Quranic Concept of Predestination(Qadar) and Human Freedom(ikhtiyaar): A Thematic Analysis

قرانی فلسفہ قدر و اختیار کا موضوعاتی مطالعہ

Abstract

The Qur’anic discourse on Predestination (Qadar) and Human Freedom (Ikhtiyar) presents a delicate balance between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Qadar reflects Allah’s absolute knowledge, will, and power over creation, while Ikhtiyar represents human moral agency, accountability, and the capacity to make choices. The Qur’an establishes a dynamic interplay between these concepts, affirming that while all events occur within Allah’s divine decree (Al-Qada’ wa Al-Qadar), humans remain accountable for their actions. This study explores key Qur’anic themes such as Al-Qada’ (Divine Decree), Al-Qadar (Predestination), Al-Ikhtiyar (Free Will), and Tawfiq (Divine Guidance) to analyze how the Qur’an reconciles divine determinism with moral responsibility. The research highlights that Islamic thought does not endorse absolute determinism or radical free will but instead promotes a balanced framework in which human effort and divine will coexist. By examining this relationship thematically, this study underscores the ethical implications of Qadar and Ikhtiyar, emphasizing the necessity of moral responsibility in Islamic teachings.