Dr. Zakir Naik
At an event held at the Governor House, Pakistani actress Yasmina Gil raised a thought-provoking question to renowned Islamic scholar Dr. Zakir Naik. The event, which took place on October 5, was part of Dr. Naik’s ongoing tour of Pakistan and attracted a large audience eager to engage in discussions about faith and spirituality.
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori warmly welcomed Dr. Naik and his son, with the event starting with the national anthem followed by a recitation from the Quran.
The primary theme of Dr. Naik’s lecture was, “What is the Purpose of Our Lives?” After delivering an insightful talk on this topic, the session transitioned into an interactive Q&A. Yasmina Gil was the first to pose a question.
She shared her personal journey, recounting how she had previously struggled with atheism before eventually returning to Islam. Gil revealed that Dr. Naik’s speeches had been instrumental in helping her reconnect with her faith.
Her question focused on a topic that has puzzled many: the concept of predestination and free will. She asked, “If Allah has already written a person’s destiny, what free will do we have? Who is responsible for our choices between right and wrong when we believe that our fate is already determined?”
Dr. Naik responded by acknowledging that this is a common question among Muslims, although not everyone feels comfortable voicing it. He explained that while Allah knows everything in the unseen and has foreknowledge of all events, humans still possess free will to make their own choices.
He stated, “It is not that humans act according to what Allah has decreed, but rather that Allah has written what humans will choose to do.” In essence, Allah’s knowledge of future events does not limit or control human decision-making; instead, it reflects His omniscience regarding the choices that individuals will freely make.
Dr. Naik used a simple analogy to clarify his point. He described a person standing at a crossroads with four different paths to choose from. Although Allah already knows which path the individual will select, the actual decision is made by the individual based on their own thoughts and intentions.
This distinction between God’s knowledge and human choice highlights the role of free will in Islamic belief. The scholar further emphasized that while Allah is aware of every decision a person will make in their lifetime, the responsibility for those choices ultimately rests with the individual, not with Allah’s predestination.
The interaction between Dr. Naik and Yasmina Gil was a testament to the scholar’s ability to address complex theological issues in a manner that is relatable and understandable to his audience.
His clarification of the delicate balance between divine knowledge and human free will helped address concerns that many believers have when grappling with the notion of predestination.
Dr. Naik’s response underscored the Islamic view that while Allah is all-knowing, He has granted human beings the freedom to choose between right and wrong, and they are accountable for their actions in the afterlife.
This exchange served as a valuable learning moment for everyone in attendance, as it touched on an issue that goes to the heart of human responsibility and the nature of God’s omniscience.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
