Divine Decree

Purification of the Soul

Belief in the Divine Decree (al-Qadar)

Although the belief in the divine decree or “preordainment” has been at times greatly maligned and misunderstood, leading to inactivity and excuses for committing sins, the correct concept can and should have a very positive influence on the soul and its purification.

The belief in the Divine Decree is once again related to the fact that this creation is not a “soulless,” mechanical, lifeless creation. This belief is something dominant in the lives of Western disbelievers today, partially under the influence of Voltaire who likened God to a person who makes a watch and then has nothing to do with the working of the watch afterwards. On the contrary, the reality is that Allah is living and watching this creation and He alone has complete control over life, death, sustenance, harm and benefits. Everyday, Allah is creating, giving life, taking life, giving sustenance, guiding people and so on. Allah says, “Every day He is [bringing about] a matter” (al-Rahmaan 29).

The importance of the belief in the Divine Decree can be seen in a number of ways, including the following points:

(1) The believer understands that the outward laws of nature are to be respected and used but he also knows that behind them is the all-Powerful, all-Wise God who still has ultimate power over all things and still invokes laws that are greater than what mankind witnesses in his life. One simple example can demonstrate the great ramifications of this belief on the actions of the individual. From a purely worldly point of view, when a person gives in charity or is generous, he loses part of his wealth, so he can see the immediate effects on his bank balance. However, the believer knows that that is not completely how this creation works. He knows that from a strictly materialistic, secular point of view, it looks like his wealth may have decreased but he also knows that there is God working in this creation that will not let that charity go for naught. In fact, he knows that any charity that he gives for the sake of Allah will have a positive result in the end. Hence, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth in any way. Allah adds to the respect of the servant who is forgiving. And