continue reading. You have the choice to stop reading now and do something else. Whatever you decide to do, will effect your destiny.
Many people, Muslims included, are confused about fate and destiny. They are not sure how much freewill they really have. They are not certain if they have the freedom to make their own choices, or if Allah has forced them upon a certain path.
I always believe the best way to tackle any problem is to start with the basics. So first, let’s lay some groundwork.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind.
Allah is the creator of all things, including our actions.
Belief in Allah’s power, knowledge and control of all things is one of the six articles of faith in Islam. This is called Qadar, loosely translated as Divine Destiny.
A person has the freedom, the choice, to do as he/she wants.
We have no control over the outcome of those choices.
The outcome of these choices is our destiny. Only Allah knows what this destiny is.
Do You Control Your Destiny? Or Are You A Slave To Fate?
For example, say for instance you decide to go into business for yourself. You do all the necessary research. You consult others in the field. You draw up a sound business plan and line up multiple investors. You do everything possible to ensure that your business is a success.
Does any of this guarantee that your business will be successful? Not at all. The economy may falter. You may have miscalculated certain expenses. A natural disaster might wipe out everything you own. There are innumerable occurrences that could adversely effect your business.
It is vital to the Muslim’s belief that we understand this concept. After all, the word Muslim means “one who submits to the will of Allah.” By accepting Allah’s power, knowledge and control of our destiny, we learn to submit to what He has prescribed for us.
Belief in Qadar, divine destiny, prevents us from becoming too boastful or too despondent. When tragedy strikes us, we must understand that it is the will of Allah, for it to happen. That way, we learn to accept it with patience and humility rather than despair and frustration.
Of course, one may become saddened or upset about unfortunate events in their life. We are only human and it is natural to react a certain way with tragedy befalls us. However, the Muslim understands that no matter how difficult said tragedy is, it was within the will of Allah, and we cannot let it paralyze us.
And if something good happens to us, belief in Qadar will prevent us from becoming too boastful or arrogant. Many successful people believe that they have attained their wealth and status because they are inherently better than others. Or that they are smarter, wiser, stronger, or just more deserving of success than others.
The truth is, they have no control over their success. They may have made certain choices, but it is Allah that made those choices work out well for them. If they had control over their success, then they should be able to control every aspect of their life and never face any sort of adversity. But the reality is that even the most successful individuals face some hardships at some point in their life.
Man may choose a certain path. But it is Allah’s will that controls what destiny that path will lead them.
Fate And Destiny According To The Quran And Sunnah
It is also important to understand that Allah has knowledge over all things. Allah knows what will happen to us before we do. Allah knows the outcome of all of our decisions. And Allah has stated in His book, the Holy Quran, that everything that will happen throughout all creation was already written.
Surah Al-Hadid (The Chapter of Iron) verse 22 states:
“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al Lawh Al Mahfooz) before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allah.”
And Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has stated:
“Allah wrote down the decrees of creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.”
From these two statements, we understand that Allah has written all things in a Book of Decrees known in Arabic as Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz, and that this was done 50000 years before He created the heavens and earth.
This does not mean that we are forced to walk upon a certain path, or that we have no freewill. This only means that Allah is already well aware of all actions that we will take, and the outcome of those actions.
At the same time, whatever we choose to do is governed by the will of Allah. If Allah does not will for something to take place, then it will not happen no matter how hard we try. And if He wills for something to happen, it will take place no matter what we do to stop it.
Muslims must believe in destiny, or more accurately, Divine Destiny (Qadar). But we should not believe in Fate. Fate is defined as: “an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future.”
Nothing is inevitable as Allah has control over all things. And Allah controls the Divine Destiny. People who accept fate, or that certain things are inevitable, are fatalists, and tend to leave things to whim.
But a Muslim who believes in Qadar (Divine Destiny) will try to live according to the laws of Islam, pray to Allah for guidance when making decisions (Istikhaarah), and put their best effort forward in everything they do. Then, they leave the outcome of these actions to Allah and accept whatever He has decreed.
In summary, Muslim beliefs in Qadar (Divine Destiny) is made up of four things:
Understanding that Allah’s knowledge encompasses all of creation and He knows everything that His creation will do. Even before they do.
