Life is a blend of joy and sorrow, success and failure, hope and despair. At times, despite our efforts, the outcomes are not what we desire, and at other times, blessings come unexpectedly. In such moments, a true believer firmly believes that everything happens according to the command, knowledge, and will of Allah ﷻ — whether it appears good or bad for us.
This conviction is known as belief in Qadr (Destiny), which is one of the six fundamental pillars of faith.
Belief in destiny is not only an essential Islamic creed but also a rational reality. A human being makes many intentions and plans in life, but events do not always unfold as he wishes.
The Best of Creation: Human Being
By his essence, man is merely a form molded from dust, but when the creative power of Allah ﷻ manifests upon him, he becomes a living masterpiece.
Allah ﷻ says:
هُوَ الَّذِیْ یُصَوِّرُكُمْ فِی الْاَرْحَامِ كَیْفَ یَشَآءُؕ۔ لَاۤ اِلٰهَ اِلَّا هُوَ الْعَزِیْزُ الْحَكِیْمُ
(Āl ʿImrān 6)
“He is the One who fashions you in the wombs as He wills. There is no deity except Him, the Almighty, the All-Wise.”
A mere drop of fluid, no more than a speck, by the command of Allah ﷻ is transformed into a beautiful form of flesh and blood. Into its eyes is placed the gift of sight, into its heart the warmth of life, upon its lips the radiance of a smile, and within its mind the lamps of thought and consciousness are kindled.
Even before man enters the world, his form is being shaped — the lines of his hands are being drawn, the color of his eyes is being determined. His height, his physical structure, his intelligence, his abilities — all are being crafted under an unseen workmanship.
What an astonishing system it is, that every aspect of this fragile being nurtured in the womb has already been decreed: whose face will shine with the glow of joy and whose forehead will bear the lines of despair. Yet, in both conditions, man is tested — whether he stands firm with patience and perseverance, gratitude and thankfulness.
Here lies the essence of “كَيْفَ يَشَاءُ” — “as He wills” — He fashions your form in whatever manner He chooses.
This proclamation of boundless power and will reminds man of his helplessness. None can change the color of his eyes, nor alter his innate structure. No one can make himself tall at will, nor decide the tone of his skin, nor has anyone authority over whether he is born male or female. Whatever he is, however he is — he remains under the Divine Will of Allah ﷻ.
Therefore, if there is any deficiency in one’s body, one must remain patient and content with the decision of his Lord. And if there is beauty or excellence, one should understand that it is not by one’s own choice, but rather a gift from Allah ﷻ. For every form, every ability granted to a person is Allah’s own selection for him — and for him alone, it is the best.
وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ
(at-Taghābun: 3)
“And He formed you, and then perfected your forms.”
Every human being is complete and beautiful in the sight of Allah ﷻ, because he has been created in accordance with the wisdom that was best for him.
This verse is not merely a statement of fact, but a message, a lesson, and a principle of life. It teaches us to believe in the authority, love, and decisions of Allah ﷻ. Man should never measure himself against the standards of others, but rather realize that whatever is present in his creation is the best.
There is never forgetfulness in Allah’s decree, no flaw in His craftsmanship, and no injustice in His decisions. Whatever we have been given is the finest choice of Allah ﷻ.
The Complex System of the Human Body
The beating of the heart, the act of breathing, the program of DNA, and the functioning of the brain — all operate under a predetermined destiny. We cannot stop our heartbeat by our own will, nor can we alter the code of our DNA. All of this functions only according to the decree set by Allah ﷻ.
Belief in Destiny
In life, man repeatedly faces circumstances that are beyond his control, such as:
▪️ States of health and illness
▪️ Unexpected accidents or sudden successes
If man truly had control over his destiny, he would always choose what seemed best for himself. But reality proves otherwise.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
لَا يُؤْمِنُ عَبْدٌ حَتَّىٰ يُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ، خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“No servant can truly be a believer until he believes in Qadr (destiny), both its good and its evil.”
This belief rescues a person from the state of uncertainty and grants him the light of tranquility.
