Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree) in Islam

Belief in Qadar, or Divine Decree, is a fundamental aspect of Islamic faith. It is one of the six pillars of Iman (faith) as described in the Hadith of Jibril, where the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) outlined the essential elements of belief for his followers. Qadar refers to the belief that Allah (God) has knowledge, will, and control over everything that occurs in the universe. This includes the past, present, and future, as well as all events, whether they are great or small. The understanding of Qadar encompasses the knowledge of God’s omniscience, His absolute power, and the predestination of all things, while also recognizing human free will in choosing actions.

The Concept of Qadar in Islam

Qadar (قدَر) is derived from the Arabic root word “Q-D-R,” which signifies power, might, and measurement. In the Islamic worldview, Qadar refers to the divine will and wisdom behind everything that happens in the universe. It encompasses Allah’s knowledge of everything that will occur, His will for it to happen, and His ability to bring it to pass.

The Quran and the Hadith literature provide extensive guidance on the concept of Qadar, affirming that everything in the world is within the scope of Allah’s decree. However, this does not mean that human beings are not responsible for their actions. Islam teaches that while Allah has ordained everything, human beings are still accountable for the choices they make.

The Quranic Perspective on Qadar

The Quran mentions Qadar multiple times, emphasizing that everything is within the control of Allah. The belief in Qadar is intricately tied to the concept of Tawhid (the Oneness of God), affirming that Allah alone has complete sovereignty over all affairs.

Key Quranic Verses about Qadar

• Surah Al-Qamar (54:49):

$$إِنَّاكُلَّشَيْءٍخَلَقْنَاهُبِقَدَرٍ$$

“Indeed, We have created everything with Qadar (Divine Decree).”

This verse highlights the fact that everything in creation, from the smallest atom to the grandest celestial body, has been created with divine precision and wisdom. Allah’s Qadar encompasses all things, and nothing occurs without His will.

• Surah Al-Anfal (8:68):

$$وَلَوْشِئْنَالَأَتَيْنَابِمِثْلِهِمْمِّنْهُمْ$$

“And if We had willed, We could have sent to every nation a prophet.”

This verse speaks to the fact that Allah’s will determines the actions, events, and outcomes in the world. The sending of prophets is part of His divine plan and wisdom, underscoring the power of Qadar.

• Surah At-Tawbah (9:51):

$$قُللَّنيُصِيبَنَاإِلَّامَاكَتَبَاللَّهُلَنَاهُوَمَوْلَانَاوَعَلَىاللَّهِفَلْيَتَوَكَّلِالْمُؤْمِنُونَ$$

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.”

This verse teaches that everything that happens, good or bad, is a part of Allah’s decree. Believers are encouraged to trust in Allah’s plan and seek His protection.

• Surah Al-Hadid (57:22):

$$مَاأَصَابَمِنمُصِيبَةٍفِيالْأَرْضِوَلَافِيأَنفُسِكُمْإِلَّافِيكِتَابٍمِنقَبْلِأَنْنَبْرَأَهَاإِنَّذَٰلِكَعَلَىاللَّهِيَسِيرٌ$$

“No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being. Indeed, that, for Allah, is easy.”

This verse illustrates that every calamity or event is part of Allah’s predetermined plan, which is already written before it occurs. This reinforces the belief that all things are preordained by Allah’s will.

The Hadith on Qadar

The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further clarify the concept of Qadar and how Muslims should understand and believe in it.

Key Hadiths on Qadar

• The Hadith of Jibril (Sahih Muslim)One of the most important Hadiths on Qadar is found in the Hadith of Jibril (Gabriel), which is narrated by Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) and is recorded in Sahih Muslim:Umar ibn Al-Khattab reported:
  “While we were one day sitting with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), there appeared before us a man dressed in extremely white clothes and with extremely black hair. No signs of travel were visible on him, and none of us recognized him. He sat down by the Prophet (PBUH), rested his knees against his, and placed his palms on his thighs, and said, ‘O Muhammad, tell me about Islam.’ The Prophet (PBUH) answered him. He then said, ‘Tell me about Iman (faith).’ The Prophet (PBUH) replied:
  ‘Iman (faith) is to believe in Allah, His angels, His Books, His messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in Qadar, the good and bad of it.’

فقال الرجل: “لقد صدقت.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The man then asked, ‘You have spoken the truth.'”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith is significant because it clearly identifies belief in Qadar as one of the six pillars of Iman. To be a true believer, a Muslim must accept the divine decree, understanding that everything happens according to Allah’s plan.

