Fate and Destiny (Predestination) According to Muslim Philosophers: a Critical Analytical Study

Abstract

The Muslim philosophers attached great importance to the issue of Fate and Destiny, as it related to the issue of Attributes and Deeds of Allah Almighty. Muslim Philosophers addressed this issue in different ways from theologians. This study aims to explain the doctrine of prominent Muslim philosophers: such as Al-Kindy, Al-Faraby, Ibn Sina and Ibn Rushd, in the issue Fate and Destiny, by analyzing their views and tracing the points of agreement and disagreement between them, as well as displaying criticism to their approaches.

Main finding of this research include: that, according to Muslim Philosophers, fate and Destination is related to the law of causality in the universe, which is created by Allah Almighty, through this law they explain how evil exists in the world, and they affirm that the universe and its arrangement and its creatures, are existent in the best way possible, and subject to the will of Allah Almighty.

The issue of fate and Destination according to Muslim Philosophers needs more studies, to examine the reasons of disagreements with theologians, as well as evaluating the dimensions of disagreement in the light of Shari'ah fundamentals; also, that Islamic philosophical resources are considered an important reference in the Islamic heritage that should be cared for.