Dear Mr. Hameed Shaheen,
By Dr Maqsood Jafri
You have invited intellectuals to opine on the belief/ concept of Fate. What is Fate? The philosophers and the theologians have different views about it. The traditional theologians are of the opinion that fate is a predetermined course of events that we have to act upon and is known as Pre- destiny. We have no control on events and we are the slaves of the destiny. In Hinduism, it is linked with “ Karma”, where our actions/ deeds influence our future life .
There are so many words philosophically used in this context in different languages and religions. Fate or destiny, in my opinion is that what you do and what you plan. Man has given Free Will. The debate between God’s Will and Human Free Will has created much controversy and confusion. The stones and stars are destined. The objects under Natural Law are destined and their natural order is their destiny as they are not given free will. They can not move out of their natural course and are not free to act. But, humans have given intellect and free will. If we plan well, we succeed in our mission and if we fail to tackle the situation, we lose.
God has made specific laws which do not change. Fate for natural objects and free will for humans. If we accept that whatsoever we do, it was already written by God and we have to do what is prescribed, then we are not responsible for our good and bad deeds. If a man kills someone and pleads that he is not guilty as God had written this to happen. It was in the fate of the man to be killed by me. So, why to blame me or punish me? It is a wrong plea. Everyone is responsible of his deeds. In my opinion God doth not interfere in the daily affairs of people and all affairs are under man’s own control and command.
The universe moves under natural, material laws, while the humans have been given intellect to manipulate and manage the matters. It is tragic that the Muslim Sufis and Mullahs concocted and coined the belief of Fate and made people lethargic and shackled. They even justifies the economic, social and political exploitation as the will of God. Instead of changing the unjust system, they accept it as the will of God. This concept has ruined the entire human struggle and the quest of change and revolution. It happened with other religions as well. They left everything on God and acted like statues. Eventually, their dormant existence destroyed the whole programming and process of progress and prosperity. The individuals and the nations which act freely and wisely, became the masters of the world and the nations dependent on so called destiny became slaves.
We must note that when God interferes that is called Miracle. He saved Moses and gave him path in the river. He saved Abraham and the fire was extinguished and did not burn him. Now the question arises as to what is the purpose of praying? Does prayer help us and can prayer change our fate? Yes, prayer is an appeal to God to creating better opportunities and rescuing from adversity. The theologians keep on praying and do not act, while the atheists act and do not pray. My belief is First act and then Pray. Both, action and prayer are incumbent and intertwined. Action means Man’s Will and Prayer means God,s Will. Man must struggle to achieve the cherished goals and also seek the mercy of God.
