Table of Contents
Introduction
In its doctrinal definition, Islam occupies a distinctive intersection between the divine and the temporal realms, providing a framework for both reverence and critical engagement with the contexts in which Orthodox Islam operates. Within this framework emerges a particular observation: Allah is portrayed as initiating the act of recording and determining His creation in a manner that invites philosophical scrutiny. This essay adopts an analytical lens to explore the concept of Allah (God) through humanistic inquiry, examining the interplay of divine omnipresence, authorship, and the immutable script of predestination as understood within Islamic theology.
A philosopher might ask: Could Allah enact a divine initiative devoid of prior precedent, and subsequently record it as part of His own self-referential knowledge? If Allah were to compose a script detailing His own existence and decrees, what would its content reveal about His omniscience, and in what way could such a record enlighten humanity? If Allah is beyond influence, the absence of any predictive uncertainty regarding Him may serve as an absolute truth claim. Yet, this also frames the question of whether divine knowledge is in a state of refinement or whether it remains eternally complete.
Islam’s definition of servitude
Following the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet of Islam remained in Hudaibiyyah for a year, having been invited to Makkah for the performance of Umrah, while his companions remained stationed at the treaty location. When the Quraysh violated the agreement, the Prophet resolved to enter Makkah the following year. Ultimately, he entered the city without military conflict and completed the rites of Hajj. Ibn Abbas narrates that the Prophet remarked, “This marks the conclusion of one significant phase and the commencement of another” — [1] —
Reference : Sunan Abi Dawud 4700
In-book reference : Book 42, Hadith 105
English translation : Book 41, Hadith 4683
Model Behavior of the Prophet (Kitab Al-Sunnah)
(1693)Chapter: Belief In Divine Decree(17)باب فِي الْقَدَرِ
Ubadah b. al Samit said to his son :
Son! You will not get the taste of the reality of faith until you know that what has come to you could not miss you, and that what has missed you could not come to you. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: The first thing Allah created was the pen. He said to it: Write. It asked: What should I write, my Lord? He said: Write what was decreed about everything till the Last Hour comes. Son! I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say : He who dies on something other than this does not belong to me.
حَدَّثَنَا جَعْفَرُ بْنُ مُسَافِرٍ الْهُذَلِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ حَسَّانَ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ رَبَاحٍ، عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ بْنِ أَبِي عَبْلَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي حَفْصَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ عُبَادَةُ بْنُ الصَّامِتِ لاِبْنِهِ يَا بُنَىَّ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تَجِدَ طَعْمَ حَقِيقَةِ الإِيمَانِ حَتَّى تَعْلَمَ أَنَّ مَا أَصَابَكَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِيُخْطِئَكَ وَمَا أَخْطَأَكَ لَمْ يَكُنْ لِيُصِيبَكَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ” إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا خَلَقَ اللَّهُ الْقَلَمَ فَقَالَ لَهُ اكْتُبْ . قَالَ رَبِّ وَمَاذَا أَكْتُبُ قَالَ اكْتُبْ مَقَادِيرَ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ حَتَّى تَقُومَ السَّاعَةُ ” . يَا بُنَىَّ إِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ” مَنْ مَاتَ عَلَى غَيْرِ هَذَا فَلَيْسَ مِنِّي ” .
Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani) صحيح (الألباني) حكم :
Saeed Athen reported: Upon hearing this, the matter was left unchanged, deemed self-evident, and requiring no further elaboration. This principle aligns with the statements recorded in other authentic sources, such as [2].
Sahih Bukhari (Discussion on Fate)
28/ Skilled
Section: 28/8. The divine decree has been set and affirmed.
Allah’s statement: “Allah only guides those whom He wills” — (Surah Jasiya 45:29). Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated: The Prophet ﷺ said that all matters decreed for you have been written and finalized. Ibn Abbas (RA) affirmed that divine decree precedes human action.
424. ‘Imran Ibn Husayn (RA) was asked: Can the destiny of the people of Hell and Paradise be known beforehand? He replied: Yes, and each person’s actions will correspond to what has already been decreed for them.
[4241; Muslim 18/1, Hadith 2849]
In Islam, the knowledge of Predestination
Islamic scholarship asserts that Islam not only emphasizes righteous conduct but also explicitly forbids deceit in all dealings. A prominent scholar has stressed the necessity of embedding ethical conduct within strategic and societal frameworks, encouraging both individuals and communities to uphold integrity in all endeavors. It is said: “Adherence to principle leads to genuine victory — a victory measured not merely by material gain or loss, but by the preservation of moral integrity” [3]. Another thinker observed: “Through perseverance and ethical conduct, humanity can compose chapters worthy of divine recognition.” This perspective underscores that the true enrichment of human values stems from unwavering commitment to virtue [4].
