Abstract

This article explores the idea of "Freedom of Will" from a philosophical viewpoint, comparing key theories like Fatalism, Determinism, Indeterminism, and Self-Determinism. It starts with the age-old question: are humans truly free to make their own choices, or is everything in life already decided? The article looks at this debate by examining how fate and freedom interact. Drawing from Western philosophy, it discusses ideas from famous thinkers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Locke, showing how they contributed to the understanding of free will. It also includes insights from Islamic philosophy, focusing on the Jabariya and Qadariya schools of thought, and how they view the balance between divine control and human freedom, supported by Quranic interpretations and scholarly analysis. The article goes further by looking at how free will plays out in real life-within families, societies, and political systems-where people’s freedom is often limited by external pressures. It also touches on the link between free will and morality, suggesting that true freedom should come with a sense of responsibility to do what is right. In conclusion, the article compares different views on free will, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. It emphasizes the need for a balance between personal freedom and social responsibility, highlighting how understanding free will shapes our lives and communities.