Predestination in Islam

This section explains Predestination in Islam. Al-Qadr refers to the Islamic belief in predestination, which is the idea that Allah has already determined everything that will happen in the world and in the lives of individuals. For many Muslims, this belief means that humans do not have complete control over their actions and that everything occurs according to the will of Allah. This concept is often seen as reassuring by some, as it suggests that even in times of hardship, everything is part of Allah’s greater plan.

Sunni Beliefs on Predestination

Most Sunni Muslims hold the belief that Allah has decreed everything that will happen in the universe. They believe that human beings cannot choose to act outside of what has already been predetermined by Allah. This view is rooted in the idea that Allah is omnipotent, meaning He has control over all aspects of life. The Qur'an reflects this understanding:

"Only what God has decreed will happen to us."
— Qur'an 9:51

For Sunni Muslims, this means that nothing occurs by chance, and humans do not have the power to alter their fate. The belief in predestination implies that humans are part of a divine plan that was written before they were born.

One expression that is commonly used by Sunni Muslims to acknowledge Al-Qadr is Insha'Allah, meaning "If Allah wills". This reflects the belief that every event and decision is ultimately under Allah’s control, and human actions are just part of His predetermined plan.

Shi'a Beliefs on Predestination

While Shi'a Muslims also believe that Allah has ultimate control over the universe, their view on predestination differs slightly. They believe that Allah knows everything — past, present, and future — but they do not think that Allah necessarily predetermines every single event. Shi'a Muslims hold that humans have the free will to make their own choices, even though Allah already knows what these choices will be. The belief is that Allah, in His omniscience, has complete knowledge of all that will happen, but this does not imply that He forces humans to act in a certain way.

The Qur'an supports this idea, as seen in the verse:

"God does not change the conditions of a people for the worse unless they change what is in themselves."
— Qur'an 13:11

This verse suggests that while Allah is in control, humans still possess free will and are responsible for their actions. Shi'a Muslims believe that individuals have the power to influence their own destiny by making good choices, even though Allah is aware of the choices they will make.

Some Shi'a Muslims also argue that the concept of the Day of Judgement, where individuals are judged for their deeds, conflicts with the idea of predestination. If Muslims are to be judged based on their actions, they argue, this must imply that humans have the freedom to choose how they act.

Leadership Differences Between Sunni and Shi'a Islam

One of the key differences between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims lies in their beliefs about leadership and the role of religious leaders.

Shi'a Muslims believe that leadership within the Muslim community should be held by the imam, a figure who possesses special divine authority. The imam is not only a religious leader but also a descendant of Prophet Muhammad and is believed to be free from sin. According to Shi'a theology, each imam is divinely chosen by the previous one, ensuring that the line of leadership remains pure and unbroken. The concept of nass teaches that the imam has the God-given authority to interpret the Qur'an and provide spiritual guidance to the community.

For Shi'a Muslims, the imam plays a crucial role as an intermediary between Allah and humankind, guiding the faithful on matters of both religious practice and interpretation of the divine law.

On the other hand, Sunni Muslims have a different view of leadership. They do not believe that leadership should be based on bloodline or divine selection, as it is in Shi'a Islam. In Sunni belief, leadership within the Muslim community does not follow a fixed hierarchy. While imams in Sunni Islam are still respected figures, they are seen as community leaders who provide spiritual care and religious guidance rather than possessing any special divine authority. Sunni Muslims view the imam as the person responsible for leading prayers and offering guidance on religious matters within the local mosque, without any claim to divinely inspired leadership.

These differences in leadership are a significant factor in the division between Sunni and Shi'a Islam, with each group placing different emphasis on the role of religious authority and the interpretation of religious texts.

Conclusion

The belief in Al-Qadr or predestination plays a central role in shaping the lives and actions of Muslims, but the way it is understood differs between Sunni and Shi'a branches of Islam. While Sunni Muslims tend to emphasise the absolute sovereignty of Allah in determining the course of events, Shi'a Muslims maintain that humans have free will, even though Allah already knows the choices they will make. This difference in belief also influences the way both groups approach issues of leadership and the role of religious authority within the community, further distinguishing the two branches of Islam.