Destiny Revealed
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In the Name of My Beloved Allah I begin
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"Dear Lord, too much has been said against You, and too much blame has been attributed to You in the name of destiny. For me to remain silent is no longer an option. This book is dedicated to You, seeking to explain one of the most complex topics: 'The Destiny.' This book will explore destiny through the lenses of religion, psychology, and science.
It serves as a response to those who blame God for their misfortunes and fault the divine author of destiny for their own ignorance, incompetence, laziness, and sin. No one is dearer to me than the One they blame, but I will not defend God in this book, for God is capable of defending Himself. Instead, I aim to dispel misconceptions and confusion sowed by the devil, ensuring that no creation of God has to bear His wrath."
What is Destiny (Qismat-Muqaddar)?
"Destiny is the set of paths available to a person, each leading to a different outcome. While the advantages and disadvantages of each path are predetermined, the choice of which path to take remains in one's hands."
In this perspective, destiny refers to the journey rather than the endpoint. Each path leads to a specific outcome—just as a road leads to a particular destination. If you follow a certain road, it will inevitably take you where it leads. However, you have the power to change your destiny by choosing a different path, just as you can change direction on a journey. What you cannot change is the destination of a specific path; if you continue on the same road, you will always arrive at the same place.
Destiny is dynamic and purposeful. It is a collaboration between divine will, human effort, and the circumstances encountered along the way—ultimately leading to one's fate.
Fate (Naseeb-Taqdeer)
“Fate is the inevitable course of events in a person’s life, believed to be fixed and beyond human control, often seen as dictated by divine or universal laws.”
Fate, in contrast, represents a fixed outcome that will occur regardless of the paths or choices taken. It is an unyielding force, indifferent to human effort or intention. Fate implies inevitability, where the destination is dictated by an external power, and no matter what actions one takes, the end result remains unchanged.
Fate removes the element of agency, presenting life as a pre-written script that unfolds without deviation.
The Difference Between Destiny (Qismat-Muqaddar) and Fate (Naseeb-Taqdeer)
"Destiny is the path one chooses, while fate is the unchangeable destination that each path leads to. Fate also refers to the fixed conditions along each path that cannot be altered."
Example:
Imagine a mouse in a maze. The maze has one entrance and three possible exits—these fixed points are fate because they cannot be changed.
At the end of each exit, there is a different outcome:
One path leads to cheese (reward)
Another leads to nothing (neutral result)
The third leads to poison (harmful result)
The mouse, once placed inside, can take different routes to reach an exit. These routes represent destiny—the mouse has control over which path to take. However, along the way, there are unavoidable obstacles, such as walls, dead ends, or traps—these are also part of fate because they are fixed challenges within each path.
The only choice the mouse has is which route to follow and how to navigate obstacles. Similarly, in life, destiny is the journey we shape through our choices, but fate is the unchangeable result of the path we take.
Common Understanding of Destiny and Fate
Among people of various cultures and languages, the words for destiny and fate are often used interchangeably, with little distinction between their meanings. The common understanding revolves around the idea that both terms signify:
“The thing that was supposed to happen, regardless of human intervention.”
In daily life, terms such as Qismat (قسمت), Naseeb (نصیب), Muqaddar (مقدر), and Taqdeer (تقدیر)** are frequently used across different scenarios to describe outcomes or events—be it success, failure, joy, or tragedy. These words are often applied without much regard for their nuanced meanings, reducing them to a blanket explanation for life’s uncertainties.
Luck
Now that we have discussed destiny and fate, how can we forget the word used around the world whether you believe in religion or not, this word has no religion associated with it and this word is Luck. The word "luck" originates from the Middle Dutch word "luc", which means "happiness" or "good fortune." It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Common understanding for Luck is
“Luck is an uncontrollable force that brings unexpected good or bad fortune, often perceived as random and independent of one’s actions or intentions.”
What is the difference between luck, destiny and fate?
Luck is random and momentary, affecting specific events; destiny is a purposeful journey shaped by choices and external forces; fate is an unchangeable result of the journey, fixed and beyond human control.
Luck is much like fate, just on a smaller scale. No matter how hard someone tries, luck isn’t something you can earn—you either have it, or you don’t. But here’s the silver lining: unlike fate, luck isn’t the final word. It’s just an event, so you can keep trying your luck over and over again. Who knows? Maybe it’ll change, and you’ll finally succeed... or not.
Religion
All Abrahamic religions speak about destiny and fate. Here, I will explore the concept as presented in Islam, based on the Quran and Hadith.
Destiny in Islam
Islam describes multiple destinies that are paths that can be chosen by an individual. All possible paths a person can take, along with their outcomes, are recorded in a divine book called Loh-e-Mehfooz. This means that every choice a person might make and its potential consequences are preordained, including variations caused by constant deviations from the chosen path.
Fate in Islam
Fate, in Islam, refers to events or outcomes that are bound to happen. To illustrate, let us examine three key aspects: Birth, Death, and Sustenance (Rizq), along with the concept of one true desire.
Birth
Allah says it is He who grants sons and daughters, and it is He who keeps some couples childless. This is destiny. However, can it change? Yes, as mentioned in the Quran, the prayer of Zakariya (AS) was accepted, and he was blessed with a son. Similarly, a Sahih Hadith states that prayers and charity can alter destiny. This implies there may be one destiny where a couple remains childless and another where they have children. Yet, the soul destined to come to this world will come, even if born to different parents. The child has no control over their place of birth—this is fate.
