Assalam-u-Alaikum,

In Surah Hadeed Allah Says that Allah has predestined whatever good accrues to a person or whatever he loses so that he should not fret over what he loses or he is proud of what he gets. If all these things are predestined, then what is the use of praying to Allah for warding off an affliction or lifting a problem.  Why should we work and try to get something.  We are going to get it anyway because it’s written in our taqdeer.

Answer

The Qur’anic verses primarily address a certain situation and deal with the problems at hand. The correct implication of any of the Qur’anic verse can only be reached at through an objective study of the context in which it occurs. We should not read the verses stripped of their context. We believe that nowhere in the Qur’an does the Almighty say that our actions are predestined. For this belief would collide head on with the all the Qur’anic statements about the nature of life on this earth as a test and trial. Far is the All Wise and Just God to show injustice towards His creations. Though some of the matters revolving our life are predestined like our place of birth, our gender, our circumstances and financial position but that does not mean that we have to give up efforts and wait for what is written for us to manifest. We are expected to put our efforts and do our best to better our financial position, learn the ways to better our life and cultivate good moral and social behaviour in ourselves. We need to interact with fellow humans, establish relations, make friends, marry and engender children. We have to show our response to the outer world and the circumstance facing us, do good and expect reward from the Almighty. For this is the real test which we have to emerge successful from. We cannot run away from it and we must not decide that we are not obliged to do anything. Had the matter been destined then how could people be judged?

The referred verse occurs in a specific context and addresses a certain party among the direct addressees of the Prophet (pbuh). It does not delineate a general principle in all the worldly affairs. The central theme of the Surah Al Hadeed is to call on the weak Muslims and hypocrites to emulate the behavior set by the pioneer Muslims who had spared nothing in the way of God. The Almighty says that though these weak Muslims could not attain the position enjoyed by those who embraced Islam in its infancy and helped the Prophet [pbuh] out of difficulties risking their lives and property yet they could become true Muslims and earn great reward. Especially in the later part of the Surah it addresses the hypocrites who had entered the folds of Islam but true faith had not yet penetrated in the very core of their hearts. They could not steadfastly participate in the works of Jihad and did not have courage to spend their wealth in the way of God, fearing that they might later on need the wealth and their lives were, of course, dear to them. In the previous verses the Almighty told the hypocrites that the life of this world is worthless to be concentrated on. The example of this world is that of a full crop, promising much yield but a natural calamity may destroy it suddenly. Therefore they should not rely more on their wealth they have hoarded in this world and must spend to secure a better place in the Afterlife.

No disaster befalls you, neither from [the yields of] the earth nor in yourselves but it is written in a Book before We bring it into being. Lo! this is very easy for God to accomplish. You being told this so that you do not grieve for that which escapes you, nor you exult over that which has been given you. God does not love all stiff necked and prideful boasters, who not only escape spending but also enjoin upon the people avarice. And whosoever turns away, should remember that God is self-sufficient, praiseworthy.  Al Hadeed 57:22-24

A close look at the text of the verses shows that it is only the hardships and loss of wealth and lives that is told to have been recorded in the register. The wording employed and the context of the verse does not allow us to take it to mean the earning and loss of both. The Almighty invited the hypocrites to fulfill the obligations of Jihad and Infaaq (i.e. giving alms) and not try to escape something, and save what is not going to last for ever. They could even be deprived of the wealth and lives anyway. Therefore love for life should not hinder them from participating in the noble causes of helping the Prophet [pbuh] and the religion of God. Having known this reality they should not fret over the loss they may suffer because of the works they are exhorted upon and also that they should not boast that they earn their wealth by themselves as if God owed them it. Rather, He blessed them with it and He can deprive them any time.

Therefore, why not happily spend it in the cause of God and earn manifold reward. If however they persist on hoarding the wealth and also exhorting others on doing the same then they should be aware that God has the means to do without them but they would suffer eternal loss in the life Hereafter.

As for him who gave away [his wealth] and feared [his Lord], and had faith in good end; surely We will smooth his way towards the state of ease. And whoever showed misery and considered himself independent, and denied the good destiny; surely We will let him fall into adversity. Al Layl 92:5-10

Keeping in view the above explanation we can conclude that in this context the verse cannot be taken to mean that all about life is predestined and one need not endeavor to better his position in the world and should not try to do good deeds or pray to Almighty to alleviate his afflictions and miseries of this life,infact,one must try his level’s best to make himself worthy of God’s blessings both in this life and in the life Hereafter.

Regards,

UIUK team