Qadr — Divine Decree and Predestination

Qadr (divine decree) is the sixth pillar of Iman and one of the most profound concepts in Islamic theology. It is the belief that everything that occurs, both good and seemingly harmful, happens by the knowledge, will, and power of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said in the famous hadith of Jibril that Iman includes "that you believe in al-Qadr, its good and its bad" (Sahih Muslim). Understanding Qadr brings peace to the believer's heart and acceptance of life's trials.

The Four Levels of Qadr

Scholars describe four levels of belief in Qadr. First, al-Ilm (Knowledge): Allah has eternal, all-encompassing knowledge of everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen. "Indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things" (Quran 33:40). Second, al-Kitabah (Recording): Allah recorded everything in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) fifty thousand years before creation. The Prophet said: "Allah wrote the measurements of all creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth" (Sahih Muslim). Third, al-Mashiah (Will): Nothing occurs except by Allah's will. "And you do not will except that Allah wills" (Quran 76:30). Fourth, al-Khalq (Creation): Allah is the Creator of all things, including the actions of His servants. "Allah created you and what you do" (Quran 37:96).

Human Free Will and Divine Decree

A common question is how divine decree and human free will coexist. Ahl us-Sunnah holds a middle position between two extremes. The Jabriyyah (fatalists) denied human free will, claiming humans are compelled in all their actions. The Qadariyyah denied divine decree over human actions, claiming humans create their own actions independently. The correct position is that humans have real will and real choice, which they exercise in their daily decisions, but this human will operates within the scope of Allah's universal will. Allah created humans with the ability to choose, and He holds them accountable for those choices, while His knowledge and decree encompass everything.

The Relationship Between Qadr and Effort

Belief in Qadr does not negate the obligation to work and strive. When the companions asked the Prophet whether they should rely on what has been written for them and abandon action, he said: "Work, for everyone is facilitated toward what they were created for" (Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim). The Muslim ties their camel and then trusts in Allah. Seeking medical treatment, earning a livelihood, studying, and taking precautions are all part of the "means" (asbab) that Allah has commanded. The outcomes belong to Allah, but the effort belongs to the servant.

Patience and Gratitude

Qadr is the foundation of two essential Islamic virtues: patience (sabr) in adversity and gratitude (shukr) in prosperity. When hardship strikes, the believer is comforted knowing it was decreed by the All-Wise, All-Merciful Lord. The Prophet said: "Amazing is the affair of the believer. Everything is good for him. If something good happens, he is grateful and that is good for him. If something harmful happens, he is patient and that is good for him. And this is only for the believer" (Sahih Muslim). Saying "QadarAllahu wa ma sha'a fa'al" (Allah has decreed, and whatever He wills He does) when calamity strikes is part of healthy acceptance of divine wisdom.