Free Will & Predestination (Qadar)

"If God knows I will sin, why am I guilty?" This is the classic paradox. The answer lies in distinguishing Knowledge from Force.

1. Knowledge ≠ Causation

Does knowing the future make it happen? No. God is outside of Time.

The Teacher Analogy

A teacher knows a lazy student will fail. She predicts it perfectly.
When the student fails, did the teacher *force* him?

No. Knowledge followed the reality; it didn't create the reality.

God knows what you will choose because you *will* choose it. He doesn't make you choose it because He knows it.

2. The Theory of Kasb (Acquisition)

Ash'ari and Maturidi theology solved this with the "Acquisition" model. We are not Creators of our actions; we are Choosers.

The Electrician & The Switch:
1. God (The Power Plant): Supplies the energy/capacity to act. You cannot create energy.
2. You (The Switch): You choose the direction (On/Off).
The Formula: God creates the *Action* (Walking, Talking) corresponding to your *Choice*. You "Acquire" (Kasb) the moral responsibility by flipping the switch.

3. Responsibility vs. Outcome

Why is judgment just? Because Judgment tracks Intention, not Outcome.

FeatureScenario AScenario B
IntentionIntends to steal money.Intends to steal money.
OutcomeSucceeds and steals $1000.Fails (Police arrive). Steals $0.
Moral StatusGuilty of Theft.Guilty of Theft (Intention).

God judges the "Choice in the Heart". The external result is up to Him. You are the captain of the ship's wheel, even if the ocean currents (Qadar) move the ship.

References & Further Reading

  • Creed of Imam TahawiImam TahawiThe standard Sunni position on Qadar.
  • Al-Iqtisad fi al-I'tiqadAl-GhazaliThe Golden Mean between Fatalism and Autonomy.
  • Kitab al-TawhidImam MaturidiOn the wisdom of God's decree.