What does predestination involve in a Muslims life?
You look at the bigger picture and focus on the long term outcomes. You have a larger outlook on life to see where you ultimately end up. The path is set out for you by someone else.
What does free will involve in a Muslims life?
The short term decisions you make may impact the long term. You choose the path.
Sunni beliefs?
- There is no objective right and wrong. Everything Allah does is right because he does it.
- They do believe in predestination.
Shi’a beliefs?
- There is an objective framework of right and wrong.
- Allah is perfect and acts in a way that is morally right.
- Humans can work out what is morally right and so should use their free will to act correctly.
- At day of judgement, Allah will therefore send righteous to heaven and wicked to hell.
- This means that there is no predestination as humans have free will and it would be wrong for Allah to send humans to hell for actions he has chosen for them.
What are Muslim views on life after death?
Life = preparation for the next life.
Life after death is called Akhirah.
What happens on judgement day?
Each person will be judged by Allah, starting with Muhammad and resurrected to life when Allah chooses. They need to follow guidance from Qur’an and Muhammad - how well it is followed decides how you are judged.
What is Barzakh and what happens there?
It is a period of waiting in between death and day of judgement. Some believe that the soul’s experience will be based on behaviour when alive - punished or rewarded, others believe a temporary body will be given.
