What is Fate and What is 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 article. 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.
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 02:47:58 +0000