The Belief in Divine Decree (Qadar) and Destiny in Islam
According to Islam, nothing happens by chance. The universe operates according to a perfect order. This order is called “Qadar” (Destiny): it is Allah’s foreknowledge and precise determination of everything. “Qada” (Decree) refers to the unfolding of this determination when its time comes.
However, this does not cancel out human free will. Humans are endowed with reason, will, and conscience. They make choices and bear responsibility for them. Allah knows a person’s choices in advance, but He does not force them. It is like an astronomer knowing when a solar eclipse will happen: knowing is not the same as causing.
The Qur’an says:
“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is inscribed in a Book before We bring it into existence.” (Surah Al-Hadid, 57:22)
The belief in destiny brings peace of mind: it gives meaning to loss and balance to success. A person strives, trusts in Allah, and leaves the outcome to Him. For He is the One who knows what is best in all things.