Believing that Allah has written all that has happen in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz).
Accepting that whatever Allah decrees will take place, and whatever He does not will, does not take place.
Knowing that Allah has created all things, including the actions of His creation.
Accepting Allah’s Qadar (Divine Destiny) will lead us to a more satisfying and productive life, Inshallah.
And Allah knows best.
Review of the Six Pillars of Faith
There are three levels of belief that Muslims should aspire to. They are:
Islam – The easiest level attained by simply taking Shahada and fulfilling the five pillars. This person is called a Muslim.
Imaan – The second level is when we sincerely and truly accept the articles of Islamic faith. This person is called a Mu’min.
Ihsaan – The most difficult level to achieve. This is when we actually worship Allah as if we see Him, knowing that although we can’t, He surely sees us. This person is called a Muhsin.
Read more about the Islamic articles of faith…
Belief in Allah (Islamic Monotheism>
Tawheed, or monotheism in Islam, is very unique. Muslim beliefs of monotheism are very different from other faiths.
All faiths have some similarities and likenesses. But Islam distinguishes itself from all others with its pure monotheistic values. Muslims practice monotheism the way it should be. Muslims practice pure, unadulterated worship of one, sole creator.
Read more about true belief in Allah…
The Books of Allah
As Muslims, we must accept and believe in all of the Books of Allah. It is a required part of our faith. We cannot accept the book revealed to Prophet Muhammad and reject the book of Prophet Moses (peace be upon them both).
Read more about the Books of Allah…
Angels in Islam
The concept of angels in Islam is probably very different from anything you’ve ever heard before. Western society has idealized angels to the point most people think they’re naked babies with arrows and blonde locks. This concept is actually derived from pagan Greek and Roman beliefs in the false deity Cupid. But angels in Islam hold a very high and sacred place.
Let’s first discuss the concept of Angels in Islam. Popular mythology suggests that there are angels who have disobeyed and rebelled against Allah (God). To Muslims, this idea is foolishness. Angels in Islam do not have the ability to choose as humans do. In Islam, angels were not created with a will and therefore do not disobey Allah. They do whatever Allah tells them to do.
Read more about how angels are viewed in Islam…
Prophets in Islam
Before talking about the prophets in Islam, I would like to give you an analogy. Well, it’s kind of like a story and an analogy, but it should help explain the significance of the prophets in Islam.
I remember when I first learned to drive. It was in Brooklyn, NY and I was really nervous. I’m glad I didn’t hit anything and I got my license on my first try. Fortunately I had a good teacher.
The Prophets of AllahRead more about the Prophets of Allah…
Qadr and Qadar – Fate and Destiny
Let me ask you another question.
When you woke up this morning, did you know you would be reading this article?
Most likely you did not. Most likely you made a random set of choices that led you to this page. In a small sense, those choices you made, brought forth your destiny which was reading this page.
There are three levels of belief that Muslims should aspire to. They are:
Islam – The easiest level attained by simply taking Shahada and fulfilling the five pillars. This person is called a Muslim.
Imaan – The second level is when we sincerely and truly accept the articles of Islamic faith. This person is called a Mu’min.
Ihsaan – The most difficult level to achieve. This is when we actually worship Allah as if we see Him, knowing that although we can’t, He surely sees us. This person is called a Muhsin.
Read more about the Islamic articles of faith…
Belief in Allah (Islamic Monotheism>
Tawheed, or monotheism in Islam, is very unique. Muslim beliefs of monotheism are very different from other faiths.
All faiths have some similarities and likenesses. But Islam distinguishes itself from all others with its pure monotheistic values. Muslims practice monotheism the way it should be. Muslims practice pure, unadulterated worship of one, sole creator.
Read more about true belief in Allah…
The Books of Allah
As Muslims, we must accept and believe in all of the Books of Allah. It is a required part of our faith. We cannot accept the book revealed to Prophet Muhammad and reject the book of Prophet Moses (peace be upon them both).
