Challenges of Reconciling Divine Decree and Predestination with Free Will in Human Destiny: A Critique of the Article

Sarukhani, Saeide

doi:10.22034/jatj.2026.584856.1094

Challenges of Reconciling Divine Decree and Predestination with Free Will in Human Destiny: A Critique of the Article "Reconciling the Divine Decree and Free Will in Islam"

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Saeide Sarukhani

PhD Candidate in Quranic Sciences and Hadith, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.

10.22034/jatj.2026.584856.1094

Abstract

The present article critiques and evaluates the article "Reconciling the Divine Decree and Free Will in Islam" by Justin Parrott (2017). This article, has published on Yaqeen, American institute of Islamic research, examines the role of human voluntary action in determining one's destiny. The aforementioned article is based on Sunni theology, utilizing their exegetical and theological sources. This critique focuses on three axes: "theoretical framework," "theological foundations," and "the Qur'an." The findings of this critique indicate that the article is problem-oriented in terms of subject matter and its content is free from biases. Only in limited cases concerning the definition of divine decree and predestination (qaḍa' and qadar), the existence of evil in the universe, and the degree of certainty of the divine decree in human destiny, does it differ from the principles of Shi'a theology. This shows that recent interpretations in both Muslim groups have moved away from past rigidities and, by accepting logical and intermediary paths, have drawn closer to one another.

Keywords

Determinism and Free Will

Divine Decree and Predestination (Qaḍa' and Qadar)

Theology (Kalām)

Subjects