For example...

For example, they interpret qadar as to be Allah's knowledge of the measures of things, and say that knowledge never contradicts free will. As to qada' they say that it means judgement, and judgement does not deny free will. A judge's judgement in the court does not prevent the other party from free will. In this way they tried to run away from the difficulties, saying that they accept qada' and qadar as not contradicting free will.

To present this subject as a theologic or philosophic case, and study their diverse opinions, doubts and evidences, would take a long time. Therefore, we try to handle it, like other subjects related to theology, based on the Qur'an. We shall explain the concepts of taqdir and qadar, then we refer to what can be gathered from interpreting and analysing qadar. The Lingual Concept of Taqdir Taqdir is the infinitive noun, derived from the three-lettered root q-d-r [qadr or qadar].

The literal meaning of these roots is: measure. Tadir can have two meanings: one is to measure something, and the other is to find a measure for something. Later on we shall explain that both meanings are intended by us, as measuring and establishing a measure. One is a scientific taqdir, i.e. measuring something, the other is material taqdir, i.e. creating a measure for something.

So, it suffices us to know that qadr and qadar mean a measure, and taqdir means measuring, or knowing the measure of something, with the other version meaning finding something with a particular measure. Qadr, meaning measure, sometimes means high position or noble status, and that is why some commentators said that "laylatul qadr" [in the Surah No. 97] means the "nobel night", i.e. a very honourable night. In fact, high position or nobility is concomitant with qadr, in some instances.

Originally, qadr does not mean "noble", it means "measure", the same as when we mention the position and prestige of a great man. The word "position " or "status" does not mean "greatness" or "honour", and this loftiness is not part of the concepts of "position" or "status", but it is concomitant with a special evidence. Likewise" nobility" is concomitant with the special evidence of qadr.

Qadr and Taqdir in the Qur'an Now we shall study the ayahs concerning qadr and taqdir to see what are meant by such expressions. An advantage of this study is that it will show us that they cover voluntary acts, too.