Do you believe in predestination?

 

Predestination in its simplest form is a path that has been chosen for an individual to follow to fulfil destiny in life by a higher being. In Yoruba cosmology, it is called Ori, a guardian spirit and the bearer of one’s ipin. This belief system asserts that what we become on earth what was chosen long ago before we got here in the realm of realms as Ori was enabled. So, throughout our stay here, it is this guardian that leads the way when major decisions like getting married to the right person, being in the right profession, studying the right course, etc. are about to be made. And anyone who is insensitive to pay attention to his promptings always ends up taking regretful steps. Now you know why people make consultations, hun? So, do you believe in predestination? We talked to a cross-section of Nigerians and here is what they think.

My name is Oladeji Esan, I work in a media house on education. Well, I believe in predestination to a certain extent and this is because of the things that have occurred. You look at some things and conclude it’s because they have been predestined…some events, some circumstances, some people coming out of nowhere to occupy certain positions when the need arises. Then on the other hand, I say there is nothing like that because if you box yourself into that belief, then that means there is no room for improvement or enlargement. You won’t be proactive, you’ll just be there and not strive for greatness. That means if you are a failure, you’ll say it’s because you have been predestined to be a failure. Don’t get me wrong, that’s why I said there are two sides to it. Prophet Jeremiah for instance was predestined to be a prophet, John the baptist was predestined to be a forerunner but in Jabez’s case, he refused to accept failure as his reality. 

We caught up with popular actor, Mr Akin Lewis at an event in Ibadan and here is what he said. ‘Of course, I believe in predestination. I believe I have been predestined to do what I do. And I make sure I don’t interfere with my children’s career choices too. It’s like a rule in our family, whatever anyone chooses to be, I support them’.

My name is Rofia Akinyemi, I am a fashion designer. I believe in predestination called Al-Qadr in Arabic. It’s a situation where you believe that everything that happens or will happen has already been written. I mean like Allah is involved in all of our affairs. He’s the overall overseer. I believe that even our forefathers also believe in Qadr which is why they say in Yoruba ‘Bi ati waye pe a o ri laari’. They believe that everyone has chosen a path that they want to follow from the heavens. Believers in Islam believe that nothing will happen to anyone without God’s permission. Like he knows what is going to happen to someone, when it’s going to happen or why it’s going to happen. In 2019, when my mum died, even though I was greatly disturbed and broken, I believe it had been written in both our Qadr that she would die when she could have survived it and it is said in the Quran that ‘we would not test a person with that which is beyond their power’. 

My name is Aniekan Joseph and I’m a pathologist service provider. I do not believe in predestination. I believe that everyone has the freedom to express themselves, we all have the same resources twenty-four hours daily. We are exposed to the same factors whether c l i m a t e , l a n d , l a b o u r, c a p i t a l , entrepreneur… factors of production are the same, access to it may differ but you know, our destiny is in our hands and we can choose to be whatever we want to be. There are thousands of examples out there of people that have made themselves prominent from no backgrounds, they had no resource, no advantages whatsoever and they are who they are today. So, for that reason, I believe everyone is designed to succeed. Failure or success however is a choice. Thanks. 

My name is Dorah Morton, I provide humanitarian services. I think asking if someone believes in predestination is kind of limiting. I do believe in it because God says I know the thoughts I have for you, plans to bring you good, plans for your welfare. But that’s his plan; God also gave man the choice to work towards or against those plans. In other words, man is in charge. Is God aware of the terrible things man does, yes and he allows them but he makes them work altogether for the good of those who love him.

My name is Akin Akintayo. I’m a computer engineer and I provide IT services. I don’t believe in predestination. Your life, actually, is what you make of it. Because we are all created by God and He on his part, has fantastic plans for everyone. It is left with us to then co-operate with him. It’s just like the potter and the clay; the potter creates what he likes from the clay but the clay has to actually submit itself to the potter to be created according to the potter’s design. So, for everyone of us whether Christian or Muslim, there is nothing like predestination. So, whatever your career, your life turns out to be depends on what you put in. In every facet of life, the right thing to do, especially the young ones who still have their lives ahead of them, is to look at it from the angle of seed. So, plant today what you wish to harvest tomorrow. 

My name is Aisha Bankole, I provide laundry services. In my own opinion, I strongly believe in predestination. I believe before I take a step it has been predestined to happen and before I make a mistake or take a decision, it has been predestined and that is one thing that has guided my principles all along. My grandma once said that though all our actions have been predestined, there are some places that is said to be empty where only us can decide what we want to happen to us there.