Qadar (Divine Determining)

Third Topic

If you were to say: “Qadar has constrained us and deprived us of our freedom. Is belief in Qadar not a burden and an obstacle for the heart and soul, which long for openness and freedom?”

The answer: Absolutely not. It brings no burden. Rather, it grants joy and light, bringing infinite lightness, relief, serenity, and spiritual refreshment, while granting safety and security. For if man does not believe in Qadar, he is forced to carry an infinitely heavy burden on his shoulders within a small and limited freedom. Man is connected with the whole of creation. He has endless desires and needs, yet his power, will, and freedom are not capable of fulfilling even one millionth of them. Thus, the inner pressure and burden upon his soul become unbearable.

But belief in Qadar casts all those burdens onto the ship of Qadar and grants the soul and heart complete release, allowing them to move freely and without obstruction on their path toward perfection. Belief in Qadar limits only the restricted freedom of the nafs-i ammāra and breaks its Pharaoh-like pride and dominion, so that it no longer acts without bounds.

Belief in Qadar is so sweet and joyful that it cannot be described. Through the following comparison, we shall indicate this joy and happiness.

Two men travel to the capital of a sultan. They enter the private palace of that ruler.

The first does not know the sultan and tries to settle in the palace without permission, like an occupier. But he soon notices the heavy difficulties involved in managing and maintaining the palace, covering its expenses, operating its machines, and feeding its animals. All of this constantly causes him anxiety and burden. That paradise-like place turns into a hell for him. He worries about everything but is unable to manage it. In the end, this ill-mannered man is imprisoned as punishment for his ill-mannered and self-centred way of living.

The second man, however, knows the sultan and sees himself as his guest. He understands that all affairs in the palace take place according to ordered laws and proceed with perfect ease according to a plan. He leaves all difficulties and burdens to the laws of the sultan and enjoys all the beauties of that paradise-like place without anxiety. Trusting in the mercy of the sultan and the justice of his laws, he looks upon everything with contentment and lives a life full of happiness and joy.

Understand from this the secret behind

مَنْ اٰمَنَ بِالْقَدَرِ اَمِنَ مِنَ الْكَدَرِ