الإنسان مسير أم مخير؟

al-Insan Musayyar am Mukhayyar?

Is Man Predestined or Free to Choose?

An important contemporary study of Divine Decree (Qaḍāʾ wa-Qadar), human free will and moral responsibility, by the distinguished Syrian scholar Dr Muḥammad Saʿīd Ramaḍān al-Būṭī.

The relationship between Allah's absolute Will and man's freedom of choice is among the most profound and frequently debated questions in Islamic theology. If everything occurs according to Allah's decree, does man truly possess freedom of choice? And if his actions are predetermined, how can he be held accountable for them?

In this carefully reasoned work, Shaykh al-Būṭī examines these questions through the principles of Ahl al-Sunnah wa'l-Jamāʿah, drawing upon the Qurʾān, Sunnah and the classical theological discussions surrounding Divine Decree.

The author begins by clarifying the meanings of Tasyīr (being directed or determined), Takhyīr (having freedom of choice), Qaḍāʾ and Qadar. He then addresses the relationship between Divine Decree and human actions, explaining how Allah's absolute power and creative Will can be reconciled with man's ability to choose and his consequent responsibility for his deeds.

A central discussion concerns the creation of human actions and the doctrine of Kasb (acquisition). Shaykh al-Būṭī examines the differing positions of the Muʿtazilah and Ahl al-Sunnah, explaining the distinction between Allah's creation of actions and man's intentional acquisition of them, which forms the basis of reward and punishment.

The book also explores the relationship between Allah's Will (Irādah) and His Pleasure (Riḍā), explaining why the occurrence of an action according to Divine Will does not necessarily mean that Allah approves of it.

Particular attention is given to Qurʾānic verses and Prophetic narrations that may appear to support absolute predestination. Among these is the verse:

“And you do not will except that Allah wills.” (Sūrat al-Insān, 76:30)

The author examines such passages in their theological context, addressing apparent difficulties and responding to objections concerning human freedom and Divine Justice.

Other important subjects include the nature of Allah's justice, the relationship between moral responsibility and Divine Command, the wisdom behind trials and calamities, and the distinction between accepting Allah's Decree and approving of the particular events that occur through it.

Throughout the discussion, Shaykh al-Būṭī seeks to demonstrate that belief in Divine Decree does not negate human responsibility, nor does acknowledging man's freedom of choice compromise Allah's absolute sovereignty over creation.

The work is distinguished by its systematic argumentation, engagement with classical theological disagreements and careful use of both rational and transmitted evidence. Although written in an accessible contemporary style, it addresses substantial questions of ʿIlm al-Kalām and is especially beneficial for readers who have already acquired a foundation in Islamic creed.

An excellent resource for students and teachers of Islamic theology, particularly those studying the classical discussions of Qaḍāʾ wa-Qadar, the Ashʿarī understanding of human actions and the relationship between Divine Omnipotence and human accountability.