In life, sometimes after making a choice, we feel, “If only I had done this, I would have benefited.” This feeling shows that we recognize our free will because true compulsion (jabr) means no other possibility exists. This natural feeling is not an illusion.

Sometimes, it feels like the fault wasn’t ours but the circumstances, and anyone in such a situation would have done the same. Here, we accept compulsion.

Philosophers who examine these two feelings together get puzzled because only one outcome can actually happen. Both feelings are correct but from different perspectives—one ignores circumstances, the other ignores our choice. Some philosophers support a view called compatibilism, which reconciles fate and free will (see Frankfurt’s arguments).

Religion teaches us to understand and use these two feelings appropriately at different times, validating both with full meaning. The religious narrative embraces the complex human experience of free will and destiny.

Note: This topic is extensive, and a short post may not do it justice. For deeper understanding, read Syed Maududi’s book Mas’alah Jabr-o-Qadr (Problem of Compulsion and Predestination).

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#exploreourdeen #freewill #predestination#exploreourdeen #reminder#molanamodudi #audiobook #drisrarahmed #drghulammurtaza #molanaishaq #freewill#predestination #taqdeer

In Islam, sincerity (ikhlas) is the essence of every good deed. This reminder warns against Rayakari—doing good just to show others. When we seek praise from people instead of the pleasure of Allah, even our best actions lose their value in His sight.

Surah An-Najm (53:32)
"So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him."

بیان القرآن – ڈاکٹر اسرار احمد
"اپنے نفس کی پاکی کے دعوے نہ کرو، وہی بہتر جانتا ہے کہ واقعتاً متقی کون ہے..."

True taqwa lives in the heart, not in outward displays. Often, those who shout the loudest about their piety are hiding emptiness within. This talk by Dr. Israr Ahmed reminds us that real righteousness needs no audience—only Allah's approval.

#ExploreOurDeen #DrIsrarAhmed #MolanaMoududi #Reminder #Rayakari #Ikhlas #Taqwa #MolanaIshaq #Dikhawa #IslamicCharacter

Many Muslims today unknowingly place people, desires, careers, or status above their love for Allah ﷻ. This reminder highlights how such misplaced priorities can weaken our faith and disconnect us from our true purpose.

When anything becomes more important than Allah in our hearts, it becomes a form of hidden shirk. This talk revives the call to put Allah first, above all else—because true peace and success come only through loving and obeying Him.

"O you who believe! Let not your wealth or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah..." (Qur'an 63:9)

#LoveForAllah #Reminder #ExploreOurDeen #MolanaMoududi #DrIsrarAhmed #Tazkiyah #IslamicReminders #PrioritiesInIslam #UmmahAwakening