• Hadith on Free Will and Qadar (Sahih Bukhari)The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained the balance between Qadar and human free will in various sayings. One of these is found in Sahih Bukhari:

         Abu Huraira reported:

قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: “إذا أصابك شيء لا تحبه، فلا تحزن، إن كان شيئًا تستطيع تغييره فغيّره، وإن لم تستطع، فتوكل على الله وارضَ بما قُدّر.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘If something happens to you, and you do not like it, do not grieve. If it is something that you can change, change it. And if you cannot, then trust in Allah’s will and submit to it.'”
(Sahih Bukhari)

This Hadith emphasizes that while everything is decreed by Allah, human beings have the ability to act within the scope of Allah’s plan. It encourages believers to take action where they can, but also to trust in Allah’s will when they cannot control circumstances.

• Hadith on the Writing of Qadar (Sahih Muslim)Abu Huraira reported:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: “إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَمَّا خَلَقَ الْقَلَمَ قَالَ لَهُ: اكْتُبْ. قَالَ: يَا رَبِّ، وَمَاذَا أَكْتُبُ؟ قَالَ: اكْتُبْ مَقَادِيرَ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَتَّى تَقُومَ السَّاعَةُ”.

“Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said, ‘When Allah created the pen, He said to it: “Write.” It said: “O Lord, what should I write?” He said: “Write what will happen until the Day of Judgment.”‘”
(Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith affirms that everything, including the fate of every individual and event, has been written by Allah from the beginning of time. It is a reminder of the divine knowledge and wisdom that governs the universe.

How Does Belief in Qadar Affect a Muslim’s Life?

Belief in Qadar has a profound impact on a Muslim’s worldview. Understanding that everything is preordained by Allah can bring peace and contentment, especially during times of hardship. However, this belief does not negate personal responsibility or the need for striving toward good actions.

Acceptance and Patience (Sabr)

Belief in Qadar encourages Muslims to be patient in the face of adversity. When a believer faces trials, they are reminded that this is part of Allah’s plan, and they should remain patient and trust in Allah’s wisdom.

Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6):

$$فَإِنَّمَعَالْعُسْرِيُسْرًا$$

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”

This verse assures the believer that even in difficult times, ease will follow, and this is a part of Allah’s divine plan.

Gratitude and Contentment (Shukr)

On the flip side, belief in Qadar also helps believers be grateful for Allah’s blessings. Recognizing that everything, whether good or bad, comes from Allah helps believers remain humble and thankful, regardless of their circumstances.

Surah Ibrahim (14:7):

$$وَإِذْتَأَذَّنَرَبُّكُمْلَئِنْشَكَرْتُمْلَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ$$

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you give thanks [by accepting faith], I will give you more [of My Blessings]; but if you are thankless [i.e., ungrateful], verily My punishment is indeed severe.’”

Motivation for Action and Effort (Tawakkul)

Belief in Qadar does not mean passivity; instead, it motivates believers to strive for the best. While acknowledging Allah’s decree, a Muslim is encouraged to work hard and make the best possible choices within the scope of their free will.

Surah At-Tawbah (9:51):

$$قُللَّنيُصِيبَنَاإِلَّامَاكَتَبَاللَّهُلَنَا$$

“Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us.’”

This verse encourages Muslims to make efforts in life while trusting in Allah’s plan, demonstrating the balance between human action and divine decree.

Conclusion

Belief in Qadar is a crucial aspect of a Muslim’s faith, guiding how they view the world, handle challenges, and approach life’s trials and blessings. It underscores the omniscience, omnipotence, and wisdom of Allah, and serves as a reminder that everything, from the greatest to the smallest events, occurs by divine will. However, belief in Qadar is not a passive resignation but a call to strive for goodness, seek knowledge, and take responsibility for one’s actions, all while placing trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy.

Qadar reminds Muslims that they are not alone in their struggles and that Allah’s plan is always in motion, even when it is beyond human comprehension. With this understanding, believers are empowered to navigate the complexities of life with patience, gratitude, and effort, constantly striving to do their best while trusting that Allah’s will is the best outcome for them.

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Internal Resources and Services

• For a broader view on Islamic beliefs, explore our post on belief in angels.
• Discover how Islam promotes peace and justice through its teachings in this article.
• For a detailed look at his life and contributions, visit Who is Prophet Muhammad?.

External Resources

• To learn more about how Qadar is discussed in Islamic theology, visit this resource on Islamic belief in destiny.
• To understand how free will intersects with Qadar, read this article on free will and destiny in Islam.
• To learn more about the Qur’anic miracles associated with Prophet Muhammad, read this article.