289. Is belief in fate a superstition?

In this verse (57:23) we find the reason to believe in fate and the goodness we derive from it.

One of the basic principles of Islam is belief in fate. Prophet Muhammad has said though there is official explanation for all beliefs in Islam, the belief in fate is not something to be debated upon.

Because it may look like there is no such thing called as fate when viewed from a certain angle, and from a different one would find such a thing known as fate does exist.

A question may rise in one’s mind, that if such a thing called fate did exist, where does a question of being rewarded or being punished for an come from? 

Let’s assume there is no such thing as fate existing, Any or all acts committed happen to be solely decided by us. If we assume that all the results of our deeds are known to us beforehand, then the conclusion is, Almighty God is unaware of the same.

This leads to a belief that God comes to know of things only after we have accomplished them. Such a juncture will give rise to a question “ What kind of a God is the One who is unaware of what is being accomplished by us?” 

But when we start believing that God has prior knowledge of things that are about to happen, it is assumed by us as bound to happen. Here the underlying message everything happens as per fate.

That is, when we come to believe that God is aware of everything, it automatically leads to belief in fate. Anything comes to be known by God Almighty only after having been accomplished diminishes His power.

It becomes dangerous to declare that , there is no such thing called as fate! 

It is also dangerous to declare that there is fate! 

Hence we need to have belief in fate and at the same time not blame it for deeds carried out by our own decisions. Islam teaches us to own up our failures, and to have an understanding that God has not granted us the knowledge to be aware of things ahead.

God, Who has given us knowledge of innumerable things around us, may have intended this denial of knowledge to test us. 

At the same time the concept of fate is different in Islam, when compared to other faiths.

Islam doesn't say things like “ All things take place as per fate, do not work for a livelihood! Allah will provide for you, and do not take medicines for ailments’ etc;

On the contrary Islam teaches us to pass the buck on to fate when everything is done and gone.

Islam teaches us to understand matters until they have happened as if there there is no such thing as fate, it requires us to work and toil.

Hence the concept of fate in Islam is never an impediment for development. 

At the same time, we need to believe in fate at least for the benefits it brings to mankind.

Let’s take the example of a man who fails in all his efforts to succeed. 

If he had to have belief in fate, he brushes away all his failures thinking “Whatever and however I tried my best efforts to succeed, God’s will is not forthcoming in my attempts”

How will a person who does not have belief in fate react?

He will become a mentally stressed person, by brooding over things that did not bear fruit in his life.

A survey on people committing suicide in the state of Kerala in India was undertaken based on gender, religion, caste, education, etc;, it was found in that study, Muslims were the least prone to suicide.

The reason when delved was found out to be the belief in Muslims that whatever takes place in their lifetime happens at the will of God.

Verse 57:23 says there are two benefits to men who believe in fate.

When unlimited wealth, riches, opportunities start to accumulate in man, he tends to exhibit pride, arrogance, in his behaviour, this is a kind of mental illness.

By resorting to belief in fate, one can easily overcome this illness. 

When he starts believing that all the riches, wealth etc are not of his making but a blessing from the Al-Mighty, his vanity, pride, and arrogance disappear without a trace.

Similarly at times of despair, we get overwhelmed by grief for days and months together.

Our belief in fate makes us overcome this mental sickness.

By resorting to a thinking that “ I am powerless and nothing can be done by me, Allah has willed this kind of a thing to happen”. Will lead the person to his normal senses quickly. 

These are the two benefits that accrue to humankind is pointed out by this verse of the Quran.

What we need to understand is to think of fate for whatever has already happened, and react to circumstances that are yet to happen as if there is no such thing called as fate.

Even the latest discoveries when talking about fate present contradictory views. 

Researchers today point out that cells and genes in a man are responsible for most of their activities and deeds, and the resultant variance in their behaviour and characteristics.

 They point out for example a man with a habit of stealing has cells in him that design his acts.

If it is found that his cells are responsible for his behaviour, there is no justification in punishing him for the traits of his cells and genes.

But here the blame on cells and genes is given the go, and the person is punished.

They become victims themselves of questions directed by them regarding fate. We come to an understanding now about fate as something that cannot be comprehended by human capabilities. But fate does exist.