Definition and Meaning of Qadariyyah
Qadariyyah refers to a classical Islamic theological school from the 7th to the 9th century that asserted the principle of human free will. Adherents of this school believed that humans have the capacity to make their own decisions, which justifies God’s power to blame or punish them. This belief in human responsibility for actions implies that God is absolved of responsibility for the existence of evil in the world.
Etymology
The term “Qadariyyah” derives from the Arabic root “ق د ر” (qāf-dāl-rā), which relates to the concept of decree or power. In this context, it specifically pertains to the power and ability to make decisions.
Background
The Qadariyyah movement emerged during a time of intense theological debate in the Islamic world, spanning approximately from the 7th to the 9th century. Their primary assertion was the belief in human free will against the determinist view that God’s divine decree controlled all actions.
Historical Facts and Dates
- 7th Century: The emergence of the Qadariyyah in the early Islamic period.
- 8th Century: Spread of Qadariyyah ideas and increased influence.
- 9th Century: Many Qadariyyah doctrines were integrated into the theology of the Mutazilites.
- 10th Century: Asharite theology, dominating Islamic thought, rejected the Qadariyyah stance on free will.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the assertion of free will is central in Qadariyyah thought, the Mutazilites further developed this idea into a more comprehensive philosophical framework. In contrast, the Asharites, who became dominant, promoted a more deterministic view, emphasizing divine predestination and subtle harmonization between God’s omnipotence and human responsibility.
Synonyms and Related Terms
- Mutazilites: Followers who adopted many philosophical elements of Qadariyyah.
- Asharites: The theological school that opposed Qadariyyah viewpoints.
- Free Will: The fundamental concept advocated by Qadariyyah.
- Predestination (Jabr): Opposite theological position to Qadariyyah’s free will.
Exciting Facts
- The Qadariyyah’s emphasis on human freedom sparked profound philosophical and theological debates that shaped Islamic thought for centuries.
- Their rejection of divine determinism set the stage for the later intellectual currents within Muslim theology.
- The debate between free will and predestination parallels similar discussions in other religious traditions, such as in Christianity and Judaism.
Quotations from Notable Writers
“Al-qadar (divine will) and al-fi’l (action) are two faces of the same coin, where man participates in the creative process through his choices.” - Al-Jahiz, an influenced Mutazili thinker.
Literature and References for Further Studies
- “Theology and Creed in Sunni Islam: The Muslim Brotherhood, Ash’arism, and Political Sunnism” by Jeffry R. Halverson
- “Islamic Theological Themes: A Primary Source Reader” edited by John Renard
- “The Cambridge Companion to Classical Islamic Theology” edited by Tim Winter
Additional Translations
- Arabic: قدريّة (Qadariyyah)
- Turkish: Kaderiyye
- Urdu: قدریہ (Qadariyyah)
- Indonesian: Qadariyyah
- Persian: قدریه (Qadariyyah)
- Bengali: কদরিয়া (Qadariyyah)
Insightful exploration of historical theological debates showcases the dynamism of Islamic thought. Keep questing for knowledge.
- Samira Al-Hakim