Death
The Quran states that even if you were lying in your bed, when the time of death comes, you will be drawn to the place where you are destined to die. The keyword here is "destined." If a different path had been chosen, the individual might have met a different destiny, such as embracing martyrdom. However, regardless of the path taken, the ultimate fate remains: the body must die. All fates are pre-recorded by Allah. Can life be extended? Yes and no. While life extension is possible through prayer and charity, it is not truly an extension but rather a shift to a destiny where life continues longer. Yet, the ultimate fate—death—remains inevitable.
Sustenance (Rizq)
Sustenance refers to wealth, not just money, but all forms of provision. Imagine a tree full of fruit: some fruit hangs within easy reach, some is harder to access, and some is at the very top. The tree being there is fate, but the effort you put in determines how much fruit you can gather. Allah says in the Quran that it is not possible for a thirsty man to stretch his hands toward water and expect the water to come to him. The water’s existence is fate, but reaching it requires effort. The path you take to earn your sustenance—whether through a job, business, or theft—leads to different destinies. Can rizq be extended? Yes, by choosing a path that leads to a different destiny, but the fate of all worldly sustenance is that it will eventually end.
One True Desire
Allah states in the Quran that you cannot desire anything unless He wills it. This refers to your one true calling, which is tied to destiny. Having the desire is fate, but attaining it depends on the path you choose toward that destiny.
So, What Does This All Mean?
Is it your fault that you are dying?
Is it your fault that you are poor?
Is it your fault that you got hurt or wronged?
Is it your fault that you cannot be a parent?
If you seek answers from Islam, the first requirement is belief in the Quran. Allah has said that He will test us by giving and taking away, and the only thing we will be judged for is our efforts—whether they were directed toward good or evil.
Life will bring challenges, some joyful and some painful. Some events occur due to our mistakes, while others are beyond our control. For those who view this life as the only existence, this system may seem unfair. However, for Muslims, this life is a test. If things take a turn for the worse, but we respond with righteous actions, Allah promises to reward our efforts in this life and the Hereafter.
The answer to all the above questions lies in this: if there was something you could have done to prevent what happened, then yes, it is your fault. Own it, seek Allah’s forgiveness, and move forward on the right path. If you did nothing wrong, thank Allah and continue striving for what is right. Whether you face a test or a torment, doing the right thing now will bring the reward of your efforts and patience, as promised in the Quran.
This is the belief of a Muslim.
Luck and Islam
Islam does not recognize luck as a random event occurring without reason. Instead, Islam views luck as a part of fate—something preordained and placed along the path of life (destiny) that a person has chosen to follow.
In this perspective, what people often call "luck" is not a matter of chance but rather a predetermined outcome tied to one's decisions, efforts, and divine will. A fortunate event occurs because it was already written as part of the fate assigned to that specific path, just as an unfortunate event is also a part of the trials and lessons within another path.
Thus, luck is not accidental; it is the result of destiny unfolding in alignment with divine wisdom.
Good and Bad Fate
People often use terms like "unfortunate" or "bad fate" (baad qismati or baad naseebi), but what do these words truly imply? Consider this analogy: as the author of this book, if you were to read it and label it a "bad book," what would that suggest? It would reflect poorly on me as the author, implying that my writing is subpar. While this might be true for human creations, when it comes to the writer of fate and destiny—Allah—the case is entirely different.
Allah says in the Holy Quran: "Look again and again at the creation; do you find any flaw? Your gaze will return to you, humbled and tired." This means that Allah, as the Creator, is perfect, and His work is flawless. You may criticize human authors, but when it comes to the fate and destiny written by Allah, the only fault lies in our limited understanding.
This brings us to a common question: how can something that appears bad actually be good? Or why can’t we label an event as "bad fate"? Allah answers this in the Quran: "It may be that you dislike something while it is good for you, and it may be that you love something while it is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not."
Allah has also outlined reasons why seemingly "bad" things may happen:
Error of your own making (mistakes)
Punishment for your sins
A test from Allah
An alternative to something worse
The end of life (death)
Mistakes
We all make mistakes, but that doesn’t exempt us from the consequences. However, if we repent—meaning we learn from our mistakes and make amends—those mistakes can become blessings. For instance, a mistake can teach us a lesson that helps us avoid bigger errors in the future or guide others who might be about to make the same mistake.
If we refuse to learn and continue on the wrong path, we effectively choose a fate of suffering. On the other hand, if we learn and grow, we choose a better destiny for ourselves.
Punishment
A sin is a deliberate deviation from the right path. For example, drinking water through your mouth is natural and correct, but drinking it through your nose would cause discomfort. That discomfort is a form of punishment for deviating from the correct way.
Punishment serves to correct us, and once it is fulfilled, things return to normal. But what if punishment is delayed, or worse, appears to be absent? Some may perceive this as fortunate, thinking, "How lucky is that person who gets away with their sins!"
However, the Quran warns: "Allah lets them loose only to seize them at their worst moment, making their suffering eternal." This is akin to law enforcement silently observing a criminal until they catch them in the act, ensuring a severe punishment.
The sooner punishment is served, the better. If one repents sincerely before being punished, Allah promises in the Quran: "It is not for Allah to punish those who sincerely seek forgiveness."
Consider the example of Qarun (Korah), an Israelite during the time of Pharaoh. Qarun was immensely wealthy and used his riches to oppress his own people. Many envied his fortune, wishing to be like him. But one day, Allah caused the earth to swallow him and his palace. The same people who envied him then said, "If we were like him, we would have suffered the same fate."
Even today, despite being Muslims with access to the Quran, many of us repeat the same ignorance. We glorify criminals and corrupt individuals, calling them "lucky" or "fortunate." At the time of Qarun, there was no Torah or Quran, but now, with the Quran available to us, what is our excuse?
