Freedom
Religious Studies A: AQA GCSE Religions, topic 4.1.6
Predestination and Human Freedom
Sunni and Shi'a beliefs on human free will differ in the following ways:
Sunni beliefs
- Some Sunni Muslims believe that as God’s will is supreme, he is so powerful that He controls everything - including what everyone does.
- However, free will is still possible as humans don’t know what Allah wants from them - humans find free will in working out what Allah wants.
Shi'a beliefs
- According to Shi'a tradition, Allah knows everything that is going to happen but His knowledge does not impact human choice.
- Therefore, humans have the freedom to make their own choices.
- As a result of this belief, Allah will judge all people on the Day of Judgment for the choices they have made throughout their lives. Those who have made good choices will go to heaven, and those who have sinned will go to hell.
Test yourself on Freedom
What do some Sunni Muslims believe about God's power and human free will?