Fate

Friday, November 20, 2020

Belief in fate is one of the six articles of faith of Islam. The other five are: belief in one God, in the revealed books, in the prophets, in the Last Day, and in angels.

According to Islam, everything happens because “it is written”; that is, God predestined it to happen. Because of that, man has no control over his actions, future or destiny. The all-powerful, omnipotent God has determined all man’s actions in advance. So, he is the One who compels people to act the way they do (Quran 59:23). His will and power cannot be resisted.

Some Muslim theologians go further to say, “Verily Allah has fixed the very portion of adultery which a man will indulge in, and which he of necessity must commit.”^[1]

If that were true, what good would it do to pray? If God had already predetermined a certain course for people, our prayers would be pointless!

Prayer

Kind and compassionate Heavenly Father, I praise you because you are full of goodness and love. I bring Muslims to you in prayer. They hold to a belief in fate, which is depressing. They think they have no liberty because their acts are controlled by divine decree.

Reveal to Muslims your sacrificial love at the cross. Thank you for the benefits of the cross. Jesus Christ our Lord was slain, and with his blood he purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9). Help Muslims to open their spiritual eyes to see you in your love and sacrifice for them. Open their hearts to receive the benefits of new life in Christ: salvation, joy, peace, victory, liberty, love, purity, goodness, and so on.

Father, I ask all this, not in my own power, but in the powerful name of Jesus your Son, my Lord. Amen.

Promise

Since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it…. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (Hebrews 4:1, NIV; Philippians 3:14, NLT).