If you don’t wish to follow the teachings of Islam, that is your choice. But to speak about fate and destiny without any knowledge of the Quran is both ignorant and audacious.
A Test From God
A Muslim should not be surprised to face challenges in life, as God has clearly stated in the Holy Quran that this life is a test. However, if someone is a Muslim in name only and unaware of this divine principle, they may struggle to comprehend why trials occur. Just as in real life, we cannot earn a degree or license without passing an exam, we cannot enter the paradise promised to the successful without passing the test of life.
When we are born, it is akin to entering an examination room. During childhood, the "question paper" becomes apparent through the circumstances of our birth, including the resources and limitations we inherit. As we reach the age of understanding—typically around puberty—we are handed the "answer sheets," and our test begins. This test continues until the moment we die, when our "papers" are collected. The results are then revealed on the Day of Judgment, determining whether we pass into heaven or fail into hell.
If someone chooses to sit the test out—doing nothing about the challenges they face in life, spending their time scrolling on their phone, watching movies, or gossiping—they are like a student who doesn’t attempt the exam. Such individuals also fail and are counted among those who did wrong. In this divine system, there is no escape from being tested.
The Nature of Tests
The beauty of God's tests lies in their dynamic nature. If you remain patient, seek guidance from God, and follow His teachings, each test will eventually come to an end. Unlike worldly exams, God's tests reward you immediately for each correct response. After every test, you are given a break before the next one begins.
However, if you fail a test, you may encounter it again in a different form. This is why some people often lament, "Why does this always happen to me?" The answer is simple: they did not pass the test the first time.
If you perceive life's tests as punishment, they will indeed feel like punishment. This happens because of disbelief in God’s justice and mercy. The Quran warns that those who doubt God’s fairness will face severe consequences.
The Role of Belief
Does being a believer exempt you from tests? No. God says in the Holy Quran:
"Did you think that just by saying, 'We believe,' you will not be tested?"
Belief must be proven through actions and perseverance, just like everyone else.
What about non-Muslims? Every human being is tested according to the knowledge and understanding they have been given. No one is exempt, except those cursed to hell for their sins.
Praying for Success in Tests
Can we ask for a life without tests? Tests are part of fate, just like death. While they can take different forms or be delayed, they cannot be avoided. The most logical prayer is:
"May God help us succeed in all the tests destined for us." Amen.
Tests and Their Consequences
Can tests worsen if ignored? Yes. The longer you delay addressing your challenges, the harder they become—much like an untreated disease. However, as long as you are alive, there is always hope. It is never too late to try, and though the test may become harder, the reward for passing it will be even greater, InshaAllah.
When something bad happens as part of a test, it is an opportunity to demonstrate patience and faith. If you approach it with the mindset of a true believer, you will be rewarded far beyond your loss. On the other hand, reacting poorly to tests can lead to a series of greater losses.
An Alternative To Something Worse
There are moments in life when what seems like a loss or failure is actually a hidden blessing. I recall an incident from my childhood that left a lasting impression on me. One day, while racing to the playground with another boy, I lost the race. The boy crossed the road ahead of me, eager to win, but as he did, a speeding van appeared from behind a blind spot created by nearby houses. Tragically, the van struck him. What I thought was my loss turned out to be my protection.
This small but significant event serves as a powerful reminder of how Allah’s wisdom works in mysterious ways. Sometimes, the very things we strive for—be it a marriage, a job, or an educational path—may not be meant for us because they could lead to harm we cannot foresee. In the Holy Quran, Allah says:
"It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and that you love a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:216)
This verse encapsulates a profound truth: what we perceive as bad or unfortunate might actually be a blessing, and what we see as good might lead to hardship. The boy who won the race paid a heavy price for his victory, while I, who lost, was unknowingly spared.
We often sit and regret the opportunities we missed—perhaps a marriage proposal that fell through, a job we didn’t get, or an educational track we couldn’t pursue. But in hindsight, these missed chances may have been Allah’s way of protecting us from something far worse. His wisdom far exceeds our limited understanding, and His plans are always for our ultimate good.
This story is a reminder to trust in Allah’s decree. What may seem like a loss in the moment is often a greater gain in the grand scheme of life. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace even in the face of disappointment, knowing that His plans are always perfect.
The End of Life (Death)
Even death, no matter how tragic it may seem, can be a blessing. How so? If a person suffers before dying, that suffering could wash away their sins or grant them blessings sufficient to qualify for Heaven. A hadith tells us that even the smallest pain endured by a believer is compensated by Allah. The key word here is believer—a person who does not see their tragedy as mistreatment by Allah but rather as a test that will ultimately bring blessings.
From the perspective of an unbeliever, a tragic death or the death of a young person may seem utterly unfair, as they do not believe in the hereafter or divine recompense. However, for a believer, life does not end with the last breath. Instead, it marks the beginning of the afterlife, where they will be rewarded for their good deeds and compensated for every pain and hardship they endured.
One might ask: What about the death of a child? Why did they deserve to suffer? What wrong could they have done? As for their pain, Allah, who is the Creator, will compensate them in the hereafter. In fact, they will be so abundantly rewarded that if you were to ask them if they felt mistreated, their answer would be no.
The Quran provides a profound example in Surah Al-Kahf, where Khidr (AS) killed a young boy by Allah’s command. Khidr explained that the boy would have grown up to be a disbeliever and brought disbelief to his parents as well. Allah, in His mercy, took the boy’s life and promised to bless his parents with another child who would bring them joy and righteousness. This story teaches us that what may seem tragic to us could, in Allah’s infinite wisdom, be an act of mercy and protection from a worse fate.