The Four Fundamental Elements of Destiny
1. The Knowledge of Allah ﷻ
Allah knows everything — what has happened, what is happening, and what will happen. His knowledge is complete and flawless.
Allah ﷻ says:
أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ؟
(al-Ḥajj: 70)
“Do you not know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth?”
And He says:
وَعِندَهُ مَفَاتِحُ الْغَيْبِ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ وَيَعْلَمُ مَا فِي الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ ۚ وَمَا تَسْقُطُ مِن وَرَقَةٍ إِلَّا يَعْلَمُهَا ۚ وَلَا حَبَّةٍ فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْأَرْضِ وَلَا رَطْبٍ وَلَا يَابِسٍ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مُّبِينٍ
(al-Anʿām: 59)
“And with Him are the keys of the unseen — none knows them except Him. He knows whatever is in the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. Nor is there a grain within the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but it is all recorded in a clear Book.”
Everything is Written in al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ (The Preserved Tablet)
أَلَمْ تَعْلَمْ أَنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۗ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ فِي كِتَابٍ ۚ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ عَلَى اللَّهِ يَسِيرٌ
(Sūrat al-Ḥajj: 70)
“Do you not know that Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and the earth? Indeed, all of this is recorded in a Book, and indeed, that is easy for Allah.”
This certainty removes restlessness from the heart, for one realizes that every moment of his life is under the knowledge of his Lord — the Greatest Benefactor.
The Will of Allah ﷻ
Nothing can happen without the will of Allah. Every action, every change, every decision occurs only through His decree.
Allah ﷻ says:
وَمَا تَشَاؤُونَ إِلَّا أَن يَشَاءَ اللَّهُ
(at-Takwīr: 29)
“And you do not will, unless Allah wills.”
Meaning, even our ability to will and to choose is subject to the permission and guidance of Allah ﷻ.
وَمَا هُم بِضَآرِّينَ بِهِ مِنْ أَحَدٍ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِ اللَّهِ
(al-Baqarah: 102)
“And they cannot harm anyone with it except by the permission of Allah.”
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا
(at-Tawbah: 51)
“Say, nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has written for us.”
The Creation of Allah ﷻ
Allah is the Creator of everything — whether our actions or the circumstances of our lives.
Allah ﷻ says:
إِنَّا كُلَّ شَيْءٍ خَلَقْنَاهُ بِقَدَرٍ
(al-Qamar: 49)
“Indeed, We created everything according to a destined measure.”
وَرَبُّكَ يَخْلُقُ مَا يَشَاءُ وَيَخْتَارُ
(al-Qaṣaṣ: 68)
“And your Lord creates whatever He wills, and He chooses.”
Man: A Traveler Swept by Destiny or the Architect of His Own Path?
This timeless question has always puzzled the human mind: Is man truly compelled?
If every detail of his fate is already inscribed on the Tablet of Destiny, if his decisions are written by an unseen pen — then why the concept of reward and punishment?
If he is not the architect of his own path, then why is he held accountable for his good and bad deeds?
It is here that the delicate balance between destiny (Qadr) and free will (Ikhtiyār) must be understood.
Allah’s knowledge is eternal and absolute, but this knowledge does not signify compulsion. A teacher, observing his intelligent and hardworking student, can often predict his success in the exam. But does this knowledge itself cause the student to succeed?
No. His success results from his own effort.
The same applies to man and destiny. Allah ﷻ knows everything, every moment, yet His knowledge does not obstruct human choice. Destiny is a path — but the steps taken upon it are man’s own. He may choose to walk the Straight Path (Ṣirāṭ al-Mustaqīm), or he may hand himself over to misguidance.
Supplication (Duʿāʾ) and Destiny
Can what is written be erased?
This too has intrigued thinkers for centuries: Can supplication change destiny?
The Prophet ﷺ revealed this mystery, saying:
لَا يَرُدُّ الْقَدَرَ إِلَّا الدُّعَاءُ
(Sunan at-Tirmidhī)
“Nothing repels destiny except supplication.”
This ḥadīth makes clear that duʿāʾ is the hand that knocks upon the doors of destiny.
It is the light that can cast new colors upon what is written.
