Islam Asked by G. Bach on October 25, 2020
I often come across free will as an Islamic doctrine that is a somewhat central problem/proposed solution to other theological problems. Somehow I only ever see it discussed in terms of dunya, perhaps because those theological problems are mostly matters of dunya. So I’m wondering:
Question: What positions do the schools of aqidah hold regarding whether humans will have free will in akhirah? (Possibly this only affects the inhabitants of paradise since the inhabitants of hell aren’t really in a situation to fulfill their desires)
As‘salaamu alaikum.
First, let‘s clarify a few points ...
While we have free will here in the dunya, it is not ABSOLUTE free will. We are at liberty to choose some of our actions, but we cannot have everything we desire here, nor can we do everything and anything we want.
“Nay, shall man have anything he hankers after? But to Allah belongs the end and the beginning.” Qur‘an 53:24-25
“Verily, We created man into toil and struggle. Does he think that none has power over him?” Qur‘an 90:4-5
Our grant of free will has limits, and that fact will not change when we get to the akhirah. I am of the opinion, brother, that the limits will be quite a bit stricter.
For those who make Home, they will have been so thoroughly purified by Allah that they will have no evil inclinations left in them, (Qur‘an 4:31). That by itself is going to profoundly influence what it is we wish for in Jannah.
For example, I am the only muslim in my family. I know that if my people go to the akhirah with kufr then they are going to be sent to Hell where they will suffer terrible agonies FOREVER. Just saying that makes my soul sick with anxiety for them, because I love them and I don‘t want to see any harm done to them.
But I understand that what I feel now is not what I am going to feel if I am blessed to be among those who are purified and sent to Jannat. If and when I undergo my purification my ikh‘laas to Allah will become perfect and absolute. I am going to lose my capacity to feel any pity or sympathy for anyone who chose to make themselves enemies to Allah.
I think that these changes to man‘s disposition will be the new parameters of free will in the akhirah.
Allah knows best. Ma‘as‘salaama.
Answered by Ibraheem Muhammad on October 25, 2020
In Akhirah no one has free will. What you did in Dunya will determine whether you enter paradise or hell.
In paradise however you have free will of course, Allah says in Surat Qaf [50], verses 34-35:
Enter it in peace. This is the Day of Eternity. They will have whatever they wish therein, and with Us is more.
You can wish whatever you want, anything that can be imagined.
Allah knows best.
Answered by Ahmad Taher on October 25, 2020
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