al-Qadr
Divine decree, predestination and human free will
Section B · Early Muslim Community
Al-Qadr is the Islamic belief in divine decree, that Allah has foreknowledge of all things and that everything happens according to His will. This topic examines the tension between predestination and human free will, the significance of belief in al-Qadr for the early Muslim community, and Islamic responses to the problem of evil and suffering.
Key Points
- 1Al-Qadr means divine decree, the belief that Allah has full knowledge and control of all that happens in creation
- 2Everything is recorded in the Lawh al-Mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet) before it comes to pass
- 3Islam teaches that humans have free will and are responsible for their choices, even though Allah foreknows what they will choose
- 4The assigned Hadith shows this balance: Allah has decreed each person's place in paradise or hell, but 'good deeds are made easy for the blessed', meaning humans still act and are responsible
- 5Belief in al-Qadr gives Muslims tawakkul (trust in Allah), the ability to accept suffering and setback as part of Allah's plan
- 6Al-Qadr relates to the Day of Judgment: humans will be judged on their choices, not simply on what was decreed for them
- 7Evil and suffering are understood as tests from Allah (Qur'an 2:155), opportunities for sabr (patience) and spiritual growth
- 8Belief in al-Qadr was particularly important for the early Muslim community who faced persecution, it gave them the conviction that Allah was in control
Key Terms
al-Qadr
Divine decree or predestination, the belief that Allah has foreknowledge of all events and that everything occurs according to His will. One of the six articles of faith in Sunni Islam.
Lawh al-Mahfuz
The Preserved Tablet, a heavenly record in which Allah has written everything that will ever happen. Referenced in Qur'an 85:21-22.
Tawakkul
Trust and reliance on Allah, accepting His decrees with patience and faith. Belief in al-Qadr encourages tawakkul: whatever happens is within Allah's will.
Maktub
'It is written', the popular expression of the belief that one's destiny is recorded by Allah. Often used to express acceptance of Allah's decree.
Sabr
Patience and perseverance, the Islamic virtue of enduring hardship without losing faith. Belief in al-Qadr gives the foundation for sabr: suffering is part of Allah's wisdom.
Free Will
The Islamic teaching that humans have the ability to make moral choices and are therefore accountable for their actions on the Day of Judgment, despite Allah's foreknowledge.
Exam Passage
Hadith
[The Prophet said], "There is none among you, and not a created soul, but has place either in Paradise or in Hell assigned for him and it is also determined for him whether he will be among the blessed or wretched." A man said, "O Allah's Apostle! Should we not depend on what has been written for us and leave the deeds as whoever amongst us is blessed will do the deeds of a blessed person and whoever amongst us will be wretched, will do the deeds of a wretched person (صلى الله عليه وسلم)" The Prophet said, "The good deeds are made easy for the blessed, and bad deeds are made easy for the wretched." Then he recited the Verses: "As for him who gives (in charity) and is Allah-fearing And believes in the Best reward from Allah (Surah 92:5-10)"
This passage is used in the (d) assess question for this topic. Learn it carefully.
Exam Tips
Explain · 6 marks
For 'explain why belief in al-Qadr is important for Muslims', THREE points. E.g.: (1) it gives tawakkul, trust that everything happens for a reason; (2) it motivates good deeds, the hadith shows that good deeds are 'made easy' for those destined for paradise; (3) it provides comfort in suffering, hardship is seen as a test from Allah. Fact + explanation each time.
Assess · 12 marks
The assigned Hadith is key: use it to show the tension between predestination and free will. AGREE with 'nothing happens unless Allah decrees it', the Hadith says everyone has a place in paradise or hell already assigned. DISAGREE, the Hadith ALSO says humans must still do good deeds; free will and moral responsibility remain. Include views of those who worry that al-Qadr removes moral responsibility.
How confident do you feel about this topic?
Related Topics
Akhirah
al-Qadr and Akhirah are closely linked, divine decree determines the Day of Judgment and its outcomes
The nature of belief in Allah
al-Qadr is grounded in belief in Allah's omnipotence and omniscience
Malaikah
Angels record human deeds (al-Qadr involves angels as recorders and executors of divine will)