In life, sometimes after making a choice, we feel, “If only I had done this, I would have benefited.” This feeling shows that we recognize our free will because true compulsion (jabr) means no other possibility exists. This natural feeling is not an illusion.

Sometimes, it feels like the fault wasn’t ours but the circumstances, and anyone in such a situation would have done the same. Here, we accept compulsion.

Philosophers who examine these two feelings together get puzzled because only one outcome can actually happen. Both feelings are correct but from different perspectives—one ignores circumstances, the other ignores our choice. Some philosophers support a view called compatibilism, which reconciles fate and free will (see Frankfurt’s arguments).

Religion teaches us to understand and use these two feelings appropriately at different times, validating both with full meaning. The religious narrative embraces the complex human experience of free will and destiny.

Note: This topic is extensive, and a short post may not do it justice. For deeper understanding, read Syed Maududi’s book Mas’alah Jabr-o-Qadr (Problem of Compulsion and Predestination).

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