What is the sixth belief in Iman-e-Mufassal?

The correct answer to this question is Good and bad is predetermined by Allah (TAQDIR).

In the sequential framework of Iman-e-Mufassal, the sixth belief is Taqdir, commonly translated into English as "Divine Decree" or "Predestination." This belief asserts that the ultimate knowledge and power over all events—whether perceived as positive or negative by humans—rest solely with the Almighty. Historically, this concept has been the subject of intense scholarly discussion, as it addresses the delicate balance between divine omnipotence and human free will.

The Etymology and Historical Origin

The word Taqdir is derived from the Arabic root Qadara, which means "to measure" or "to determine the amount of something." In the early days of Islamic history, particularly during the first century of the Hijra, the understanding of Taqdir was a simple, lived reality for the companions of the Prophet (SAW). They viewed it as a source of immense psychological strength; if a calamity befell them, they accepted it as the "measure" set by Allah, which prevented them from falling into despair.

The Great Historical Debates

As the Islamic empire expanded and encountered Greek and Persian philosophies, the sixth belief became a focal point of intellectual debate. During the Umayyad and early Abbasid periods, two major schools of thought emerged with opposing views on Taqdir:

The Jabariyyah: This group took an extreme view of predestination, arguing that humans have no choice at all and are like "feathers in the wind," moved entirely by divine force.

The Qadariyyah: Conversely, this group argued for absolute human free will, suggesting that Allah has no prior knowledge of human actions until they occur.

The mainstream historical path, often associated with the Ash'ari and Maturidi schools of theology, settled on a "middle way." They taught that while Allah creates all possibilities and has prior knowledge of every outcome (Taqdir), humans are granted "acquisition" (Kasb) or the freedom to choose between those possibilities. This historical resolution is what defined the orthodox creed found in Iman-e-Mufassal today.

Historical Impact on the Muslim Character

Throughout history, the belief in Taqdir has had a massive impact on Islamic civilization. It was the driving force behind the bravery of Muslim explorers and warriors, who believed that their time of death was already fixed and could not be hastened or delayed by the dangers of the battlefield. It also served as a social stabilizer during the Great Plagues and famines of the Middle Ages, providing a framework for patience (Sabr) and the belief that every trial has a divine purpose.

By affirming the sixth belief of Iman-e-Mufassal, a person acknowledges the absolute sovereignty of the Creator over the timeline of the universe, bridging the gap between human effort and divine outcome.