Duʿāʾ is not mere words, but the intimate bond between a servant and his Lord — a bond so powerful that it can moisten even the driest lines of fate.
The Secret of Destiny
This world is a test in which every individual has been given the ability to choose between good and evil. The knowledge of Allah ﷻ encompasses all things, yet this knowledge does not bind man in chains. Successful is the one who strives to refine his destiny through planning, supplication, and righteous deeds.
Indeed, what is written in one’s fate has already been inscribed, but man holds the choice of what color he gives to that writing. Whatever occurs in this world has already been recorded in al-Lawḥ al-Maḥfūẓ (The Preserved Tablet).
Allah ﷻ says:
مَا أَصَابَ مِن مُّصِيبَةٍ فِي ٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِيٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَـٰبٍۢ مِّن قَبْلِ أَن نَّبْرَأَهَآ
(al-Ḥadīd: 22)
“No calamity strikes upon the earth or within yourselves except that it is inscribed in a Book before We bring it into existence.”
The Benefits of Belief in Destiny
1. Peace of Heart and Patience
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ! إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ لَهُ خَيْرٌ، إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ، وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“How wondrous is the affair of the believer! Verily, all of his affairs are good for him. If he is granted ease, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he is afflicted with hardship, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
2. Protection from Arrogance
One who believes in destiny does not boast over his achievements; rather, he shows gratitude to Allah ﷻ.
Allah ﷻ says:
لِكَيْلَا تَأْسَوْا عَلَىٰ مَا فَاتَكُمْ وَلَا تَفْرَحُوا بِمَا آتَاكُمْ
(al-Ḥadīd: 23)
“So that you may not grieve over what has escaped you, nor exult over what He has granted you.”
3. Protection from Despair
A believer in destiny never falls into despair, for he knows that whatever Allah decrees is always best.
Allah ﷻ says:
عَسٰۤى أَنْ تَكْرَهُوْا شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَعَسٰۤى أَنْ تُحِبُّوْا شَيْـًٔا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۚ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنْتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُوْنَ
(al-Baqarah: 216)
“It may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you do not know.”
Does Man Possess Free Will?
Allah ﷻ is al-Qādir al-Muṭlaq (The Absolute All-Powerful) — the Creator of the universe, the Owner of life and death, and the One who decides reward and punishment. None shares in His dominion; His decrees are final and none can avert them. Paradise and Hell, forgiveness and punishment — all lie solely in His authority. Yet, He is not a ruler who wrongs anyone unjustly. Rather, He is the embodiment of absolute justice and mercy.
His mercy and justice are based upon perfect wisdom. He does not overlook even the smallest act of goodness; instead, He multiplies its reward many times over. His justice requires that whoever lives according to His commands will be granted the best recompense, and whoever chooses the path of rebellion and disobedience will face the consequences of his deeds.
Allah ﷻ says:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَنْ يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ
(an-Nisāʾ: 48)
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating partners with Him, but He forgives whatever is less than that for whom He wills.”
Here, the phrase “لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ” clarifies that forgiveness is not an unconditional pardon. Rather, it is based upon Allah’s knowledge, wisdom, and the deeds of His servant. If He wills, He may open the doors of mercy upon a small act of righteousness; and if He wills, He may punish arrogance and defiance. Yet, every decision of His is pure justice and fairness.
Allah’s Mercy Overcomes His Wrath
The Prophet ﷺ narrated from Allah ﷻ in a ḥadīth qudsī:
“إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي غَلَبَتْ غَضَبِي”
(al-Bukhārī, Muslim)
“Indeed, My mercy has overcome My wrath.”
For this reason, Allah ﷻ does not subject anyone to punishment without cause. Rather, He repeatedly grants His servants opportunities for repentance and return, so that they may reform their deeds and secure their Hereafter.
