Has there been drawn a distinction between the people of Paradise and the denizens of hell? He said: Yes. It was again said: (If it is so), then What is the use of doing good deeds? Thereupon he said: Everyone is facilitated in what has been created for him.
The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2649a
This tradition from Sahih Muslim addresses the profound question of divine decree and human responsibility, resolving the apparent tension between predestination and moral accountability.
The Distinction Between Paradise and Hell Dwellers
The Prophet's affirmation that a distinction exists between the people of Paradise and the inhabitants of Hell confirms the reality of divine foreknowledge and predestination. This distinction is established in Allah's eternal knowledge, not as arbitrary selection but in accordance with His perfect wisdom.
The questioner's concern reflects a common theological dilemma: if destinies are predetermined, what purpose do human actions serve? This question arises from misunderstanding the relationship between divine decree and human choice.
Divine Facilitation and Human Responsibility
The response "Everyone is facilitated in what has been created for him" resolves this dilemma beautifully. Divine facilitation (taysīr) means Allah creates the means and circumstances that align with each person's innate disposition and ultimate destiny.
Those created for Paradise are facilitated toward righteous deeds through divine guidance, enabling circumstances, and spiritual inclination. Similarly, those destined for Hell are facilitated toward evil through their own choices, rejection of guidance, and persistence in transgression.
This facilitation does not negate free will but operates through it. A person's choices reveal their inherent nature and ultimate destination. Good deeds remain essential as they are both the means to Paradise and the evidence of one's righteous disposition.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that Allah's foreknowledge encompasses how each person will freely choose. The divine decree records what humans will do by their own volition, not against their will. Thus, predestination and human responsibility coexist in a manner that transcends human comprehension.
The believer is commanded to strive in good deeds while trusting in divine wisdom. One's ultimate concern should be performing righteous actions rather than speculating about unseen decrees, for deeds are both the means to salvation and the manifestation of one's true nature.