Q: I was in a discussion recently about does Allah know our intentions and choices before we make them? I believe Allah knows all things before present and after his knowledge is compelled by time. But I don't know how to explain to my brother the issue of free will. Like he says if Allah knows our choices before we make them then he knows from birth if heaven or hell will be our abode then why put us on earth to test us when Allah knows our outcome already? So if Allah knows then its almost like programming. Please help me to explain or to make Allah knows all our choices even before our creation or birth or am I wrong?
A: Allah knows the outcome and we do not know the outcome. We are supposed to be doing what we are commanded and Allah will do what He wills to do. We have no right to question His authority in any way. The irony is that we apply the belief of fate only in religious matters, we don't apply them in our worldly and mundane affairs. Nobody says that I will not work and earn a living or I will not eat or drink or I will not cover my body with clothing with the belief that if it was the will of Allah it will happen. Just as you will follow procedures in these matters you will follow procedures in deeni matters as well.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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