Qadr (Divine Decree) in Detail

Definition

Qadr (قدر) is the belief in divine predestination, the sixth pillar of iman (faith). It means that everything that occurs in the universe happens by the will, knowledge, and decree of Allah. Belief in qadr is obligatory upon every Muslim.

Four Levels of Qadr

The scholars of Ahl us-Sunnah identify four interconnected levels of qadr: Al-Ilm (Knowledge): Allah has complete knowledge of everything that was, is, and will be. Al-Kitabah (Writing): Everything is recorded in al-Lawh al-Mahfuz (the Preserved Tablet) fifty thousand years before the creation of the heavens and earth (Sahih Muslim 2653). Al-Mashee'ah (Will): Nothing happens except by the will of Allah. Al-Khalq (Creation): Allah is the Creator of everything, including the actions of His servants.

Human Free Will

Ahl us-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah hold a middle position between the Jabariyyah (who denied human free will entirely) and the Qadariyyah (who denied Allah's involvement in human actions). Humans have genuine choice and ability (iradah and qudrah), but these operate within the overarching will and decree of Allah. People are held accountable because they choose their actions, even though Allah has decreed all things.

Patience and Gratitude

The Prophet said: 'How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it, and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience, and that is good for him' (Sahih Muslim 2999).