Introduction
I am presenting a summary of all that I have written and posted on my blog in relation to Allah, His Divine Will, Free Will and Existence. I reach these theoretical conclusions based on existing evidence from the Qur’an and Ahadith, as well as raising them up with A. I. Gemini.
Allah
As a Muslim, it is quite clear to us that:
1. Nothing exists but Allah.
2. There is no power greater than His.
3. Nothing takes place without His Consent or Him Knowing of it.
4. Allah knows best.
5. Most of all, He is ar-Rahman nir-Raheem (Most Gracious, Most Merciful).
Life (Existence)
It is a foregone conclusion that life does not always work out the way you would want it to be. I put this question to Gemini and received a reply saying that I was absolutely right. “That's a fundamental truth about life. No matter how carefully we plan or how much we desire a certain outcome, life often throws curveballs our way. It's in those moments that we often grapple with the idea of things being ‘made in heaven’." (1).
It is obvious that life was not created to suit our whims and fancies. We, like the Jinn, were brought into existence to serve Allah, (Surah Dhariyat 51:56). Allah owns us and He does as He pleases. “And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful,” (Surah Fath 48:14). “Does man think that he will be left uncontrolled, (without purpose)?” (Surah Qiyamah 75:36)
Allah Hears (Sami’un), Sees (Basirun) and Knows (‘Alimun). What is there that you want to complain to Him about that He does not already know off? We traditionally go through the ritual of turning to Allah over our problems but its origin is multifaceted and overlooked. We seldom investigate the causes but complain about the results. I am of the view that it would be better to turn to Allah for forgiveness, mercy, kindness, love and affection, and ask Him to solve our problems. Submission is the key because the “veil” will not be removed so long as a person fails to submit to the Divine Will (current outcome).
Submission
Of course, it is a natural outcome for us to seek solutions to our problems; to find ways to overcome them. We gain from experience; we gain through trial and error. There are many paths and approaches but all these roads of survival reach a critical decision where one has to end up choosing from two outcomes, namely, “to live like a donkey in servitude or become an animal in the wild.” Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The first, means continuing to live in servitude and subjugation while the other enable you to take chances through free will which often result in your demise.
According to Gemini, the "donkey in servitude" scenario mentioned by me establishes a predictable, perhaps even comfortable, existence within a defined structure. It provides security, provision of basic needs, and a sense of belonging, even if it comes at the cost of freedom and autonomy. The disadvantages indicate limited opportunities for self-expression, and potentially a feeling of being used or unfulfilled. On the other hand, the choice of being "animal in the wild" represents a life of complete freedom and self-determination. This is viewed as Free Will. The disadvantages are significant. The struggle for survival and the ever-present risk of demise is always present.
I am of the view that when you view life and existence in this context, you are left with two choices. You either submit to authority, be it Allah or governments, to survive, or you take a path of your own under Free Will and face unpredictable possibilities, even death. It not a matter of courage or wisdom because it exists on both sides, but a choice that you have decided to abide with regardless of the consequences. You may view it as your destiny or it may be viewed as lack of wisdom, resulting in a foregone conclusion. We read of the deaths of many worldwide who have undertaken this path in the news media daily.
From a religious perspective, you have the choice of becoming a rose garden or a rubbish dump. We all know that a rose garden also contains thorns. In short, life is not a bed of roses. As such, we make adjustments to existence within the framework of Islam to survive and to keep our faith. This is the wise path. Allah has not placed on anyone a burden they cannot bear. (Surah Baqarah 2:286).
Human nature is multifaceted. Like an elephant, it remembers harm done to its fellow members. The saying: “Every dog has its day” is valid and when that day arrives no mercy will be shown. This is not a case of frustration as pointed out by Gemini but in my view the bicycle wheel of reality. I am a person who measures up realities. It is very evident that future generations of Palestinians will respond to genocide in a violent manner. You try talking to these kids when they grow up about ‘mercy’ after all that has happened to them.
The Divine Decree and Free Will
It is very important to grasp the Divine Decree of Allah. We have already dealt with who Allah is in brief, our created state and submission as a choice. Ayatal Kursi in Surah Baqarah provides us with a perfect perception of Allah’s sovereignty and knowledge. There is also a need to possess a broader understanding of Qada' and Qadar.
