Is everyone born in a state of Islam (Fitra)?
First, I want to explain that everyone is born in a state of Islam (Fitra). That is pure, innocent and free:
“No baby is born but upon Fitra. It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist. A person said: Allah’s Messenger, what is your opinion if they were to die before that (before reaching the age of adolescence when they can distinguish between right and wrong)? He said: It is Allah alone Who knows what they would be doing. (Sahih Muslim)
Free Will: A Punishment?
Free will is a blessing in disguise. Allah, the All Just, has given us the chance to ponder upon things and make choices. Some may argue that as humans we are unfit for free will as then we will inevitably make wrong choices and may lose our way. What better than having a free ticket to Paradise?
True, but still Allah gives us infinite chances to repent and get back on track every time we err. What honors us as humans is Allah’s gift of choice through comprehension and recognition, etc.
Allah says (meaning): He taught Adam the names of all things, then He presented them to the angels and said:
“Tell Me the names of these, if what you say is true?” They replied, “Glory be to You! We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. You are truly the All-Knowing, All-Wise.”Allah said, “O Adam! Inform them of their names.” Then when Adam did, Allah said, “Did I not tell you that I know the secrets of the heavens and the earth, and I know what you reveal and what you conceal?” (Quran 2:31-33)
Can someone have a blind heart?
Rest assured that Allah will not do injustice to anyone. Everyone has a chance to go back to their fitra along the way, even those who continued to be raised as Muslims can fall into disbelief but they are always given a chance for guidance if they do not shut its door.
It is through choice only that someone decides to disbelieve. Even the people of Quraish at the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) knew that they were disbelieving but their arrogance and blind following of their ancestors stopped them from embracing Islam.
That is: a blind heart is a personal active choice. When we think we can play God and constantly question and debate this and that..who are we to fathom Allah’s Divine Knowledge?
Did the True Message Reach Everyone?
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
“The fate of disbelievers is left only to Allah to decide.”
If it happens that some people do not hear about or fully understand the message of Islam, it is out of God’s mercy that He will not punish them for not following Islam. Allah says:
{[…] And never would We punish until We send a messenger.} (Quran 17:15)
Can Shaytan Fool Us?
Only if we let him. Allah has promised us:
When you recite the Quran, seek refuge with Allah from Satan, the accursed. He certainly has no authority over those who believe and put their trust in their Lord. His authority is only over those who take him as a patron and who—under his influence—associate ˹others˺ with Allah ˹in worship˺. {Quran 16:98-100}
Infinite Justice
So, dear sister, Allah does not do injustice to anyone.
Those people who live good and honest lives and worship God as they understand him, and those who have not come into contact with Islam, will surely be judged mercifully by the All-Merciful.
References:
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/256427/does-man-have-free-will-and-choice
- aboutislam.net
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