Instructions:
-
Watch the video carefully and take clear, organized notes while watching.
-
Review the concepts covered in the video and then attempt all the given exercises independently.
-
If you feel stuck on any question, go back to your notes and re-watch the relevant part of the video before moving on.
-
Do not skip difficult questions—use your notes to understand the method or concept step by step.
-
Write down any questions or confusions in your notebook so you can ask the lecturer during the next class.
Good morning students. Today, we’re going to learn about Belief in Qadr, also called Divine Decree or Predestination. This belief is one of the six main articles of faith in Islam. Simply put, it means that everything that happens in the universe—big or small—happens by the will and knowledge of Allah. Nothing happens by accident. Allah knows everything, controls everything, and plans everything with wisdom. The Qur’an tells us, “Indeed, all things We created with predestination.” This reminds us that every event in our life—whether good or bad—is part of Allah’s plan.
Now, scholars explain that there are four main parts of belief in Qadr. Let’s go through them one by one in simple words. The first part is Knowledge. Allah knows everything—past, present, and future. He knows what we do, what we think, and even what’s hidden in our hearts. For example, before we even make a choice, Allah already knows what we’ll decide. The Qur’an says that even a leaf doesn’t fall without His knowledge. So, nothing in our life surprises Allah.
The second part is Recording. Everything that will happen until the Day of Judgment is written down in a divine record called al-Lawh al-Mahfuz, the Preserved Tablet. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) told us that the first thing Allah created was the Pen, and He told it to write everything that would happen. So everything is already recorded—not as random fate, but as part of Allah’s perfect plan.
The third part is Will. Whatever Allah wills happens, and whatever He does not will cannot happen. But remember—Allah also gave us free will to make our own choices. That’s why we are responsible for what we do. For example, Allah knows if we’ll choose to tell the truth or lie—but we still decide which one to do, and we’ll be rewarded or punished for it. So our choices matter, but they exist within Allah’s greater will.
The fourth part is Creation. Allah is the Creator of everything, including our actions. When we act, we use the abilities and opportunities that Allah created for us. For instance, if you study hard and get good marks, your effort is yours, but the ability to learn and the success come from Allah.
Now, this brings us to an important question: Do we really have free will if everything is already written?
Yes—we do! Islam teaches balance. We make our choices, and that’s why we’re accountable. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that every person is a shepherd and responsible for their flock. That means everyone is responsible for their own actions.
However, belief in Qadr also helps us stay calm when things don’t go our way. For example, if you study hard but still don’t get the grade you hoped for, you remind yourself, “Qaddar Allah wa ma sha’a fa‘al” — “Allah decreed, and what He willed, He did.” This helps us accept outcomes without losing hope.
There are many benefits of believing in Qadr. It brings peace of mind because you know Allah is in control. It teaches patience during hardships and humility in success. When things go wrong, you trust Allah’s wisdom. When things go well, you thank Him instead of becoming proud. The Qur’an says that everything that happens—good or bad—is written so that we don’t despair when we lose something or become arrogant when we gain something.
We also see great examples of this from the Companions. During battles, they were brave because they believed life and death are in Allah’s hands. Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once refused to enter a place where there was a plague. When asked why, he said, “We flee from the decree of Allah to the decree of Allah.” That means we should take precautions, but still trust Allah’s plan.
So students, to wrap up—
Belief in Qadr means trusting that Allah knows, plans, and controls everything. It doesn’t make us helpless—it makes us strong and hopeful. We must work hard, make the right choices, and leave the results to Allah. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “A strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than a weak believer, but in both there is good.”
So remember: do your best, rely on Allah, and accept His plan with patience and faith.