Allah ﷻ says:
يَغْفِرُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ وَيُعَذِّبُ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ
“He forgives whom He wills, and He punishes whom He wills. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Those deserving of punishment will face it based upon His justice. Every individual will be recompensed exactly in accordance with his deeds. Allah ﷻ compels no one — rather, the outcome is a manifestation of perfect justice.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
كُلُّكُمْ تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ إِلَّا مَنْ أَبَى، قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَنْ يَأْبَى؟ قَالَ: مَنْ أَطَاعَنِي دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ وَمَنْ عَصَانِي فَقَدْ أَبَى
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)
“All of you will enter Paradise except the one who refuses.”
The Companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah, who would refuse?” He replied: “Whoever obeys me will enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me has indeed refused.”
Man’s Free Will and Divine Justice
Allah ﷻ declares:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَظْلِمُ النَّاسَ شَيْئًا، وَلَكِنَّ النَّاسَ أَنفُسَهُمْ يَظْلِمُونَ
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“Indeed, Allah does not wrong the people in the least, but it is the people who wrong themselves.”
A man, fully aware that murder leads to execution or life imprisonment, still chooses to commit the crime — thus, in reality, he himself seals his punishment.
Allah ﷻ has made clear the paths of good and evil, guidance and misguidance, along with their outcomes. Now the choice lies with man: which path will he adopt?
Allah ﷻ says:
وَقُلِ الْحَقُّ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ ۖ فَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيُؤْمِنْ وَمَنْ شَاءَ فَلْيَكْفُرْ
(al-Kahf: 29)
“And say: The truth is from your Lord. So whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve.”
This proclamation emphasizes that faith cannot be imposed upon anyone’s heart; it rests upon the individual’s own will and choice.
Similarly, Allah ﷻ states:
إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا
(ad-Dahr: 3)
“We showed him the path, whether he be grateful or ungrateful.”
Here, the words “إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا” clearly affirm man’s free will. Allah ﷻ created him with freedom, and the consequences of his deeds fall solely upon him.
The Consequence of Evil
Allah ﷻ says:
مَن يَعْمَلْ سُوءًا يُجْزَ بِهِ وَلَا يَجِدْ لَهُ مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ وَلِيًّا وَلَا نَصِيرًا
(an-Nisāʾ: 123)
“Whoever does evil will be recompensed for it, and he will not find for himself any protector or helper besides Allah.”
And in the next verse, the principle of reward and punishment is made clear:
لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ
(al-Baqarah: 286)
“For each soul is that which it has earned, and against it is that which it has brought upon itself.”
Human Freedom and Divine Justice
It is an undeniable truth that man has been endowed with the blessings of intellect and free choice. The path he chooses in this world determines his destiny in the Hereafter.
If one wanders in the darkness of oppression, embraces greed and betrayal, usurps the rights of others, and builds his world upon lies and deception — how can such a person be granted peace and comfort in the Hereafter?
On the other hand, a sincere and righteous person who lives by taqwā and sincerity, deals with Allah’s servants with justice and kindness, and walks upon the path of truth and honesty — such a person can never be at loss.
Allah ﷻ has made the roads of good and evil evident and has granted man the insight to shape his future. His will, His justice, and His mercy operate in perfect harmony. He neither punishes without reason, nor forgives without cause. Every decree is based upon His wisdom and man’s deeds.
True success belongs to the one who charts his path in the light of faith and righteous action. Misery awaits the one who adopts rebellion and disobedience as his way of life.
This world is nothing but an examination hall, where every deed is being recorded. The Hereafter is that great day when each action will be accounted for. Whoever seeks Allah’s mercy will find refuge in His compassion, and whoever deserves punishment due to arrogance will find no place of escape.
The Balance of Qadar and Free Will
Islam teaches us a beautiful balance between Divine Decree (Qadar) and human free will.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
إعْمَلُوا، فَكُلٌّ مُيَسَّرٌ لِمَا خُلِقَ لَهُ
(Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)
“Act, for everyone is facilitated towards that for which he was created.”
This statement reminds us that every action produces its natural consequence. The believer who has firm faith in Qadar remains content in every circumstance, knowing that joy and sorrow, gain and loss, all occur by Allah’s decree. True success lies in being pleased with His will.
May Allah ﷻ grant us the wealth of His love, bless us with contentment in His every decree, and bestow upon us patience and steadfastness in all circumstances. Ameen.