Expert: Aupmanyav - 8/1/2009

Question
What are the implications of the concept of fate or the will of Allah upon personal responsibility and decision making? How might they affect healthcare choices?

Answer
Dear Gary,

I am not a muslim and my knowledge is basically about Indian history. I will reply to your question to the extent I can, although I suggest that you should ask this question to a more knowledgeable expert. This is only a priliminary answer.

Allah knows all and watches how humans make decisions. The decisions should be according to the Holy Qur'an or according to the instances in life of Prophet Mohammad as indicated in 'Hadayat' (Hadith). Even with the best decisions, the fate will depend on the will of Allah, and not on decisions.

Health care choices are not affected by islam. You make your best effort, and pray to Allah for the best results. What would happen depends on the will of Allah. The most that islam can affect the procedure is refusal of a muslim not to take a medicine in which alcohol or an intoxicant is an ingredient.

With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Aupmanyav