The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) once visited a sick companion and prayed, “May Allah give you life if you will do good in it.” This prayer reflects a profound truth: life itself can become a curse if not lived in a righteous way.
As Muslims, we must always remember that this world is a test. We should remain mindful of our position as servants of Allah and avoid acting as though we have rights beyond what He has granted us. Death, whether it comes young or old, is a transition to the hereafter, where each soul will answer for its deeds. If someone dies too young to have sinned, their death is a blessing, for they are spared from the trials of this world and granted eternal peace.
Let us not forget that the most painful deaths have often been endured by prophets and saints. Their martyrdom is not seen as a misfortune but as an honor. They were chosen by Allah to make the ultimate sacrifice, and their legacy inspires us to trust in Allah’s wisdom, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges.
Perception of Good or Bad Fate
Perception plays a significant role in how we define fate. Some may see the glass half empty, while others see it half full. However, fate is far more complex than a simple glass of water. In a tangible example, one can see the entire glass, but when it comes to fate, people can only see a portion of life—never the full picture, especially not the Hereafter.
To understand this, let us examine three examples from the Abrahamic scriptures. While we previously discussed the story of Qarun, we will now focus on other narratives, beginning with the life of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.).
The Life of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.)
People’s Perception Before His Rise
A 12-year-old boy, betrayed by his own brothers, was thrown into a well out of jealousy. He was later rescued, only to be sold into slavery and taken to Egypt. There, he was bought into the household of Potiphar, where he served as a slave and eventually earned a supervisory position. Just when his life seemed to be improving, he was falsely accused of a crime he never committed, leading to his imprisonment for twelve long years.
To an outsider, Yusuf (A.S.) seemed to be the embodiment of misfortune. Those who saw his suffering might have pitied him, calling him unlucky, believing that he had a fate full of misery and failure. Many people likely judged his life as one of constant downfall, and some may have even died before ever witnessing his eventual rise.
But then, fate revealed its full picture. The once-imprisoned Yusuf (A.S.) was elevated to the highest position in Egypt, holding power and influence that no one had foreseen. Those who once saw him in chains now looked upon him as the ruler of the land, praising God for opening the doors of fortune for him. Some who were unaware of his past likely believed he was always destined for greatness, assuming he had an easy and fortunate life.
What changed? Was it his fate? No. The fate written for Yusuf (A.S.) remained the same from the beginning. It was always leading him toward greatness, but the path to that greatness was one of trials, patience, and unwavering faith.
The True Perspective on Fate
It is natural for common people to judge fate based on what they see in the present moment. However, a believer must trust that what is written for them and others is, in reality, a great and purposeful fate. The key difference is that one must walk the right path of destiny to reach that greatness—just as Yusuf (A.S.) did.
Even in the darkest well and the depths of a prison cell, he never lost faith. He did not give in to despair or temptations, nor did he compromise his principles for short-term ease. He remained steadfast on the path he chose—one of righteousness, patience, and trust in Allah. And that path led him to the extraordinary status he holds in history today.
Now, ask yourself:
How many people do you think called Yusuf (A.S.) naïve for holding onto faith despite his suffering?
How many advised him to change his ways to "succeed" in life?
Countless.
Yet, none of their perceptions altered his fate. His destiny was shaped by his choices, and his patience led him to success.
This is the lesson for all of us: No matter how things appear in the moment, if you truly know your Creator and understand what pleases Him, then follow that path—because within it lies all the goodness of this world and the Hereafter, even when you do not yet see the light at the end of the tunnel.
God’s Knowledge
One common argument people make is: If we truly have free will, then does God not know what we will do? And if He already knows what we will do, doesn’t that mean we have no free will, since it was destined to happen?
The answer is simple: To understand God, you would have to be God—and since we are not, we cannot fully comprehend His nature. The Qur’an tells us that there is nothing like Him (Surah Ash-Shura 42:11), and we are certainly not in a position to define or limit His knowledge. However, what we do know from divine revelation is that God knows everything—past, present, and future.
Knowing something does not mean forcing it to happen. God's knowledge does not equal compulsion; rather, it means awareness of what will unfold. Everything in creation exists within time, while God is beyond time. Time is a creation, and God is not bound by His creation.
To simplify this for the reader, let’s return to the mouse and the maze example:
God created the maze (the world).
God created the mouse (human beings) and gave it intelligence, instincts, and free will.
God knows every possible route the mouse can take and what obstacles it will face.
The mouse is free to make its own choices, but God, being beyond time, already sees the entire journey and knows which exit the mouse will reach.
The key point is that the mouse still makes the choices—even though God already knows what those choices will be.
Objection 1:
“If God gave the mouse its abilities, nature, and circumstances, does that not mean He controlled its choices?”
Response:
No, because there is not just one destiny—there are multiple paths (destinies), each with different outcomes (fates). God knows all the possibilities, but He does not force you to pick one over the other.
Let’s modify the example: Imagine a man has six different paths in life to choose from. Five lead to heaven, and one leads to hell.
God knows all six paths and what will happen on each one.
God does not choose for the man—the man chooses for himself.
God’s knowledge is complete, meaning He already sees the outcome of the path the man will choose, but it is the man's own decision that leads him there.
This means that God’s foreknowledge does not take away human free will—it only confirms that all choices and their consequences are already known to Him.
Objection 2:
"If God created me with a specific nature, placed me in certain circumstances, and already knows which path I will ultimately choose—doesn’t that mean my choices were inevitable?"
