Is there "CHANCE (LUCK)" in Islam, or that is DESTINY which is used in wrong idiom?
In Islam, the concept of "chance" or "luck" is generally viewed through the lens of destiny (Qadar). The Qur'an emphasizes that all events, whether perceived as fortunate or unfortunate, are ultimately part of Allah's divine decree. For instance, in Surah Aal-i-Imraan, it states: If a lucky chance befall you, it is evil unto them, and if disaster strike you they rejoice thereat. But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.
3:120. This verse highlights that what people may consider luck or misfortune is part of Allah's greater plan.
Further, in Surah An-Nisaa, it is stated: Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah.
4:78. This clearly points out that everything is under Allah's control, and attributing events to luck or chance undermines the understanding of divine will.
The concept is reinforced by various hadith that emphasize belief in predestination. For example, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, A servant will not truly have faith until he believes in predestination—its good and its evil—and knows that what has befallen him could not have missed him, and what has missed him could not have befallen him.
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 32:12. This indicates that everything occurs according to Allah's predetermined plan, and the notion of luck does not align with the Islamic understanding of destiny.
Thus, in Islamic teachings, what people may refer to as "chance" or "luck" is seen as part of Allah's predetermined will, and understanding this perspective is crucial to developing a proper faith and acceptance of life's events.
Sources
-
3:120 · Aal-i-Imraan
3:120 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
إِن تَمْسَسْكُمْ حَسَنَةٌۭ تَسُؤْهُمْ وَإِن تُصِبْكُمْ سَيِّئَةٌۭ يَفْرَحُوا۟ بِهَا ۖ وَإِن تَصْبِرُوا۟ وَتَتَّقُوا۟ لَا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْـًٔا ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا يَعْمَلُونَ مُحِيطٌۭ
If a lucky chance befall you, it is evil unto them, and if disaster strike you they rejoice thereat. But if ye persevere and keep from evil their guile will never harm you. Lo! Allah is Surrounding what they do.
-
4:78 · An-Nisaa
4:78 · Muhammad Marmaduke Pickthall
أَيْنَمَا تَكُونُوا۟ يُدْرِككُّمُ ٱلْمَوْتُ وَلَوْ كُنتُمْ فِى بُرُوجٍۢ مُّشَيَّدَةٍۢ ۗ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ حَسَنَةٌۭ يَقُولُوا۟ هَٰذِهِۦ مِنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَإِن تُصِبْهُمْ سَيِّئَةٌۭ يَقُولُوا۟ هَٰذِهِۦ مِنْ عِندِكَ ۚ قُلْ كُلٌّۭ مِّنْ عِندِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ فَمَالِ هَٰٓؤُلَآءِ ٱلْقَوْمِ لَا يَكَادُونَ يَفْقَهُونَ حَدِيثًۭا
Wheresoever ye may be, death will overtake you, even though ye were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalleth them they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalleth them they say: This is of thy doing (O Muhammad). Say (unto them): All is from Allah. What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?
-
Sunan al-Tirmidhi 32:12
Sunan al-Tirmidhi · Book 32, Hadith 12 · Narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah
The Messenger of Allah said, "A servant will not truly have faith until he believes in predestination—its good and its evil—and knows that what has befallen him could not have missed him, and what has missed him could not have befallen him."
Answers are generated and checked automatically; they may still be incomplete or imperfect. For religious rulings, consult a qualified scholar.
Ask your own question →