Belief in Divine Decree (Qadr)
Pillar 6
What is Qadr?
The sixth pillar of Iman is the belief in Al-Qadr, or Divine Decree. It is the understanding that all events in the universe, both good and bad, happen according to Allah's perfect knowledge and will. Nothing occurs without His permission and foreknowledge.
The Four Aspects of Qadr
The belief in Qadr encompasses four main aspects:
- Al-'Ilm (Knowledge): Allah's knowledge is absolute and encompasses everything—past, present, and future—in perfect detail.
- Al-Kitabah (Writing): Allah has recorded everything that will happen until the Day of Judgment in a preserved tablet called Al-Lawh al-Mahfuz.
- Al-Mashi'ah (Will): Whatever Allah wills to happen, happens, and whatever He wills not to happen, does not happen. His will is supreme.
- Al-Khalq (Creation): Allah is the Creator of all things, including the actions of His creatures. Humans have free will to choose their actions, but it is Allah who gives them the ability to act.
Free Will and Trust in Allah
Belief in Qadr does not negate human free will. Muslims believe that they are responsible for their choices and will be held accountable for them. However, understanding Qadr fosters humility, patience in times of hardship, and gratitude in times of ease. It builds profound trust (Tawakkul) in Allah's wisdom and plan, knowing that whatever He decrees is ultimately for a divine purpose.