If a person believes in “fate,” it will affect the way he lives! Let us say, you are going into battle, if you believe in “fate,” “whatever will be, will be,” then, you enter the battle with reckless abandonment; for whether you live or die, has already been predetermined. Putting your life in danger, does not change “fate!”
Let us say, you have done all within your power to stay alive through a great battle; does this mean you will not be killed in battle? No! There are innumerable occurrences that could adversely affect you and bring about your death. Believing in “fate,” you recklessly abandoned all caution, throwing yourself into battle. Why? Because you are a Muslim, which means, one who submits to the will of Allah. By accepting Allah’s power, knowledge and control of your destiny, you have learned to submit to what he has prescribed for you; be it life or death, “whatever will be, will be!”
The Muslim term for “fate” or as they would say, “divine destiny,” is Qadar. This belief keeps the Muslim from becoming too boastful or too despondent, be things good or evil; as it is the will of Allah! If tragedy strikes, the Muslim understands it is the will of Allah. This way he has learned to accept it with patience and humility; not with despair and frustration. You see, “whatever will be, will be!” Therefore, the Muslim believes that “Qadar,” “divine destiny,” or as we are using it in this series of articles, “fate,” will keep him from becoming too boastful or arrogant.
The idea of “fate” translates itself into “fatalism,” which is the belief that all events are predetermined in advance and cannot be changed; therefore inevitable. The Bible does not teach “fate;” thus, it does not teach “fatalism.” However, the Bible does teach that certain actions do lead to certain results; as in cause and effect. Therefore, give thought to the following. First, “He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail” (Pro. 22:8). Is this generally true? Yes! It is not “fate,” but a general principle of life. Second, “But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul“ (Pro. 6:32). Is this “fatalism?” No! But it is another general principle of life. Third, “The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the LORD” (Pro. 19:3). Is this “fate” as generally understood? No! But it is biblical truth! Now, it is important to notice the difference in the words of the third point and the other two. The first two are general principles of life, while the third one is a spiritual truth in our relationship with God. The Bible does not teach “fate,” neither does it teach “fatalism!”
So, what does the Bible teach? The Bible teaches the free will of man; the free moral agency of man. It is clear that God created man as a free moral agency and this is seen in the commandment which God gave to Adam: “Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” (Gen. 2:16-17). Was Adam free to eat of “tree of the knowledge of good and evil?” Yes, he was and he did! Both Adam and Eve ate of the tree and they both suffered the consequences of their action, which action was sin! They were spiritually separated from God, spiritual death; and their physical bodies became subject to physical death. This is not “fatalism,” but cause and effect; “fatalism” does not recognize the free moral agency of man, as it does not matter what man does, “fatalism” says the result will be the same! If it is your “fate” to die at a certain time, no matter what you are doing, “fate” says you are going to die at that time. If you turn to the right, if you turn to the left, if you go straight ahead, if you turn around, you are going to die anyway!
Let us be grateful for Jesus’ words: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). These words express and recognize the free moral agency of man! My friends, it is your choice, it is a choice that only you can make! It has not been made for you a head of time; no “fate” in it!
The gospel was given to be taught so you can believe it, repent of your sins, confess your faith in Jesus as Lord, and be baptized in order have your sins forgiven; and to arise out of the water into newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4). Thus, you are free to act; it is not “fate,” but action of your free will as the Bible does not teach “fate,” neither does it teach “fatalism!”
— – Frank R. Williams