For our fate issue, we thought we’d ask some of the big religions of the world what they thought about fate, what relevance it had to their beliefs and how free-will and fate could exist at the same time. So, we contacted a rabbi and an imam to clear the mists from our atheistic eyes.

First up was Rabbi Pete Tobias.

Hi Rabbi Pete, what role does fate play within the Jewish faith? For example, is there a definite path set for all followers? Or does Judaism believe that we are able to determine for ourselves what the outcomes of our lives will be?

I am sure that some elements in Judaism, as in most religions, believe that there is an element of pre-destination and that everything is part of some grand divine plan.  But generally speaking, Judaism places great emphasis on t'shuvah, which usually translates as 'repentance' but actually means returning to a more correct way of life and the ability to make t'shuvah rests with an individual's free will. So one of Judaism's most firmly held beliefs is that we can determine out own fate - and change it through our own actions at any time.

You've written a book about Liberal Judaism. Does your view of fate have a more intellectual basis rather than a purely spiritual one? How would you describe your form of Judaism and it's ideas on fate in comparison to more orthodox sects?

I can't speak for Orthodox ideas about fate as, I'm afraid, I don't know too much about them. But in general, Liberal Judaism does indeed have an intellectual base and is far more ready to challenge and question ancient assumptions on a whole variety of religious topics with a view to ascertaining the truth rather than being bound by archaic religious rulings that have no relevance to or meaning in the modern world.

Next we spoke to Imam Abdou, the religious head of London's Central Mosque. He had a rather more lyrical way with words. Which we liked.

What role does fate play within Islam? For example, is there a definite path set for all followers? Or does Islam believe that we are able to determine for ourselves what the outcomes of our lives will be?

Allah is the Creator so He knows what we are doing now and what we are going to do. These are all within His knowledge, which we call Qadr, meaning 'plan for us'. This can be changed by supplication or good deeds, which we term the will of God. We believe that Allah gifted mankind with intellectual abilities, which means we are given options to be righteous or otherwise. And this is what is known as free will.

But if God knows everything, He must know the future, and if He knows the future, He must know all the future acts of His creatures. But then His creatures must act, as He knows they will act. How then can they be free?

Good deeds will be rewarded and evil-doers will be punished if they do not repent. Allah is the Judge and He is fair and just. That means we believe in Allah's will and human beings’ wills as well - although that may sound contradictory.

So is the fact that people still act so irresponsibly a fate that Allah himself intended for the time being?

To bring the picture nearer to your mind: a teacher stays with his students for few hours per week but he knows which one will pass the exams and those who will do mediocre and those who will fail. A teacher is not a fortune-teller but as he spends a few hours per week with his students he knows them well. You can allude to God who is our Creator in this way, so He knows. He knows but he does not force our actions. The choice is ours.

Lastly we spoke to a member of the New Christian Union (.org)

What role does the classic view of fate play in the everyday life of a Christian?

None at all. Christian believers submit themselves daily to God’s will for their life. This relies not on a fixed, predetermined 'fate', but on a flexible future of mutual co-operation. The Bible, the maker’s manual, is the basis for mutual co-operation and has much guidance and many promises that the Christian can rely on. So daily life is one of co-operation with, and trust in, Jesus Christ. For example, God says in the Bible to the believer:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you”.

“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart”.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you”.

“Forgive and you will be forgiven”.

The promises and the guidance give a hope and a confidence in life - backed by a trustworthy source.

Rabbi Pete Tobias is Rabbi of the Liberal Synagogue in Elstree, as well as a Broadcaster and Author.

Imam Abdullah Abdou is Imam at the London Central Mosque.

The Christian opinion came from a member of www.newchristian.org.uk