If everything is Pre-destined why do anything? - Sheikh Assim Al Hakeem

Summary

This video explores the Islamic concept of predestination, emphasizing that while everything in our lives is written by Allah, humans are still required to take action. The speaker clarifies that believing in predestination does not mean we should refrain from making efforts or seeking solutions, such as getting medical treatment or finding a job. Instead, actions are part of the divine plan, and our efforts reflect our reliance on Allah. The key message is to balance trust in Allah with personal initiative, demonstrating humility and submission to His will while striving to achieve our goals.

Takeaways

• 😀 Predestination (Qadar) is a core belief in Islam; it’s one of the six pillars of faith, and every Muslim must believe in it.
• 😀 Everything in life, including one's spouse, children, provision, and actions, is predestined by Allah, as written in the Preserved Tablet 50,000 years before creation.
• 😀 The idea of predestination doesn’t eliminate the need for human action; rather, it emphasizes that human effort is part of the process Allah has ordained.
• 😀 Humans are responsible for taking the necessary means (like seeking medical help or working hard) to achieve their goals, as Allah has predestined both the effort and the outcome.
• 😀 While humans may wonder why they should act if everything is predestined, they must trust in Allah’s plan and take action, as He commands them to do.
• 😀 Making dua (supplication) is part of the process in seeking Allah’s help. Even though Allah predestines outcomes, humans must still seek His assistance through prayer.
• 😀 Predestination includes both the means to an end and the end result, meaning that both the actions and their consequences are written by Allah.
• 😀 People should not be passive or lazy, thinking that everything is preordained and does not require effort. Faith involves action combined with trust in Allah’s will.
• 😀 Refusing to act or make dua out of a belief that ‘it’s all written’ shows arrogance and a failure to submit to Allah’s sovereignty.
• 😀 The balance between effort and reliance on Allah is crucial; Muslims must work hard and leave the results to Allah, trusting that whatever happens is the best for them, even if they don’t understand it.

Q & A

What is the main concept discussed in the script?

The script discusses the Islamic concept of predestination, emphasizing that everything in a person's life is written by Allah before creation, but humans are still required to take action in life.

What is the role of predestination in Islam?

Predestination is one of the six pillars of faith in Islam. It is the belief that everything, including a person's actions, events, and outcomes, is already written by Allah before creation.

How does the concept of predestination relate to human action?

While the outcomes are predestined, humans are still expected to take action. This means one must exert effort, such as seeking treatment for illness or working hard for a job, as part of the process leading to the predestined result.

Why does the speaker argue that action is still necessary despite predestination?

The speaker emphasizes that while the end result is determined by Allah, it is through human effort, such as praying, working, or making decisions, that the means to reach the result are realized. Acting is part of Allah’s decree.

What does the Prophet's teaching about the pen and the creation tell us about predestination?

The Prophet’s teaching explains that 50,000 years before creation, Allah commanded the pen to write the destiny of all of creation. This highlights that everything, including our actions, was already written before the universe was created.

What example does the speaker use to clarify the relationship between actions and outcomes?

The speaker uses the example of a sick person, explaining that while it is predestined whether one will be cured or not, seeking treatment and making dua (prayer) are necessary actions that align with Allah's will.

How does the concept of predestination address the idea of a person’s personal effort?

Predestination does not negate personal effort. Humans must still take the necessary steps, like seeking work, making dua, or preparing food, to fulfill their role in the process. The outcome is ultimately in Allah’s hands.

What is the importance of making dua if everything is already predestined?

Making dua is important because it shows submission to Allah and acknowledges human limitations. Allah has ordered us to pray and ask for His help, and by doing so, we participate in the process of receiving Allah’s mercy and blessings.

What does the speaker say about a person who does not take action or seek help?

The speaker warns that a person who does not take action or seek help may show arrogance by refusing to submit to Allah’s will. Allah is angered when we neglect our responsibilities and fail to humble ourselves by seeking His help.

How should a believer view the results of their efforts according to the script?

A believer should trust that the results of their efforts, whether successful or not, are part of Allah’s plan. If the outcome aligns with their desire, they should thank Allah, and if it does not, they should accept that Allah’s will is always the best for them.