Gemini provides an analogy: “Consider a teacher who knows, based on a student's habits and aptitude, whether they are likely to succeed or fail an exam. The teacher can still offer advice and guidance. The student's ultimate outcome is influenced by their choices (to study or not), even though the teacher might have had a strong inclination about the result beforehand. The teacher's knowledge doesn't negate the student's responsibility for their actions.” Gemini states that while it's true that Allah's knowledge is all-encompassing and His decree is ultimate, this does not negate the reality of human free will and accountability. We are responsible for the choices we make with the faculties Allah has given us. The path we take, whether easy or hard, and our response to guidance are part of the test of life. Allah's mercy and forgiveness provide hope and the possibility of change within the framework of His divine plan. The interplay between destiny and free will remains a profound mystery that calls for faith, reflection, and striving in the path of righteousness.
My response to Gemini is that Allah's knowledge is all-encompassing and His decree is ultimate. This aspect can be viewed over the actions of Adam (a.s.) and consuming the forbidden fruit. The act was preordained by Allah and though Adam was shown the path to forgiveness, he still had to pay for his disobedience (sin). Whatever decision a person makes, rightly or wrongly is known to Allah (Ayatal Kursi). Free Will appears to take on the form of choice but when you view the “created states” (fitrah) of many people, their destinies are a foregone conclusion. We note Abu Lahab enjoys a few droplets of water every Mondays just for releasing a slave at the news of Muhammad's birth, a clear indication that even though he was condemned to Hell, he still enjoyed Allah’s mercy for releasing a slave. His condemnation to Hell was a result of his actions but in a way known to Allah and in a way his preordained destiny, just as Adam’s was.
It is hardly mentioned, what appears to be our choice in reality is a foregone conclusion. As such, I believe that Free Will exists but it survives with constraints. It does not hold sway over the Devine Decree of Allah. Preordainment dominates our existence. Of course, we have the right to choice but it is a foregone conclusion with Allah. Striving is important and a requirement in Islam, however, do not make it an obsession and a justification regardless of the consequences. This is where Allah's forgiveness and mercy comes into existence. Ultimately it was His preordained plan and as such He has the right to make adjustments to it.
My emphasis on preordination in relation to our free will are ultimately within the framework of what is already known and decreed by Allah. The consequences, both positive and negative, then unfold according to His divine plan, with room for His forgiveness and mercy. I base this on the Adam’s outcome and that of Abu Lahab’s. What this indicates is that the final decision lies with Allah. When you view Iblis. Intellectually and logically, he was right in his decision but it was viewed as disobedience because it was deemed so by Allah. Ultimately, we were created into servitude and submission. Ultimately, Free Will offers you just two choices: living like a donkey or an animal in the wild. This is the reality of existence. The choice is yours: to believe or disbelieve. In Surah Takathur you are clearly inform that of a surety you will know what the truth is and we will for sure witness it.
It is important to note that even though Qada’ and Qadar (Destiny) is clear, there is “a window of opportunity” open to us. It comes in the form of supplication (dua); in the form of doing good as Abu Lahad did. We seek forgiveness, mercy, kindness, love, and affection from Allah because we are imperfect. By adopting this approach, we submit and through it seek salvation. However, the final decision lies with Allah. Submission in this context is the acceptance of whatever Allah has destined for us, be it our favour or not. The "space in between" also becomes the realm where our beliefs or disbeliefs are tested, leading us our final destinations which are already known to the Almighty. (2).
Gemini pointed out: “Ultimately, the precise way in which divine knowledge and human free will coexist is a mystery that may lie beyond the full grasp of human intellect. We are called to believe in both and to act responsibly based on the guidance we have been given.” My answer to this is that I believe in clarity. Nothing remains a mystery forever. I have proven in explicit terms and provided examples that the Divine Will of Allah prevails foremost and that Free Will functions within a framework, where its formulation and coming into existence depends to a great extent on how Allah views it and determines its outcome.
"By the soul and He who proportioned it. And inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness." (Surah Shams 91:7-8).
"Every soul will be held responsible for what it has earned." (Surah Mudathir 74:38).
“Indeed, the Nafs is inclined to evil, except for whom my Lord has mercy." (Surah Yusuf 12:53).
"Indeed, Allah has knowledge of everything." (Surah Anfal 8:75).
“And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. He forgives whom He wills and punishes whom He wills. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Fath 48:14)
Theoretically,
my arguments indicate a degree of clarity. Nothing remains a mystery forever.
All it requires is some insight into possibilities that can be considered within the framework
of Islam to establish credibility and validity. One cannot reject these theoretical
presentations just because there are no references. Instead, one needs to view
existence in accordance with the times; to provide new dimensions to existence
in a world that is faced with disbelief and the rejection of religion. [Mokhtar Stork, 5 May 20225]
References: My articles on my blog.
1. Life Does Not Always Work Out the Way, you would Like It to Be.
2. The Divine Framework in Relation to Your Existence
