THE ONTOLOGICAL AND EPISTEMIC DIMENSIONS OF DESTINY

The Metaphysical and Linguistic Definition of Destiny: In the tradition of Islamic theology, the literal meaning of destiny is “that which is decreed.” At its core, destiny can be described as the setting of limits for human beings from outside themselves, and their continued existence within those predetermined limits. This concept, which profoundly affects human life, rests on a broad metaphysical foundation extending from the emergence of existence to the principles governing its operation.

Distortions in the Understanding of Destiny and the Language of Being a “Prisoner of Destiny”: When the ontological and epistemic nature of destiny is not properly understood and analysed, serious distortions of the concept emerge in popular culture and superficial discourse.

Seeing Destiny as an Adversary: Individuals taking refuge in superficial, shallow expressions such as “My destiny played a trick on me” when faced with adversity. Evading Responsibility: People refusing to accept the consequences of their own actions and casting themselves as passive “prisoners of destiny” or mere figureheads. Disregarding the Will: The mistake of perceiving destiny as a mechanical, oppressive necessity that completely paralyses human will.

Divine Decree and Universal Will as the Foundation of Existence: The ontological dimension of destiny refers to the foundation of existence that begins with the creation of the earth and the entire universe. The Creator has determined in advance what constitutes existence, how it will function, and the qualities and laws through which it will continue. The universe’s regular course in accordance with these fundamental principles is “universal decree” or “ontological destiny.” The power and ability to intervene in this ontological realm belong exclusively to Allah (universal will); no created being, including human beings, has the ability to control or intervene in this structural foundation.

A Comparison of Absolute Decree and Particular/Limited (Conditional) Decree: Absolute Decree (Universal Destiny): Encompasses the ontological dimension of existence, universal laws and the general framework within which life unfolds. No created being can intervene in it. Universal will belongs exclusively to Allah. Conditional Decree (Particular Destiny): The limited sphere of intervention, bound to the conditions of the test, in which human beings can choose their actions at the level of knowledge. It forms the basis of reward and punishment. Particular will has been granted to human beings…

The Sphere of Knowledge and the Scope of Human Intervention in Life

The reason for human existence on earth is to undergo a test. The existence of a test necessarily requires a sphere in which actions can be performed freely. It is here that the epistemic dimension of destiny allows human beings to play a part at the level of knowledge and understanding. Through the particular will bestowed upon them, human beings can influence life, objects, events and phenomena, shape them and make choices.

The Relationship Between Freedom and Responsibility: The ability of human beings to influence events through their knowledge (particular will) constitutes their sphere of freedom. Yet this freedom is not unrestrained licence. The scope granted to human beings directly defines their sphere of responsibility. In accordance with the divine address in the Qur’an, “Enter collectively into peace/Islam,” the responsibility for establishing peace and security on earth has been placed upon human beings acting of their own free will.

Humanity’s Anthropological Constitution: The Concepts of “Wrongdoing” and “Profound Ignorance”: Human beings are the sole cause of disorder and corruption on earth, for other forms of existence possess no capacity for volition that could open the way to corruption. The concepts used in the Qur’an’s anthropological analysis of humanity reveal this situation: Ignorance / Profound Ignorance: Ignorance here is not simply a lack of knowledge. It encompasses crude behaviour, ingratitude, concealing truth, reality and what is right (denial/disbelief), and acting impulsively.

Wrongdoing / Persistent Wrongdoing (Oppression): This is the condition in which human beings, deprived of the light of truth and left in darkness, cannot find the right path on their own and, through acting unknowingly/impulsively in that darkness, commit injustice and oppression against both themselves and those around them.

The Search for the Right Path: Revelation, the Sunnah and Two Different Outcomes: The only way to escape the spiral of wrongdoing and ignorance is to submit fully to the principles conveyed by revelation and follow the Prophet’s guidance/teaching. Human beings face two different paths of action and outcome: The Journey of Goodness (The Process of Reward)

Individuals using their particular will in the service of goodness, peace and the right path (the Straight Path).

Consistently acting in accordance with the principles of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

Human choices in favour of goodness acquiring absolute force through their integration with divine decree (universal will).

Attaining the reward of Paradise as “the good” by separating oneself from evil and evildoers. Choosing Evil (The Process of Punishment): Disregarding divine commands and prohibitions and ignoring the Prophet’s warnings. Becoming enslaved to the self’s desires, ambitions and urges for worldly possessions. Hearts becoming sealed and insight obscured as a result of using the will in favour of evil.

The transgressors who close their ears to the truth facing “a great torment” (azabun azim).

The Chaos Arising from the Clash of Multiple Wills: At the social and historical level, there is not a single will but a field of multiple wills. Within the general universal framework established by divine decree, wills that follow goodness confront wills that follow evil. Disorder, or chaos, arises in periods when the influence of goodness diminishes and evil and powerful oppressors become dominant.

The Psychological Effects of Chaotic Conditions and Historical Examples: Chaotic conditions leave individuals with neurotic states of mind and deep psychological wounds. In these periods dominated by meaninglessness, figures notorious throughout history for their oppression have served as cautionary examples for humanity: Karun: The corrupting symbol of the passion for limitless wealth and power. Pharaoh: The symbol of oppression through claims to political power and absolute authority. Şeddad: An example of arrogance in claiming to establish false paradises on earth as alternatives to the divine order.

Divine Mercy, Intervention and Disasters as Reminders: Allah’s attribute of “the All-Merciful” manifests itself even in chaotic periods to preserve the foundations of people’s faith and keep open the possibility of guidance. Divine intervention takes two main forms: Intervention Through Chosen Heroes: When social decay and chaos reach their peak, Allah brings the will of His chosen just leaders to the fore. By strengthening these figures politically and militarily, He re-establishes justice and peace on earth. Intervention Through Natural Disasters That Serve as Reminders: Major calamities such as earthquakes, mountains collapsing under tremors and floods (for example, waters rising metres high and sweeping away vehicles and buildings) are warnings that remind human beings of their ontological powerlessness and the true master of the order of existence.

The classical theological maxim “Men âmene bi’l-kaderi âmine mine’l-keder”: The principle that whoever believes in destiny is safe from sorrow means recognising that every situation a person encounters has been brought about by Allah. This cognitive awareness enables people to regard the afflictions that befall them not as catastrophes but as divine tests and experiences; unnecessary sorrow and psychological collapse are thus dispelled.

The awareness that no being can harm a person without Allah’s permission and will leads to the following results: The divine message behind the harm and afflictions encountered is correctly understood. Hardships cease to be a source of sorrow and become a learning experience. They contribute to the individual’s spiritual and mental maturity. Through boundless trust in the Creator, a person becomes spiritually stronger.

General Summary and Overall Assessment: Destiny consists of the combination of an ontological dimension (universal will), which establishes universal laws, and an epistemic dimension (particular will), which defines the sphere of human responsibility and freedom. Amid the social chaos created by conflicting wills, divine mercy maintains balance through disasters that serve as reminders and through just leaders. When human beings use their free will in favour of goodness under the guidance of revelation and the Sunnah, they bring their particular will into harmony with universal decree, enabling them both to remain safe from sorrow in this world and to attain the reward of Paradise in the hereafter.

Abdülaziz Tantik

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