Laws of Entitlement: A Critical Reading in Light of the Creed of Divine Decree and Predestination

The idea of "entitlement" (Istihqaq) imported from Eastern philosophies and modern spiritualities is among the most dangerous concepts striking at the core of the Islamic creed regarding Divine Decree and Predestination (Al-Qada' wal-Qadar), as it promotes the principle that the universe responds to human desires based on their intrinsic merit.

The Essence of Entitlement and its Conflict with Creed

The idea of entitlement is based on the premise that everything happening to an individual is a result of the universe responding to what they deserve. This perception completely nullifies the concept of the Will of Allah Almighty and His effective decree over His creation. According to this belief, there is no place for faith in Al-Qada' wal-Qadar; instead, the universe becomes a mere deaf machine responding to human actions and their alleged righteousness.

To claim that a righteous man must only face good in this worldly life based on his entitlement necessarily implies a denial of the concept of Trials (Ibtila') in this world, and the nullification of the wisdom of recompense in the Hereafter, which contradicts both clear revelation and sound reason.

The Legal Refutation from the Prophetic Biography

Here, a fundamental question arises that invalidates this philosophy: If entitlement were the criterion, then why was the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) afflicted with trials, when he is the most righteous of people and the most honored by Allah? Indeed, the most severely tested of people are the Prophets, then those next to them, then those next to them. This trial is not a deficiency in their entitlement, but rather an elevation of their ranks and a test of their patience, which proves the falsehood of the alleged claim of universal entitlement.