if everything is predestined why pray?

[dchandani]

I always wondered when my mother said everything will happen as it is destined to happen so do not worry and just relax.
if that is the case why pray? how will it change the destiny?

[southyam]

I always wondered when my mother said everything will happen as it is destined to happen so do not worry and just relax.
if that is the case why pray? how will it change the destiny?

This is just my personal view on this situation.

In Islam we believe that pre-destination exists. What that means is that Allah knows what will happen in the future concerning everything.

So in that sense.....sure you can change your destiny, that is not a problem whatsoever......but Allah already knows that you will change your destiny. So sure, your life can change, and Allah already knows your life will change.

I will give you another example.

Every human being is held accountable on Judgement Day. If we did not have the power of free will, we would not be accountable on Judgment day.

So using your free will you can "change your destiny". Allah has given you FREE WILL on this earth. On this earth you HAVE FREE WILL. And because you have been GIVEN free will, all humans will be held accountable on judgment day.

And just because we have free will on this earth, that does not mean that Allah does not know what we are going to do.......of course he does.

So in that sense destiny is just (IMO) a way of acknowledging that Allah knows what is going to happen, but he has GIVEN US free will to decide what we do and where we go on this earth........and when Judgement Day comes we will be held accountable.

[dchandani]

where does aamal or deeds fit into the destiny?
can prayer and aamal change your destiny?
it is said that marriages are made in heaven .
then how does prayer help this issue?

[southyam]

where does aamal or deeds fit into the destiny?
can prayer and aamal change your destiny?
it is said that marriages are made in heaven .
then how does prayer help this issue?

Where does aamal fit into destiny?
I would argue that aamal (action, or deeds) can "change your destiny".

If your aamal is good, your destiny will obviously be changed....your deeds can also take you of the path and change your destiny for the worse.

Prayers can also change destiny, most definetly. If GOD wishes to answer an individuals prayers it is certainly possible.

The concept of marriages made in heaven is not a Muslim concept.
This concept has to do with hollywood and bollywood movies. The whole concept that there is "a perfect soul mate" or a "perfect marriage" exists in other faiths, but not the Muslim or Ismaili one......However, I can see how Muslims from an East Indian background might carry over some traditions from their Hindu Culture..that's not a bad thing...I'm just saying that concept is not really an Islamic concept.

[zubair_mahamood]

Your mom is absolutely correct that everything will happen as it is destined to happen so do not worry and just relax. A mumin believe must be that everything happening happens from Allah and is for his good, His Will must be Allah’s Will not his free Will.

Where does aamal or deeds fit into the destiny? can prayer and aamal change your destiny?

Sincere Prayer and good deeds can create miracles. For sure! Our aamal can change destiny but only at Allah‘s will!

it is said that marriages are made in heaven

Yes marriages are made in heaven! When life and death are fixed then why not our marriage?

then how does prayer help this issue

It happens very often that we ask Allah what we think is good for us, when Allah grants it we face problems, if you are in love with someone then how do you know that she is best choice, I think if u likes someone and want her to be happy, then pray to Allah that “whether if she is with you or not Allah keeps her in His refuge”. I think this will help u in long run.