Title: Al Qadr (i.e. Fate) Question/Comments: Thank you for your reply on fate and free will posted on your site under discussion on Jan.25.2005.You say that Allah does not orchestrate the events. Then what about the Verse which says "And whoever fear Allah and keeps his duty, He will make a way for him to get out from every difficulty. And He will provide for him from (sources) he never could imagine" 65:2-3. Also "As for those who strive hard in Us (Our cause) We shall surely guide them to Our path" 29:69.In both the above Verses Allah is talking about future. So, unless He makes the events such that, it benefits for a believer, then only the believer will get the above reward and benefits. Hope you will clarify. Thank you. Answer: If the verses are reflected upon it will be evident that neither of them relate to fate or free will directly. However, implicitly, both surahs in their first clauses indicate the necessity of free will. This is so because the choice of fearing God and striving in His way is available to us before we receive the rewards. In fact the very free will to make this choice is what leads us to His blessings. Had we not had this choice, the promise of help and guidance would do nothing for our spiritual growth since the implication would be that we are not the ones actually "fearing" or "striving." In surah Al Talaq 65:2-3 the core of the verses is related to God's providence. In other words God will give and assist people who do good deeds as this is one of our duties in life. This is far from God actually controlling or coordinating one's life but rather that God is granting and gifting His dedicated subjects for their obedience. God's help is available to all those who turn to Him. Thus, His help cannot be construed as encroaching upon our wills. The same is true for Al `Ankaboot 29:69 in which God gives His guidance to those who struggle in His way. The verses are not related to tenses of time but rather God's Omnipotence and Magnificent Wisdom in promising rewards and guidance to those who persevere in His path. As has been clarified there is no reason whatsoever to interpret those verses as a basis for predestination. The verses clearly regard God's aid, via guidance or other forms of help, so long as the person is dedicated to adhering to the way of God. This in no way implies that God orchestrates someone's life, after all the person first has to choose to commit him or herself to righteousness before they are granted these blessings. God does not make the choice for them, hence, free will. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan February 17, 2005