1. the "incompatibility" of destiny & free-will. your world is pre-programmed. each choice presented to your character, its consequences and the choices it leads to are all determined at the earliest stage of game development. all possible futures for your character are encapsulated in this, as at no time can the game evolve outside the original structure set by the Programmer. As He wrote it, He has knowledge of these - all that will or could possibly befall you. This includes both actions as a result of your choices, and the greater storyline that is the Author's decided theme for the game.
This is destiny.
You are the character. You enter the world free, and are presented with a number of choices. At each stage, you are able to select your course in consideration of the consequences of your actions, and your overall aim. Although the branches of the choices you face are set, you are free to select which of the thousands and thousands of branches you will walk upon at each fork in the road. You can play the game as it was intended, or ignore the plot and amuse yourself as you see fit. You can shape your path through the consequences of your deeds, which lead to specific situations dependent on your previous choices. You can decide if you will be the hero or the villain, and this is irrespective of which of these the Author desires you to become. He has presented you with a number of options, informing you which serve the purpose of the game, and which do not - but does not compel you to choose one side or the other. This, He leaves up to you. Note, the Programmer knows everything which will, and will not be in this game, before, after and during your adventure. As you play, He watches you cut down this myriad of options into one path in your wake -- a path which has always been wholly within His knowledge. You go only from multiple conditional destinies to a single, fulfilled destiny.
This is free will, within predestination.
2. it is incorrect, not to mention incredibly dangerous, to believe because the Author knows what is to befall you, you have no choice in the matter. This is ideologically unsound, as only a tyrant would force arbitrary numbers of people into a path then send them to perdition because of it, while others he gives another path and a sweet reward. It contradicts His property of Justice and Mercy. In addition there would be no motivation to better yourself, nor to accept accountability for your evil deeds.
It is also incorrect, not to mention incredibly dangerous, to believe your free will is an absolute, and nothing is destined. This again is ideologically unsound, as it denies His attribute of Knowledge. In addition man would consider himself capable of all things in and of his own power, shaping a path arbitrarily where there was nothing before, with no greater destiny or meaning.
Ghaylan of Damascus: "Do you think Allah likes to be disobeyed?"
Rabi'ah al-Ray: "It is you who believe Allah is disobeyed against His will!"
* * *
ideas from Man and his Destiny, M. Mutahhery
(c) Feb 2007
2 comments:
As Salaam 3laykom,
It is funny you have posted this as I have had a similar conversation with a friend some years back. This is a very important yet often neglected topic. May Allah reward you for this beautiful post.
wa alaikum asalam
thanks for your comment. makes me wonder what other conversations you've had you haven't told us about... you should post a few of em.
Post a Comment