"Explore Qada and Qadar in Islam: Divine Decree and Human Choice – Ahlus Sunnah Perspective."
Qada and Qadar are fundamental concepts in Islamic theology, often discussed and debated among scholars. In this article, we will delve into the definitions of Qada and Qadar, explore the differences in perspective among Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jama'ah scholars, and examine their views on the role of human actions in the divine plan.
Defining Qada and Qadar:
Qada, according to the scholars of the Asy'ari school, refers to Allah's decree concerning matters that are eternal and unchangeable. In contrast, Qadar embodies Allah's determination of events with varying degrees of His will.
According to them, Qada is characterized as qodim (ancient or eternal), while Qadar is considered hadits (new or recent). On the other hand, among Maturidi scholars, the definitions of Qada and Qadar are reversed.
Human Actions:
A significant point of contention arises between Ahlusunnah wal Jama'ah and the Mu'tazilah concerning human actions. The central question is whether human actions are creations of Allah or products of human free will.
Ahlusunnah scholars unanimously assert that both good and bad human actions are creations of Allah SWT. This belief stems from the Quranic verse, "We have created everything with predestination" (al-qomar: 49) and "Allah is the one who created you and whatever you do" (as-shofat: 96). Additionally, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad emphasize that everything is predestined, including the actions of the weak and the wise.
Divine Decree and Human Choice:
It's essential to understand that the assertion that human beings are "predestined" under the framework of Qada and Qadar doesn't negate human agency or choice. Actions are seen as either majbur (compelled) or mukhtar (chosen). For instance, a knife and a pen in the hand of a writer are majbur, while the writer's choice to write is mukhtar.
Imam Ahmad ad-Dardiri, in his work [Syarh al-Kahoridah al-Bahiyyah], clarifies that there are two aspects of Qadar: Allah's eternal Qadar and the Qadar of creatures, which is recent. Allah's Qadar is reflected in everything according to His will, from before existence to the present. This reflection is known as ijad (manifestation). However, the Qadar of creatures is related to voluntary actions and is not pre-ordained. This is termed al-kasbu and al-iktisab (effort), as mentioned in the Quran.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Ahlusunnah wal Jama'ah perspective on Qada and Qadar emphasizes the balance between divine decree and human choice. This moderate approach rejects extreme views like that of the "jabariyah," who claim all human actions are predetermined without human agency, as well as the "qodariyah" and "mu'tazilah," who assert that human actions are solely the result of human will. The belief in Qada and Qadar, as understood by Ahlusunnah scholars, highlights the significance of human actions while acknowledging Allah's divine plan.
The role of prayer is also discussed, with varying interpretations among scholars. Some believe that even prayer is predestined, while others suggest that it holds the power to influence destiny. Regardless of these differences, it's important to remember that Allah's wisdom surpasses human comprehension, and His plan is beyond questioning.
May this article shed light on the concept of Qada and Qadar, fostering a deeper understanding of this crucial aspect of Islamic theology.
Image source: Questions on Islam
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