Response:
God’s knowledge does not remove your ability to choose; it only confirms what choice you will make. Think of it like watching a recorded football match—if you already know the final score, does that mean the players had no real choices during the game? No, they played freely, making decisions at every moment, but because you are seeing it after the fact, you already know how it ends.
Now apply this to God. He is beyond time and sees past, present, and future as a single reality. But His knowledge does not interfere with our decisions—it simply exists, just as knowing the end of a movie doesn’t mean the characters had no freedom in their actions.
Objection 3:
"If God already knows I will take the wrong path and end up in hell, why did He create me in the first place?"
Response:
God does not create people just to send them to hell—He creates them with the full opportunity to succeed. Every soul is given multiple chances, guidance, and a conscience that naturally leans toward good. It is not God who forces anyone to take the wrong path; rather, it is the person who insists on making those choices despite all the guidance and mercy available to them.
Even in the Quran, Allah says:
“And Allah does not wrong the people at all, but it is the people who wrong themselves.” (Surah Yunus 10:44)
The reality is this: Your future, as far as you are concerned, is still unwritten. You are the one holding the pen, writing it with every decision you make. So act as if your actions matter—because they do.
Destiny and Fate in Science
In science, particularly in the field of quantum physics, we have discovered that everything in the universe is in motion—nothing remains constant. This motion generates vibrations, and even our thoughts carry their own vibrational energy. According to the law of vibration, "like attracts like," meaning that energies on similar frequencies are connected, regardless of space or time.
Matter, as it moves through space and time, aligns with vibrations of a specific frequency. When it resonates at a certain frequency, it is naturally drawn to its corresponding destination. If the frequency of an object changes, it shifts to a different vibration, leading to a new destination.
This scientific understanding closely parallels the concept of destiny. Just as an object's vibration determines its path and ultimate destination, our choices and actions, influenced by our thoughts and energy, set us on a particular course. If we alter our "frequency"—our mindset, actions, or intentions—we shift to a new path with a different destination.
In essence, the destination (fate) of every element in the universe is predetermined by its vibration (destiny). However, by changing our frequency, we have the power to alter our path that leads to a new but pretermine fate.
Destiny And Fate Examples
Now that we have explained most of the common beliefs about destiny and fate, its time to explain through examples that can clear your concept regarding the two further.
Example One – The Road and Toll Plaza
Imagine destiny as a road leading to a place you want to go, and fate as the beginning and end of that road, like a toll plaza. As you journey along this road (destiny), you encounter its unique views, stations, ups, and downs—just as all roads have their distinct features.
Now, suppose during your journey, you decide to switch to another, clearer, and wider road. The scenery, stations, and experiences will change according to this new path, and the final destination (fate) will now be according to this new road.
Throughout this journey, the choices you make—whether it’s the choice of road, following traffic rules or breaking them, driving carefully or recklessly—will all be accounted for when you reach the toll plaza. Whether you believed it or not, cameras were monitoring your every move on the road, and all your actions will be judged accordingly.
Example Two – Video Game
In many modern video games, or even some classic arcade ones, players are given options to choose from. Each choice—whether in dialogue or action—shapes the outcome of the game. However, every possible outcome is already known and pre-written by the creators of the game.
Despite the variety of choices and paths a player may take, all games share one inevitable conclusion: the game over. This is akin to fate.
I particularly like this example because it beautifully illustrates life and the interplay between destiny and fate. The player can explore freely, make good or bad decisions, and take different paths. Yet, no matter where they go or what they do, they remain bound by the game’s programming. This programming (the choices available) represents destiny, while fate is the ultimate, unchangeable end that is achieved as per the choices taken by the player.
Example Three The Garden of Life
Imagine life as a garden where you are the gardener. The garden itself, with its soil, layout, and potential for growth, represents your fate—The possibilities available to you represent your destiny. You have the freedom to plant seeds, water them, and nurture them, symbolizing your choices and efforts to shape your life.
However, the seasons, weather, and external conditions also represent fate. These are beyond your control and determine when and how the plants grow. For example, you might plant seeds expecting a bountiful harvest, but an unexpected frost (fate) could delay or alter the outcome.
While destiny gives you the opportunities to create a beautiful garden, fate governs the conditions under which your efforts bear fruit. Together, they shape the outcome (ultimate fate) of your life’s garden.
Example Four: The Fruit Tree
Imagine life as a tree laden with fruits at various levels. Some fruits have fallen to the ground, some hang on the lower branches, others are in the middle, and the best ones are at the very top—ripe, juicy, and full of flavor.
The fruits on the ground are easy to reach but partially spoiled. The ones on the lower branches require little effort and are average in quality. The fruits in the middle branches are better but demand more effort to pick, while the ones at the top are the finest, requiring your utmost determination and skill to climb and claim them.
The tree itself and the fruits it bears are your fate—they exist as part of the divine plan. The fruits at each level represent your destiny, offering various paths and outcomes. However, the choice of which fruit to reach for and the effort you put in to claim it lies entirely in your hands.
Example Five: The Desert Well
Picture yourself lost in a vast desert, parched and desperate for water. You come across a well. At the surface, there’s muddy, brackish water—easily accessible but unpleasant to drink. However, the well is deep, and at the bottom lies crystal-clear, refreshing water.
You have a choice: drink the muddy water without effort, quenching your thirst but risking sickness, or use the rope and bucket provided to draw water from the depths. The latter requires strength, patience, and determination, but the reward is pure, life-sustaining water.
In this scenario, the well and the water it holds are your fate—they exist as part of the divine plan. The quality of the water you choose to drink represents your destinies, shaped by the effort you are willing to invest.