Read more about the Books of Allah…
Angels in Islam
The concept of angels in Islam is probably very different from anything you’ve ever heard before. Western society has idealized angels to the point most people think they’re naked babies with arrows and blonde locks. This concept is actually derived from pagan Greek and Roman beliefs in the false deity Cupid. But angels in Islam hold a very high and sacred place.
Let’s first discuss the concept of Angels in Islam. Popular mythology suggests that there are angels who have disobeyed and rebelled against Allah (God). To Muslims, this idea is foolishness. Angels in Islam do not have the ability to choose as humans do. In Islam, angels were not created with a will and therefore do not disobey Allah. They do whatever Allah tells them to do.
Read more about how angels are viewed in Islam…
Prophets in Islam
Before talking about the prophets in Islam, I would like to give you an analogy. Well, it’s kind of like a story and an analogy, but it should help explain the significance of the prophets in Islam.
I remember when I first learned to drive. It was in Brooklyn, NY and I was really nervous. I’m glad I didn’t hit anything and I got my license on my first try. Fortunately I had a good teacher.
The Prophets of AllahRead more about the Prophets of Allah…
Qadr and Qadar – Fate and Destiny
Let me ask you another question.
When you woke up this morning, did you know you would be reading this article?
Most likely you did not. Most likely you made a random set of choices that led you to this page. In a small sense, those choices you made, brought forth your destiny which was reading this page.
Muslim Beliefs
How can Muslim beliefs bring you success and prosperity? That depends on your point of view. Do you measure your prosperity by the amount of money you have? Or is success based on your perceived status in society?
These things definitely hold a lot of weight, but they mean nothing if one isn’t happy and satisfied.
So what do Muslims believe? We believe in one god, one creator of all that exists, all that has existed and all that will exist. This concept is called Tawheed, or Islamic monotheism. This is central to the entire Muslim religion, and without it, nothing else matters. We also believe that our Islamic beliefs and religion and way of life was revealed by Allah, God, through His final messenger, Prophet Mohammad Ibn Abdullah.
What Are Muslim Beliefs?
Believing that Prophet Mohammad is the last messenger of Allah, along with Tawheed, together makes the first of the 5 pillars of Islam. These pillars are the framework of the Islamic religion and must be practiced by all able-bodied Muslims. This will go a long way in bringing a Muslim success and happiness.
The other four pillars of Islam are prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, Zakah, or charity, and Hajj, or pilgrimage to the Kaaba in Mecca.
While the five pillars make a person a Muslim, it’s the Articles of Faith in Islam that make a Muslim a believer. The six articles of faith are:
Belief in Allah.
Belief in the Prophets in Islam.
Belief in the Books of Allah.
Belief in the Angels of Allah.
Belief in Divine Fate and Destiny.
Belief in the hereafter.
I’ll admit it. There was once a time when I didn’t practice Islam correctly. Muslims are not supposed to speak about their bad deeds, so I won’t go into much detail. But trust me when I say this, I was a very unhappy person during this time.
Fortunately, through the grace of Allah, I learned that true success only comes through Islam. I knew what our Muslim beliefs were, and I knew what was expected of me as a Muslim. Once I began to actually practice Islam, my entire life changed.
Muslim Beliefs Won’t Bring You Wealth or Fortune
No, I did not become wealthy overnight. In fact, I’m really not rich at all. But I have a wonderful Muslim wife, four great kids, and most importantly, I am pretty satisfied and happy with my life. That is what Islam has brought me, and it can do the same for you. Inshallah.
Could things be better? Of course they could be. I’m not saying that practicing Islamic beliefs is going to remove all the worry out of your life. Just like you, I have bills to pay, my kids get sick, and sometimes my wife and I have disagreements. But in Islam, the beliefs we hold help us overcome these obstacles and make us even stronger.
I know you have a lot of questions. What are Muslim beliefs? What makes them so powerful? How can they improve our lives? That’s what we’re going to discover in this site. Inshallah, the answers will help you find true success and prosperity.
Continue reading and discover more about Laylatul Qadar, or the Night of power. Also, there is a page explaining the role of Hadiths in Islam.
Leave Muslim Beliefs and return to Islamic Learning Materials home page.
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