Do Now: What do you believe about destiny? Do you think it exists? Belief in Destiny To explore the belief in destiny and predestination. To analyse Islamic theologians views of Al-Qadr. Do Now: What do you believe about destiny? Do you think it exists?

Activation 1: Watch the video clip Activation 1: Watch the video clip. Take notes on Muslim beliefs about Predestination (Qadr) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6IlDV3cGgY Think, Pair, Share: How can humans have free will and also be predestined.

Read p.19 – G Sarwar on Al-Qadr. Why is belief in Al Qadr important to Muslims? What does belief in Al-Qadr show about the nature of God? How does Al-Qadr effect free will? What solution does Sarwar give for the apparent contradiction between Al Qadr and free will? Answer the questions in full sentences in your book.

Read p.53 – V Watton on Al-Qadr. What Qur’anic evidence is there for Al-Qadr What was the Mu’tazilite view of Al-Qadr? How did al’Ashari respond? How has the Muslim theologian, Nasr, commented on this topic? Answer the questions in full sentences in your book.

Assess the Muslim belief in predestination. (9 Marks). God is omniscient and has predestined all but humans still have free will. Humans are responsible for their actions despite predestination. Islamic teaching – everything that has occurred in the book of destiny (written before time) will occur. All Muslims should believe in Al Qad’r (predestination) as it is referred to in the Qur’an. Mu’tazilites denied al Qad’r because they argued God created humans with free will who are in control. Al’Ashari combined al Qadr with free will, God has foreknowledge (sifat) but humans still act freely. Judgement day implies that humans are responsible for their actions and have free will. Al-Qadr has been seen by some Muslims to make the process of judgement unfair since humans do not author their own actions. Nasr believes God reigns over the universe and is the Absolute Controller. However, humans have the gift of free will. Also supported by G Sarwar.