Psychological Impact of Believing in Destiny and Fate
Beliefs about destiny and fate shape the way a person views their life, their struggles, and their potential for success. A healthy understanding of both concepts is essential for a balanced mindset, as an extreme view in either direction can lead to stagnation or unnecessary suffering.
A Positive Belief in Destiny: Growth and Empowerment
When a person believes that their choices shape their destiny, they develop a growth-oriented mindset. They understand that while fate may set the stage, their decisions do determine which fate will be their outcome. This belief leads to:
A sense of control: Knowing that their efforts matter, they are more likely to take responsibility for their actions.
Resilience in hardships: Instead of feeling powerless, they see challenges as opportunities to shape a better future.
A proactive attitude: They actively seek knowledge, skills, and opportunities to improve their lives.
Faith in divine justice: They trust that good choices lead to good outcomes, even if the results take time to manifest.
A Negative Belief in Destiny: Helplessness and Stagnation
A distorted belief in destiny is where one assumes that there is only one outcome that is predetermined and unchangeable, which can create a victim mentality. This leads to:
Apathy and inaction: People may stop trying because they believe that no matter what they do there is one fixed destiny that they are bound to follow without choice.
Blaming external forces: Instead of taking responsibility, they attribute their failures to "bad luck" or divine injustice.
Impulsive decision-making: Since they believe the outcome is out of their hands, they treat life as a gamble, so they take risks or make important life choices without due diligence.
Indecision: Opposite to Impulsive decision making the thought behind is the same but resolve is totally different, instead of making a decision leaving it up-to destiny to fulfill itself.
A sense of hopelessness: When faced with difficulties, they may feel that no effort can change their situation, leading to depression or despair.
A Positive Belief in Fate: Inner Peace and Acceptance
When fate is understood correctly, it brings peace to the mind. A person who believes that some things are beyond their control can:
Let go of unnecessary stress: They focus on what they can change and accept what they cannot.
Find meaning in loss and suffering: They trust that even painful experiences serve a higher purpose.
Develop patience and perseverance: They understand that setbacks are part of the journey and not a reason to give up.
Strengthen their faith in God: They trust that divine wisdom guides their life, even when they don’t understand it in the moment.
A Negative Belief in Fate: Despair and Fatalism
On the other hand, a negative belief in fate can lead to self-destruction. When a person believes that nothing they do matters, they may:
Lose motivation to improve their life: They assume that no effort will change the outcome of their lives.
Fall into despair during hardships: Instead of seeing struggles as tests, they view them as punishments.
Blame God or others for their failures: This mindset creates resentment thinking that God has wronged them and somehow God takes pleasure in people’s pain. This prevents personal growth in life and leads to Hell in hereafter.
Ignore their responsibilities: They may refuse to work hard, assuming that what is "meant to be" will happen without their effort.
The Balance Between Destiny and Fate
A strong and successful mindset comes from balancing these beliefs. One must understand that:
Destiny is the path you take—your decisions determine the kind of journey you will have and the destination you will reach.
Fate is what is beyond your control—some events will happen no matter what, but how you respond to them defines your future.
Effort is always rewarded—even if things don’t go as planned, the experience gained will benefit you in ways you may not yet see.
Faith should empower, not limit—true faith in God does not lead to laziness but to strength, knowing that He has given you the ability to make choices.
By adopting a healthy belief system, a person can live a fulfilling life, striving for success while trusting in divine wisdom.
Misconceptions About Destiny and Fate & The Right Understanding of Events
Beliefs about destiny and fate deeply influence how people perceive their lives, struggles, and successes. Many misconceptions arise due to a lack of understanding, leading to either a passive, defeatist mindset or an unjust blame on God. To truly grasp the role of destiny and fate, we must correct these misconceptions and embrace a balanced perspective.
Misconceptions About Destiny
Destiny is Fixed and Unchangeable
Many people wrongly believe that destiny is a single, unalterable path that they must follow, regardless of their choices. This belief strips them of responsibility, making them think that no matter what they do, the outcome will always be the same.
Reality: Destiny is shaped by choices. It consists of multiple possible outcomes, and the path a person takes depends on their decisions. Hard work, persistence, and wisdom influence which version of destiny unfolds.Every Loss is Pre-Written and Beyond Your Control
Some people believe that if they experience failure or loss, it was meant to happen and that their actions had no impact. This belief leads to regret, despair, and sometimes even blaming God.
Reality: While the path of destiny you have chosen may bring unexpected challenges, your response to them determines your results. If you lose something despite your best efforts, it is a test, but if there is some deliberate negligence or malpractice on your end then it's a punishment. Learning from failures and adapting ensures that future outcomes improve.Heaven and Hell Are Pre-Decided
A dangerous misconception is that entry into heaven or hell is already written, making personal effort meaningless. Some believe that if God has destined them for paradise, they will end up there no matter what, and if hell is written for them, nothing can change it. Such beliefs drive people to commit the most heinous crimes and sins believing that they may still go to heaven if it's written for them.
Reality: God has given free will, and it is through one's actions, beliefs, and repentance that they earn their place in the afterlife. No one is doomed or guaranteed paradise without effort.If God Willed, You Would Have Done Good
Some people justify their lack of faith or good deeds by saying, "If God wanted me to pray, I would have." This belief shifts responsibility away from the individual and onto God, making them passive in their spiritual journey. God has even given the example of this statement in The Holy Quran saying that the pagans say that “if God would have not wanted they would have never worshiped idols and neither would have their parents”
Reality: God has given guidance, intellect, and free will. It is up to each person to seek the truth and act upon it. Ignoring one’s role in personal growth is simply an excuse for laziness.
