In continuation to my previous post ‘All of the sons of Adam sin‘, it is important to note that although Allah does NOT oppress us and knowing that we as humans have free will to make the decisions we make, Allah has the power of Qadar (pre-ordained occurrences). Everything that occurs within the universe falls under one of two categories:

  1. There are the occurences which are solely under the control and will of Allah; for example the falling of rain, life, death, sickness, earthquakes, etc… No one else has the power to intervene with these ‘pre-ordained’ occurrences
  2. These are the actions performed by all creatures empowered with ‘free will’. The actions performed, are the consequence of their efforts and decisions. Allah subhanaho wa ta’ala says in the Qur’an:

“To whomever amongst you wills to go straight.” (81:28)

“Amongst you are some that desire this world and some that desire the Hereafter”. (3:152)

The intro was a brief extraction from a translation of the words of Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (D.1421 rahimahullah) as an elementary introduction on the topic of Qadar, click here to read in its entirety.

My point about Qadar is that ‘stuff happens’. In life we face a lot of issues, depression, stress, and problems with ourselves and with others over occurrences in this world, yet we forget about this mercy from Allah which should help ease the tension significantly if not entirely. We as Muslims have this mercy of knowing that these experiences in life occur by the Qadar of Allah, and that all from Allah is good.

When you did not land that job you had hoped for, it would be a lot better to say ‘alhamdulilah’ knowing that it was out of your control and that Allah may have protected you from harm.

When you enter a marriage and it results in divorce, it would be a lot better to say ‘alhamdulilah’ knowing that effort was put into the relationship and what you receive from your spouse is out of your control, and that Allah may have someone a lot better for you.

When your best friend’s soul is taken back by Allah, find comfort in knowing that it was by the will of Allah and that to Him we shall all return; Allah subhanaho wa ta’ala may have protected your best friend from something that may have weighed heavy on the scale of bad deeds.

Alhamdulilah (Praise be to Allah) for having revealed to us His power of Qadar. Qadar truly is a mercy and a blessing to those who believe.