If Allah already knows whether I will go to Jannah or Jahannam, Why should I do good deeds? And how is it fair to punish me for something written before I was born ?

Answer by Hafiz Muhammad Majid

Allah’s knowledge of what you will choose does not force you to choose it. Allah wrote it because He knows everything. You do not do it because it was written.

1. You have a real choice

إِنَّا هَدَيْنَاهُ السَّبِيلَ إِمَّا شَاكِرًا وَإِمَّا كَفُورًا

“Indeed, We guided him to the way, whether he is grateful or ungrateful.” (Surah Al-Insan 76:3)

Allah showed us both paths, and which one we walk is our decision.

2. You answer only for what you choose

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity. It will have what it has earned, and bear what it has done.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:286)

Our family, illness and trials are tests. Only our own choices are counted for or against us.

3. Qadar is not an excuse

The idol-worshippers of Makkah said, “If Allah had willed, we would not have associated anything with Him.” Allah replied, “You follow nothing but assumption” (Surah Al-An’am 6:148). No one knows what is written for them, so no one can use it as a reason to stop trying.

A simple example

A teacher may correctly predict which student will fail. When that student fails, no one blames the prediction. He failed because he did not study. Knowing is not forcing.

So keep doing good, repent when you slip, and trust Allah with the outcome.

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16 October 2026