Misconceptions About Fate
Effort is Useless Because Fate Decides Everything
A common misconception is that no matter how hard you try, fate will decide the result, making effort pointless. This belief leads to laziness and a lack of ambition.
Reality: Fate determines certain unchangeable events, but effort shapes what happens next. If one door closes, effort can open another. Success is often a result of persistence despite fate’s challenges.God Enjoys Human Suffering
Some people believe that God deliberately writes pain and suffering for no reason, as if He takes pleasure in human misery. This belief causes people to lose faith during hardships.
Reality: God’s wisdom is beyond human understanding. Every difficulty serves a purpose—whether as a test, a means of purification, or a redirection to something better. Suffering is not a sign of God's cruelty but an opportunity for growth.If Something is Meant for You, It Will Come Without Effort
This belief leads people to wait for success, love, or wealth without taking action. They assume that if something is written for them, it will arrive on its own.
Reality: Fate may create opportunities, but it is effort that turns them into reality. Even blessings require action—one must seek knowledge, work hard, and make wise choices to achieve their goals.Fate Means All Efforts Can Be Wasted
Some people fear that no matter how much they try, fate may still prevent success, making their efforts meaningless. This belief leads to frustration and demotivation.
Reality: Even when things don’t go as planned, no effort is wasted. Every struggle builds experience, character, and resilience. Sometimes, failure is a redirection toward something better than what was originally planned.
The Right Understanding of Events
Destiny is the path towards possible outcomes. Your actions, decisions, and mindset determine which outcome unfolds.
Fate is an unchangeable event, but how you respond to it defines your future. Hardships are not punishments; they are tests that shape character.
God does not force anyone into failure or success. He provides opportunities, guidance, and free will—it is up to the individual to act.
Every loss is compensated. No hardship is without reward. If you lose something despite your best effort, God will replace it with something better in this life, the afterlife, or both.
Blaming fate is an excuse for inaction. Those who use fate as an excuse to avoid effort or responsibility are simply avoiding accountability.
By correcting these misconceptions, a person can live with faith, ambition, and inner peace, knowing that while some things are beyond control, their choices do matter. A strong mindset embraces effort, trusts divine wisdom, and never falls into despair.
Right and wrong prayers and phrases
Through time as people have developed phrases and prayers without having any knowledge of Islam, things that they have heard from neighbors, media and illiterate religious speakers, these prayers and phrases are either useless and nonsense or totally disrespectful.
Phrases:
After after a loss in which there are mistakes or negligence:
1) Naseeb ka likha tu koi nahi taal sakta - no one can delay what is written in fate (implying that loss or wrong results are due to God’s ill Will)
Another similar statement with same implication:
2) Bas Allah ki marzi - What can I say except this is God’s Will
3) Insan kay bas mein tu kuch nahi hai sab Allah karta hai (means that person saying this denies the concept of good and wrong deeds and their results mentioned in Quran like the pagans that said “if it was upto us we would not worship Idols”
Prayers:
1) Allah tufeeq dy (asay kamo ki jin ki tufeeq mujood ho) - May God give strength (asking for strength regarding thing you already posses strength) example: Allah namaz parnay ki tufeeq dy, namaz is compulsory and can be prayed anywhere in any condition except if the person has gone mad or unconscience. So what's the excuse of this prayer?
2) Allah naseeb acha karay - May Allah write a good fate ( implying that the Good Lord Allah from who’s name we begin and say that he is rehman “loving and kind” and Raheem ( Merciful and compassionate) writes bad things (Nauzubillah) ) Some illiterate people give argument that God writes tests and this prayer means that may God write easy tests. My answer to such people is that why not say this prayer straight forward instead of using disrespectful words that imply disrespectful meaning? Why not pray that may Allah give ease in life, there are many other good prayers that can be said why use this prayer? Have these people not heard that Banu Isreal were asked to use one word but they replaced it and for that replacement God cursed them? Has God not said in the Holy Quran not to give statements regarding him that you have no knowledge of? And use the correct statements and examples regarding him as mentioned in the Quran.
3) Allah Imtihano se bachae - May God protect me from test of life - A totally useless prayer God has said in the holy Quran I gave you life so you maybe tested, so this prayer actually means that may you die as the only time the tests end is at your death. People may say that we mean to say that May God save us from difficult tests my answer is that difficult tests come with greater reward and lower tests bring lower reward, so why don’t you pray as the holy quran says May Allah make my work easy for me, May Allah give me sabr, May Allah grant me victory, why use a prayer that is useless or has a bad sense?
These phrases and prayers clear intigate that the person saying these have not read Quran in his language and is following a social religion of conformity following other peoples pattern without self thought. Even if someone produces a hadith confirming these prayers and phrases if the hadith is against the argument of Quran then the hadith will not be valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What happens when people are killed in masses due to an invasion? Is this due to their own deeds or destiny by God?
Allah states in the Holy Quran: "I have never destroyed any community of good people." This means that mass destruction—whether through invasion or natural disasters—does not occur as a matter of fate but rather as a consequence of collective deeds. Just as an individual who takes their own life has chosen a path of destruction, a society that engages in collective sins—such as slander, usury, and other major transgressions—chooses the path of divine wrath.
1.1) What if innocent children or people die in such disasters?
The Quran provides two key examples:
The Example of Prophet Noah (A.S): After 950 years of preaching, Noah (A.S) prayed: "O Lord, do not leave a single disbeliever on Earth, for if You do, they will misguide others, and their offspring will also be disbelievers." (Quran 71:26-27). This highlights that future generations often follow the footsteps of their predecessors.
