Why Judgement Without Free Will?
According to the Quran and also as per our personal experience, we have both a physical as well as a metaphysical (mind / consciousness / free will) existence. In fact in our physical existence we might be constrained in various ways, but we’re completely free in our metaphysical existence. For example, if I lose my capability to walk as a result of an unfortunate accident, I have lost a certain level of my physical freedom; but I’m still free to believe in whatever I want. Our physical existence is subservient to our metaphysical existence, and the Quran has recognized that order as well. The first and foremost requirement is belief in God and the day of judgement. What must follow as a result is performing good deeds. That is the gist of religion – the rest are details. It must also be noted that in the Quran, belief is not used to refer to blind faith. To the contrary, the required belief is very much based on evidence. Please also see Ghamidi sahab’s opinion in this regard below: Discussion 32777 • Reply 32801
In the name of Allah the most knowledgable, the ultimate judge. The nature of universe is cause and effect. Free will is relative because of the natute of the physical world that has hard limitations and repercussions and morality has repercussions with no hard limitations. The law of the land says that I will be fined if I drive more than 100km/hr. My free will and freedom give me the choice of not driving or driving at any speed upto 100km/hr with out penalty or drive faster and accepting the consequences. I choose to drive faster despite knowing the repercussions. My physical “hard” limitations stop me from flying my car or driving beyond the capabilities of the car or my driving skills which bear repercussions of morbidity or mortality of my body or that of others. My moral “soft” limitations will “try” to stop me from driving fast but I can still drive disregarding it, for which I will accept and suffer the consequences at my own volition. I have accepted the consequences of injury and or death of myself and also that of other human beings. The problem is that of confusing compulsion with consequences and also not realizing that there no such thing as absolute free will. When we figure this out, we will be able to understand “there is no compulsion in religion” and “hell is for the deniers” apparent contradiction. Stay blessed, always.