Predestination or Free Will – Al-Shia The al-Shia Scientific, Cultural, and Doctrinal Website Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:17:16 +0000 en-US Predestination or Free Will – Al-Shia 32 32 Free Will and Fatalism in Shia and Sunni Views 3 In continuation of the topic titled “Free Will and Fatalism in Shia and Sunni Views”, we shall examine the issue of the Caliphate and the question of destiny from both the Sunni and Shia viewpoints. THE CALIPHATE AND THE QUESTION OF QADA WA QADAR The strange thing about the Sunni belief is that while they believe that EVERYTHING is the Will of Allah, they stubbornly attach themselves to the contention that the Prophet (PBUHH) left the matter of the Caliphate (Succession) for them to decide upon. The Shia believe the exact opposite of what the Sunnis believe with regard to this issue (i.e., succession). While it is true that the Shia ardently support the concept of Half-Free Will, they will not apply it to the concept of the Caliphate (Succession). The Shia believe that the Successor to any Prophet or Messenger is a matter that only Allah decides upon, and they can have no say in the matter. As such, it is the belief of Twelver Shi’ite that al-Imam Ali (PBUH) was chosen by Allah to succeed the Prophet (PBUHH). Prima Facie (superficially), appears to be a contradiction on the part of both parties, but the truth is otherwise. The Sunnis when they claim that everything is the Will of Allah, they make Allah the ACTUAL EXECUTOR of His Will; and they are left with an IMAGINARY WILL of their own. So it was the (along with `Umar) that chose Abu-Bakr after the death of the Prophet (PBUHH); but, in actuality, they were only executing Allah’s Will (i.e., the companions were only instruments used by Allah to execute His Will.). That is the Sunnis’ interpretation of the events. The Shia, however, when they assert that Allah has given His servants the freedom of choice, they do not contradict themselves by stating that only Allah chooses the Caliph (Successor). For Allah states in the Quran: “Thy Lord does create and choose as He pleases: no choice have they (in the matter)…” (1) “And We made them Imams, guiding (men) by Our command, and We inspired them to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to give Zakat; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).” (2) And We appointed from among them, Imams, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs.” (3) [NOTE: In the above two verses, A.Yusuf Ali uses the term “Leaders” instead of “Imams;” however, the Arabic Quran uses the word IMAMS — Check for yourselves.] “And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled: He (Allah) said: I will make thee an Imam to the people. He (Abraham) pleaded: And also (Imams) from my offspring! He (Allah) answered: But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.” (4) So, as we see from the above verses, the matter of Succession (Caliphate) is just like that of Prophethood — People have NO SAY in it. Allah is the One who chose Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, and the rest of the Prophets, Messengers, and Imams; and there’s NOTHING people can do about it. However, the Free Will component lies in the fact that you AT LIBERTY to believe in or reject ANY Prophet sent to you, as has happened throughout the history of mankind (i.e., some people believed, while others rejected the Prophets.). A true believer will accept Allah’s orders, and attain felicity; while a nonbeliever will reject Allah’s Signs, and suffer the consequences. Indeed, Allah says: “…whosoever follows My guidance, will not lose his way, nor fall into misery. But whosoever turns away from My Message, verily for him is a life narrowed down, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Judgment. He will say: O my Lord! Why hast thou raised me up blind, while I had sight (before)? (Allah) will say: Thus didst thou, when Our Signs came unto thee, forgot them: so wilt thou, this day, be forgotten.” (5) Now, if we objectively analyze both viewpoints: that of the Sunnis, and that of the Shia, we will discover that the Sunnis’ viewpoint literally holds Allah responsible for EVERYTHING in the Universe, whether it be good or bad. Whereas, the Shia have clearly vindicated Allah from such impurities, and have proved that EACH Soul shall reap what it has sown. Which viewpoint is closer to reason? One that blames Allah, THE Creator and Sustainer of the Universe, or one that makes YOU responsible for your own actions? I leave the answer for the enlightened reader to provide. RESPONSES TO SUNNI BROTHERS First, a Sunni brother made the that I am accusing ALL Sunni scholars of being fatalists when in reality, this is NOT the case. My was: First, I did not say that “ALL” the Sunni scholars are fatalists; rather, the MAJORITY. Moreover, most of the scholars preaching in the Mosques share the view of fatalism, and, as such, have contributed to the corruption of the youths, who are the seeds of the future. It is a betrayal of the scholarly trust when a SCHOLAR BLINDLY accepts tradition and what others say. (NOTE: I emphasize the word “scholar” because I am NOT talking about the layman who cannot interpret complex philosophical issues and sophisticated matters of jurisprudence. But for a scholar, who is in a position to give “Fatwas — Religious Opinions,” to blindly become fatalistic is unacceptable in its entirety.) Indeed, Allah challenged the Jews and the Christians by saying: “…..Bring forth your argument (proof) if ye are telling the truth!” (6) As such, it is mandatory for such scholars to provide proof to support their view of fatalism. Keep in mind that in Islam, the theory of proofs is as follows: If two proofs are presented, and each proof is strong enough to equal the other proof, they cancel each other out, and new proofs will be sought. However, if one of the proofs is stronger than the other, then the stronger proof prevails and becomes dominant. As far as Free Will vs. Fatalism is concerned, clearly, Free Will, as I presented it, wins hands down. Note also that this article depicts what the mainstream Sunnis and the mainstream Shia believe. Undoubtedly, there are Sunni scholars and individuals who are not blind fatalists, and there are Shi’i scholars and individuals who are blind fatalists. Neither group represents mainstream thought within either faction. Second, another Sunni brother stated that I neglected the following verses in my analysis: >Surah 74: >>54. Nay this surely is an admonition: >>55. Let any who will keep it in remembrance! >>56. But none will keep it in remembrance except as Allah wills: He is the Lord of Righteousness and the Lord of Forgiveness. >>>Surah 76: >>29. This is an admonition: whosoever will let him take a (straight) Path to his Lord. >>30. But ye will not except as Allah wills; for Allah is full of Knowledge and Wisdom. >>31. He will admit to His Mercy Whom He will; but the wrongdoers for them has He prepared a grievous Penalty. My was as follows: With regards to the above verses, and your claim that I am more in favour of Free Will than Fatalism, thereby neglecting the above verses, I offer the following: What Allah is saying in the above verses, among others, when He states: “But ye will