How can the concept of destiny written on the Preserved Tablet be reconciled with the possibility of its alteration by supplication, and will what has been decreed for a person, be it good or evil, inevitably occur regardless of their effort or supplication?
The issue of divine decree () is subtle, and supplication (Du'a) is linked to it just as causes are linked to their effects. Both a calamity and its repulsion through supplication are predetermined by Allah. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about incantations (Ruqa) and whether they avert anything from Allah's decree. He replied, "They are part of Allah's decree." One must be careful not to delve into matters of divine decree and preordainment, as it is a slippery slope, and a believer's safety lies only in submission. Imam Al-Tahawi mentioned that the foot of Islam cannot be firm except upon the foundation of submission and surrender, and that the essence of divine decree is Allah's secret concerning His creation. Delving deeply into it is a means to failure and transgression. He also stated that Allah has withheld the knowledge of divine decree from His creation and has forbidden them from seeking its purpose, citing the noble verse: (He is not questioned about what He does, but they will be questioned) [Quran 21:23].
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Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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