PREDESTINATION

Say: "Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us: He is our protector": and on Allah let the believers put their trust. (9:51)

No misfortune can happen on earth or in your souls but is recorded in a decree before We bring it into existence: that is truly easy for Allah: (57:22)

No kind of calamity can occur except by the leave of Allah: and if anyone believes in Allah (Allah) guides his heart (aright): for Allah knows all things. (64:11)

The belief in destiny and predestination is deeply attached in the life of Muslims. The belief in a completely laid-back philosophy type of life without any plan of one’s own is sometimes, however, accepted by the general population. Yet this ignorant and passive attitude has its foundation not in Islam but in personal belief.

.......... Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their own souls)........ (13:11)

Many saying remind us of the absolute will of Allah (swt). The word we use frequently Insha Allah (If Allah wills) indicate a person’s hope that a wish or a planned purpose corresponds to Allah (swt) will and thus be successful.

Nor say of anything "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow" Without adding "If Allah so wills!".....(18:23-24)

Another saying that reminds us of Allah’s (swt) omnipotence and of predestination is “La haula wa la quwata illa billah” (There is no power, no might but from Allah). We often use this sentence when we suffers a any kind of misfortune. This sentence reminds us of all-encompassing ruling power of Allah(swt). It helps us to become more patient and to put the situation in proper perspective.

Muslims are always conscious of the fact that a situation which appears hopeless is only to be considered miserable in the context of present situation. This hopeless situation can be regarded in the long run as a valuable experience or success :

But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth and ye know not. (2:216)

Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil) but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere.

Who say when afflicted with calamity: "To Allah we belong and to Him is our return."(2:155-156)

In Islam there is no theology of suffering. Disease and suffering are either understood as a test by Allah (swt) or as a punishment for sins committed:

He Who created Death and Life that He may try which of you is best in deed: and He is the Exalted in Might Oft-Forgiving (67:2)

Every soul shall have a taste of death: and We test you by evil and by good by way of trial: to Us must ye return. (21.35)

and when some evil afflicts them because of what their (own) hands have sent forth behold they are in despair(30:36)

Mischief has appeared on land and sea because of (the meed) that the hands of men have earned that (Allah) may give them a taste of some of their deeds: in order that they may turn back (from Evil)(30:41)

But in whatever form the tribulation or punishment takes, the person should not become desperate. Instead, the person should rely on the mercy of Allah (swt) and grow from the situation.

On no soul doth Allah place a burden greater than it can bear. It gets every good that it earns and it suffers every ill that it earns.(2:286)

.....nor kill (or destroy) yourselves: for verily Allah hath been to you Most Merciful.(4:29)

Therefore one must assume that strokes of fate are what is meant by the notion of predestination. Unexpected unfortunate occurrence over which an individual has no control are part of this concept. However, so are unforeseen good actions or consequences in life. These include lucky coincidence, attaining a highly honored position in society due to fortune or family, special talents. Yet one must realize that these privileges are accompanied by a great deal of responsibility, for even knowledge and just power can be misused.

Thus Prophet Solomon (AS) was conscious of the particular responsibility that his wisdom and power demanded:

So he smiled amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favors which Thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: and admit me by Thy Grace to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants. (27:19)