Al-Qadr: Divine Decree and Human Free Will

Belief in al-Qadr (Divine Decree) is the sixth pillar of Iman, and it is perhaps the most intellectually challenging for many Muslims. The Prophet (peace be upon him) defined Iman as belief in "Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, the Last Day, and that you believe in al-Qadr, both its good and its seemingly harmful" (Sahih Muslim). The topic touches on the relationship between Allah's absolute knowledge and will and the human experience of choice and accountability. Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah hold a balanced position between two extremes.

The Four Levels of Qadr

Scholars have identified four levels that constitute complete belief in Qadr. First, al-Ilm (Knowledge): Allah knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen, in complete and perfect detail, from eternity. Second, al-Kitabah (Writing): Allah recorded everything in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) fifty thousand years before creating the heavens and the earth, as stated in the hadith (Sahih Muslim). Third, al-Mashee'ah (Will): nothing happens in creation except by Allah's will. Whatever He wills happens, and whatever He does not will does not happen: "And you do not will except that Allah wills" (Quran 76:30). Fourth, al-Khalq (Creation): Allah is the Creator of everything, including human actions: "Allah created you and what you do" (Quran 37:96).

Human Choice and Accountability

The question arises: if Allah has decreed everything, are humans truly free? Ahl us-Sunnah affirm that humans have genuine choice (ikhtiyar) and will (iradah), which is why they are accountable. A person genuinely chooses to pray or not pray, to be honest or dishonest. Allah's knowledge and decree do not negate human choice; rather, Allah knew in advance what each person would freely choose. The Quran addresses both realities: "For whoever among you wills to take a right course" (Quran 81:28), affirming human will, followed by "And you do not will except that Allah, Lord of the worlds, wills" (Quran 81:29), affirming Allah's overarching will.

Deviant Positions

Two historical groups deviated on this issue. The Jabriyyah (fatalists) denied human free will entirely, claiming that humans are compelled in all actions like feathers in the wind. The Qadariyyah denied Allah's knowledge and will regarding human actions, claiming that humans create their own actions independently of Allah. Both positions were rejected by the Companions and the scholars of Ahl us-Sunnah. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said, regarding people who used Qadr as an excuse for sin: "We know that if Allah had guided them, they would have been guided; but Allah knew what they would choose, and He decreed accordingly."

Practical Attitude Toward Qadr

The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught the practical balance: "Strive for that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless. If something befalls you, do not say 'if only I had done this or that,' but say 'Qadr-Allah wa ma sha'a fa'al' (Allah has decreed and He does what He wills), for 'if only' opens the door for Shaytan" (Sahih Muslim). The believer is commanded to take action, make effort, and use all legitimate means, while trusting that the outcome is in Allah's hands. Qadr is not an excuse for laziness or sin; it is a source of comfort after doing one's best.