Human Freedom and Predestination in Classical Kalām: A Study of the Qadariyya–Jabariyya Debate

Abstract

This study examines the debate on the relationship between human free will and divine predestination, which constitutes one of the most fundamental discourses in classical Islamic theology. Historically, this polemic is represented by two major theological schools within kalam, namely Qadariyah and Jabariyah. Qadariyah emphasizes human freedom and moral responsibility, while Jabariyah asserts that all human actions are entirely determined by the will of God. This research aims to analyze the theological foundations, historical background, and implications of this debate within the classical kalam tradition. The study employs a qualitative approach using a library research method, drawing on both classical and contemporary literature in Islamic theology. The study contributes an integrative-comparative analysis that connects classical theological debates with contemporary philosophical and theological concerns, particularly regarding moral responsibility, divine justice, and human agency. It also reinterprets the Ash‘arite concept of kasb as a mediating framework between determinism and human freedom. The findings reveal that the debate between Qadariyah and Jabariyah extends beyond theological doctrine and is closely linked to socio-political dynamics and the development of rational thought in Islam. Furthermore, the concept of kasb provides a constructive middle position that accommodates both divine sovereignty and human responsibility. This study concludes that the discourse on free will and predestination remains highly relevant in contemporary Islamic theology, particularly in addressing issues of ethics, moral responsibility, and the concept of divine justice in modern human life.