The Example of Khidr (A.S): When Khidr (A.S) killed a boy by Allah’s command, it was not because of fate but due to the path the boy had chosen based on his upbringing. He was not an innocent child but a teenager who had reached the age of understanding and was destined to become a tyrant.
Thus, when children die before reaching the age of accountability, it is a form of mercy, as they are taken before they become eligible for eternal torment.
Other Innocent People: If righteous individuals perish during an invasion or disaster, it is their natural time of death (fate), and they will be rewarded accordingly in the Hereafter.
2) Is sexual abuse fate or destiny?
For children: It is fate—a test for those who survive and martyrdom for those who pass away.
For adults:
If the person did nothing to place themselves in harm’s way, it is fate—a test of patience and faith.
If they knowingly entered a dangerous situation, it is destiny—a consequence of their choices.
However, in both cases, the test lies in maintaining righteousness and faith in Allah. Those who endure and remain steadfast will receive a reward greater than their suffering.
3) What about people who die during Hajj or while performing good deeds?
Their death occurs by fate, but their reward is based on their intentions and actions. For example, if a person performs Hajj using stolen money, their death during Hajj does not automatically make them righteous. True reward is granted only to those with sincere intentions and lawful means.
4) In the Quran, Allah says He created some people for Hell. Does this mean that God creates people bound for Hell?
The Quran does mention that some people are created for Hell, but this is not a matter of fate; rather, it is a matter of destiny by choice. Every person has two possible destinies—one leading to Hell and the other to Heaven. Those who commit excessive sins without repentance may reach a point of no return, becoming lost causes due to their own deeds.
Example of Iblis (Satan): He was not created as a cursed being; rather, he was given a choice to prostrate before Adam (A.S) but refused out of arrogance. His own actions led to his downfall.
The Birth of Evil People: Due to the collective sins of society, a cycle of the birth of evildoers emerges. Prophet Noah (A.S) prayed to break this cycle, recognizing its devastating consequences.
However, every person is born with a choice. Allah’s knowledge of who will go to Heaven or Hell does not mean He forces that outcome—it is simply His infinite knowledge that allows Him to see the choices we will make before we make them.
Apart from these select verses, the entire Quran is clear about the balance between fate and destiny, as discussed in this book.
5) What Happens When Two People Work Hard, Yet Only One is Rewarded? Or When Two Good Women Marry, But One Gets a Bad Husband?
This book explores these questions in detail, but here is a summarized answer:
The man who receives a good reward and the woman who finds a good husband—do those who did not get the same outcome follow the same approach? Do they mirror the successful individuals’ mindset and actions exactly, or do they mix in their own ways?
Secondly, do successful people have everything easy in life?
And thirdly, are you certain that what appears to be a reward is actually a reward and not a test?
The answers to these questions hold the key to understanding fate. If you are not achieving the same results as successful individuals, you must first examine whether you are following their path with the same commitment, patience, and perseverance. Success often requires adopting not only external actions but also the inner discipline, faith, and resilience of those who achieve it.
Moreover, some people endure hardships in one area of life but are compensated by God in another. If you wish to receive similar rewards, you must be willing to endure similar struggles. Many times, God tests people by either taking something away from them or by granting them more than they seemingly deserve. The most challenging test is when one is given beyond their capacity, for excess can lead to arrogance and heedlessness.
In truth, you are only responsible for your own life and deeds. Comparing your fate to others is akin to what the Devil did when he envied Adam, instead of focusing on his own destiny. It is also similar to what Cain (Qabil) did with Abel (Habil)—rather than working on his own fate, he envied his brother’s. Both Iblis and Cain were cursed as a result.
If you follow their path of jealousy and resentment, you too will suffer the same fate. But if you focus on your own journey, trusting in the wisdom of God, you will find peace and ultimate success.
This brings us to the conclusion of this book. I have written these words with the sincere hope that they serve as a means for reflection, guiding people toward truth and repentance—so that they may refrain from uttering words that harm their own souls and instead speak what benefits them in this world and the next.
I love Allah with every fiber of my being, and it pains me when people attempt to portray my Beloved as unjust. The one who does so invites the very curse of Allah, and I, too, distance myself from such souls.
Throughout this book, we have explored the intricate balance between fate and destiny, understanding that we are neither victims of an indifferent universe nor puppets without will. Rather, we are given choices, paths, and the power to shape our journey—while Allah, in His infinite wisdom, already knows the outcome of our decisions.
Final Words of Advice to My Fellow Humans
Remember, there is more than one destiny. Destiny is simply the path you walk, and while some paths lead to the same destination, others take you elsewhere. You cannot change where a path leads once you are on it, but you can change your path—and with it, your destination. This final destination is your fate.
So, choose wisely. Walk the path (destiny) that aligns with the Quran, and surely, you will reach the most beautiful destination (fate).
Have faith that God’s happiness is tied to your true happiness, for He is the one who has written your deepest desires. If you ever feel unhappy, it is a sign that you have strayed from the right path. In such moments, seek forgiveness and guidance, and you will be led toward the path of ultimate fulfillment.
If you believe your happiness lies in sin, know that it is not true happiness—only fleeting joy. Happiness remains with you, while temporary pleasures come and go. A sinner is never truly at peace but is constantly anxious and restless, whether they realize it or not.
Understand this: If you follow God’s will as revealed in the Quran, you will attain everything you desire—and more.
To those who seek the truth, may this book be a light. To those who wish to argue, may they reflect before speaking. And to those who love Allah, may their faith deepen, and may their hearts find peace.
May Allah be pleased with you.
May Allah be pleased with me.
And may He guide us all to the destiny that leads to his unlimited immense pleasure. With All my heart and soul AMEN.
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