As the narrative illustrates, all attempts to subvert divine decree ultimately fail. Even in political or economic contexts, ethical principles preserve societal stability. Historical examples show that just governance, coupled with the equitable distribution of resources, fosters peace and social cohesion. The guiding ethos remains: “Transform observation into principled action.” Leaders who act with dignity during periods of prosperity not only safeguard their legacy but also navigate crises with resilience. In the domain of knowledge, excellence is achieved when insight is coupled with truthfulness. This unity of moral integrity and intellectual rigor serves as a beacon that endures through time.
When individuals face manipulation or moral compromise, the essence of ethical responsibility becomes clearer. Revelation binds them to “pure wisdom, with a longing for enduring honor.” This ideal teaches that noble dedication fosters unity, while economic pursuits divorced from human values lead to disintegration. Narratives of determination in adversity emphasize that the cornerstone of a healthy society is the preservation of truth and the cultivation of just commerce. “Pioneers impart dedication to rightful heritage,” demonstrating that sustained ethical conduct ensures the preservation of communal integrity.
The challenge of isolation is overcome when every constructive act contributes to the collective good. This requires markets that balance innovation with moral duty, and governance that fosters mutual respect. Insight must be continually refined to adapt to changing conditions, ensuring that justice and fairness are not sacrificed for expedience.
Sunan Abu Dawood (Tirmidhi)
90/ Loving and Compassionate Nation
Counsel 87.
2814 An Abyssinian (RA) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ instructed the faithful to adhere to Allah’s guidance unwaveringly, regardless of kinship ties, and to record these directives with clarity. Any writings that deviated from divine principles were to be rejected, ensuring the preservation of the moral record.
Sahih Muslim (2698); Ibn Majah. This hadith is Hasan Sahih.
The commandment and governance of Allah: The core belief
Central to Islamic doctrine is the belief in Allah’s absolute sovereignty — encompassing both omnipotence and omniscience. This belief demands that human conduct be guided by patience, perseverance, and adherence to divine decree. The question, however, remains: To what extent can humanity transcend its limitations in understanding and applying divine will?
| Possible State | Logical Consequence | Attribute in Question |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Humanity questions divine governance | Challenges emerge if no complete resolution is found to reconcile perception with doctrine | Comprehensiveness of divine knowledge (Omniscience) |
| 2. Failure to draw justified conclusions | Leads to actions without foresight, risking moral or practical harm | Omnipotence and divine free will |
Ethical dilemma chart
The tension between divine omniscience and free will has long been a subject of theological debate. If Allah can act beyond His prewritten decree, the original decree appears fallible; if He cannot, His omnipotence and autonomy seem constrained. This duality reflects a profound philosophical paradox at the heart of Islamic theology.
(Omniscience in question)
Personal revelations as symbolic attainment
Personal experiences often leave an indelible mark on one’s moral and intellectual framework. In the context of faith, such experiences may reinforce the believer’s understanding of divine justice, communal responsibility, and the pursuit of righteousness. These narratives, when recorded, contribute to the historical and theological discourse, offering insights that blend individual perspective with broader doctrinal themes.
In a societal context, the articulation of these experiences through writing serves not only as a record but also as a tool for reflection and reform. Well-documented accounts of moral decision-making can inspire future generations to uphold ethical standards even in times of hardship.
Islamic epistemology and epistemic framework
Classical Islamic scholarship, especially within the Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jama‘ah tradition, has often cautioned against excessive speculation regarding predestination (qadar). Statements attributed to early authorities, such as Caliph ‘Ali’s assertion that “qadar is Allah’s secret — do not probe it,” and Imam Abu Hanifa’s analogy likening its contemplation to staring at the sun, underscore the view that the matter lies beyond human comprehension. Consequently, many scholars have regarded belief in both divine omniscience and omnipotence — without seeking a complete rational resolution — as an essential aspect of faith.
Other scholars have sought philosophical solutions to this paradox, proposing interpretations that either emphasize Allah’s timelessness or His perfection in making the optimal decision from the outset. Yet, these approaches often leave unresolved tensions when compared with scriptural instances of abrogation (naskh), which suggest changes in divine command in response to historical circumstances.
Conclusion
The discourse on Allah’s free will versus the immutability of predestination reveals an enduring philosophical and theological tension. From a faith perspective, Allah may be accepted as both all-knowing and all-powerful. From a rational perspective, however, the coexistence of these attributes — when examined alongside the concept of an unalterable divine script — presents a paradox that remains unresolved within Islamic thought. While traditional scholarship has often urged believers to accept this as a divine mystery, the tension continues to invite critical inquiry and debate, representing yet another chapter in the ongoing dialogue between faith and reason.