Disclaimer: I am in no way an expert or qualified to issue Islamic counsel. These views are solely my own.
Firstly, I’d like to begin by acknowledging Prof. Shahul Hameed’s work. His article, ‘Is Islam a Religion of Fatalism?’ had me reflecting upon what I like to consider, the three F’s (Fate, Fatalism & Free will) — inspiring me to share my thoughts on the topic. I encourage everyone to have a read of his paper.
Before we proceed, it is important we understand what “fatalism” is. Fatalism, as defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, is “the doctrine that all events are predetermined by fate and are therefore unalterable.”
If this were the case, the concept of free-will is essentially void, negating the influence both freedom and choice have on our everyday outcomes. In essence, fatalism is fate minus the free-will. However, I do not consider the two to be mutually exclusive. There is no established correlation or causation between free-will and fate. Instead, the two exist side-by-side, complementing one another.
Initially, it’s difficult to grasp the relation between these notions. They seem so similar, yet at the same time they couldn’t be more different. I myself battled with this understanding until I came across the narration below, embodying all three concepts.
One day Prophet Muhammad ﷺ noticed a Bedouin leaving his camel without tying it and he asked the Bedouin, “Why don’t you tie down your camel?” The Bedouin answered, “I put my trust in Allah.” The Prophet ﷺ then said, “Tie your camel first, then put your trust in Allah” (At-Tirmidhi).
This is a perfect example of how one should approach universal situations. Applying this logic to predicaments provides one with a comfort in knowing that they have done all that is in their hands to ensure success. Only after every avenue has been explored and our means exhausted, should we turn to Allah. This is not to undermine our trust in Allah or his power. Rather, this practise prevents the submission to a presumed fate, encouraging both inventiveness and diligence.
I often struggle with establishing the fine line between Tawakkul (trust in Allah) and taking action. It’s difficult to identify exactly when we should stop pursuing something, and just let Allah take the wheels. Do you blindly follow a path engraved for you or attempt to pave your own way? At what point does one intervene with “destiny”?
I’m learning that as Muslims, we should never become fatalistic. Although we know only Allah is in control and that he has decreed all things, we are equally responsible for making the right choices and doing the right thing in all situations of our lives. Accountability for our decisions and actions should never be neglected.
It is a dangerous, in fact, reckless thing, to believe all proceedings are entirely fixed, and are therefore inevitable.
One case of this can be seen in the way we observe our health. I’ve witnessed countless people dismiss their well-being and continue with unhealthy habits because of popular fatalistic thinking. They carelessly disregard any symptom, diagnosis or specialist’s warning; adamant in their belief that altering their lifestyle will have absolutely no effect on their fixed fate.
Similarly, it is not unheard of for individuals to surrender to what they would suppose is “bad luck” or “God’s timing”. Whether that’s the inability to find a job, a spouse or even conceive, we tend to resort to suffering as opposed to finding solutions. There’s no shame in seeking help or asking questions. In fact, the Prophet ﷺ encouraged this.
Another example I’m sure we’re all guilty of, is our approach to examinations. How many of us cry “Rabbi Zidni Ilma” (My Lord, increase me in knowledge) in the lead-up to exams, when we ourselves know that we have not put in the work to succeed? Yes, Allah is miraculous, but that doesn’t warrant laziness.
“Verily Allah does not change men’s condition unless they change their inner selves” (Quran 13: 11).
The “three F’s” can also appear in the most unexpected of places — Marriage being one. A man and woman may decide to marry using their own free will/commitment. However, this union was decreed and known to Allah fifty thousand years before he created the heavens and the earth. In this case, one may argue that marriage is a combination of fate (qadar) and free will.
Allah has created a means to reach every objective. It is only through our free will and actions, that our fate may be unlocked.
Putting our trust in Allah or tawakkul does not mean that we are absolved of all our responsibilities to see to fulfilling the needs. Without taking the necessary precautions or doing our duties, we cannot expect the help of Allah.
“And that man can have nothing but what he strives for.” [An-Najm:39]
Making use of the means and considering relevant measures does not contradict tawakkul (trust in Allah). At the same time, it must also be remembered that ‘tying the camel’ is only a means. We must not depend on the tying of the camel. The secret is in the balance. We must be careful that, in our attempt to give weight to employing the means, we do not tilt the balance against tawakkul.
At the end of the day, the means are only a means. The source of all results is Allah.
