As Salaam Aleykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatouh.
In secular psychology, we often discuss the concept of the “circle of control.” Whatever lies inside this circle represents what we can influence, such as our behaviour, our reactions, our words, and our personal choices. Outside of this circle are the things beyond our control: other people’s actions, the weather, the past, the future, and broader societal events.
Mapping what is inside and outside our circle of control is intended to help us feel empowered, to focus on what we can influence and to release anxiety over what we cannot.
As Muslimahs, Alḥamdulillāh, we are blessed with a far deeper and more comforting framework: belief in al-Qadr, the decree of Allah ﷻ. We know that everything that occurs in this universe unfolds according to His prior knowledge and perfect wisdom.
Our hearts find tranquillity knowing that Allah ﷻ — Ar-Raḥmān, Ar-Raḥīm — is in control of everything outside our circle. And that even what lies within our circle can only come to fruition if He wills it.
On the subject of al-Qadr, Sheikh Salih al-Fawzan (Rahimahullah) was once asked:
‘Is the human’s actions predestined or does he have a choice?’
The Sheikh (Rahimahullah) replied:
“Both. He is predestined as he can’t repel Allah’s actions, such as sickness, poverty, or wealth… (and) death…. This is what Allah decreed, and he can’t repel it. As for the servant’s actions, he has a choice. He has a choice to obey or sin, which is the choice of ability and not the choice of Sharia. (The choice of ability means that) he chooses to do good, and he chooses to do evil…. Allah gave him ability, knowledge and understanding to distinguish things. So, he does things according to his own will, he’s not forced by Allah…. He is predestined in regard to Allah’s actions and has a choice in regard to his own actions.”
At the same time, even some matters that are outside our “circle” may be changed through sincere duʿāʾ, if Allah ﷻwills it.
Shaykh Ibn Bāz (Rahimahullah) said regarding this:
“As for whether duʿāʾ changes destiny, then yes — duʿāʾ is from the means by which Allah changes what He wills. But all of this is already known to Allah and written with Him.”
(From his fatāwā on duʿāʾ and al-qaḍāʾ wa’l-qadar.)
If what I have said is correct, it is from Allah; and if it is wrong, then it is from myself and Shayṭān.
As Salaam Aleykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatouh.
Audrey Kodye, Registered Psychologist and Islamic therapist at Overcome Anxiety Psychological