There are many expressions like “destiny will find a way” or “destiny is unchangeable” commonly heard in society. Indeed, in Islam, it is believed that one’s life partner is predetermined by Allah SWT and is a divine secret alongside death, fate, and sustenance. We are destined to meet our partners eventually. According to the Great Dictionary of the Indonesian Language (KBBI), a ‘jodoh’ (partner) is someone suitable to be a husband, wife, or life partner. In Islam, the concept of ‘jodoh’ carries a deeper meaning.
The phrase “destiny is unchangeable” is even explained in Surah An-Nahl, verse 72, which states:
وَاللّٰهُ جَعَلَ لَكُمْ مِّنْ اَنْفُسِكُمْ اَزْوَاجًا وَّجَعَلَ لَكُمْ مِّنْ اَزْوَاجِكُمْ بَنِيْنَ وَحَفَدَةً وَّرَزَقَكُمْ مِّنَ الطَّيِّبٰتِۗ اَفَبِالْبَاطِلِ يُؤْمِنُوْنَ وَبِنِعْمَتِ اللّٰهِ هُمْ يَكْفُرُوْنَۙ
Meaning:
“God has made for you from yourselves mates, and from your mates, He has created children and grandchildren, and He has provided for you from the good things. Then in falsehood do they believe and in the favor of God do they disbelieve?”
It is explained in the Quran that all humans will be paired by Allah SWT and promised good sustenance. We should be grateful for His blessings.
As reported by kumparan.com, quoting a book by Ansari titled “Islamic Family Law in Indonesia,” destiny in Islam means a reflection of oneself. A good person will get a good partner, while a bad one will get a bad partner as well.
Baca juga: Begini Pandangan Islam Tentang Menikah di Bulan Suro atau Muharram, Bolehkah?
Approaching Destiny in Islam
As proclaimed in the Quran, Surah An-Nahl verse 72, that partners are destined by Allah SWT and humans are meant to be paired, we still need to make efforts to find our partners. Muslims are advised to be sincere and to pray for their destiny to be brought closer. Allah SWT has prepared and determined our partners, but it remains a mystery. Therefore, we still need to pray and make efforts to find our partners. Allah SWT said in Surah Al-Hujurat verse 13:
يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰكُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَّاُنْثٰى وَجَعَلْنٰكُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَّقَبَاۤىِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا
Meaning: “O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.” (Q.S. AL Hujurat verse 13)
As Muslims, there is a proper process of approach called ‘ta’aruf’. Ta’aruf is a method of introduction between men and women aimed at marriage. The goal is to understand and recognize each other and their families, to reach an agreement and make the right decision about compatibility.
Thus, when an agreement is reached, the two parties are married, with the hope of becoming two happy individuals in this world and the hereafter.
Is Destiny Indeed Decreed by Allah SWT?
To answer this question, yes, destiny is decreed by Allah SWT. It is written in the Lauhul Mahfudz long before humans are born. Allah SWT has promised that all humans will have partners in the future.
سُبْحٰنَ الَّذِيْ خَلَقَ الْاَزْوَاجَ كُلَّهَا مِمَّا تُنْۢبِتُ الْاَرْضُ وَمِنْ اَنْفُسِهِمْ وَمِمَّا لَا يَعْلَمُوْنَ
Meaning:
“Praise be to Allah, who has created all things in pairs, whether it is from what the earth produces, and from themselves, and from what they do not know.” (Quran, Surah Yasin, verse 39)
As explained in the above verse, we are all created in pairs. With whom exactly remains a secret of Allah SWT. What we can do is to continue praying and hoping that our destiny approaches closer.
To Obtain a Good Partner
There are several ways to obtain a good partner according to Islamic teachings. The first is to improve oneself to become better. In the Quran, Surah An-Nur verse 26, it is explained that we will get a partner who is a reflection of ourselves:
اَلْخَبِيْثٰتُ لِلْخَبِيْثِيْنَ وَالْخَبِيْثُوْنَ لِلْخَبِيْثٰتِۚ وَالطَّيِّبٰتُ لِلطَّيِّبِيْنَ وَالطَّيِّبُوْنَ لِلطَّيِّبٰتِۚ اُولٰۤىِٕكَ مُبَرَّءُوْنَ مِمَّا يَقُوْلُوْنَۗ لَهُمْ مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَّرِزْقٌ كَرِيْمٌࣖ
“Bad women for bad men and bad men for bad women, and good women for good men and good men for good women. They are innocent of what people say. For them is forgiveness and a noble provision.”
We are also encouraged to continuously pray for our partners and not lose hope. Adding sunnah (voluntary) prayers is one way to bring us closer to our partners. Practicing sunnah includes the tahajjud prayer, hajat prayer, sunnah fasting, and other sunnah practices.
Additionally, be kind to others. Doing good deeds can be a way to find a partner, like giving charity to the poor, orphans, paying zakat, etc. So, don’t forget to do good to others, because the good things we do are surely liked by Allah SWT and will ease our affairs.
For those who wish to do good deeds like giving charity or paying zakat, you can directly visit the Dompet Dhuafa portal and start donating!
