Qur'an course students' understanding of predestination (the case of Trabzon)

This study examines the understanding of the concept of qadar (divine destiny) among Qur'an course students. In Islamic thought, qadar holds a significant place and is closely related to human free will and responsibility. In this regard, different theological schools (i'tiqādī madhāhib) offer varying perspectives on the issue of destiny. The Jabriyyah school argues that human beings are devoid of free will and that everything occurs according to Allah's decree. In contrast, the Mu'tazilah emphasizes human free will, asserting that individuals are responsible for their actions. The Qadariyyah maintains that a person determines their own destiny entirely through their own will, without any divine intervention in their actions. Among the Sunni theological schools, the Ash'ariyyah holds that destiny is shaped by Allah's knowledge and decree, while also acknowledging that humans possess a limited will (al-irādah al-juz'iyyah). The Maturidiyyah, on the other hand, attributes a more active role to human will in one's actions. This study analyzes the perceptions of Qur'an course students regarding these differing viewpoints through a questionnaire-based survey.