Definition
The sixth pillar of imān: belief that Allah knew, wrote, willed, and created all things — including the actions of His servants. Servants act with real will, but their will is under His. Belief in qadr has four levels: ‘ilm (knowledge), kitābah (writing), mashī'ah (will), and khalq (creation).
Pronunciation: QA-dar
Etymology & Root
From the root ق-د-ر (q-d-r), meaning 'to measure, decree, apportion.' Qadr is Allah's measured decree of all that exists.
Usage in the Qur'an
'Indeed, We created everything by decree.' (al-Qamar 54:49)
Usage in the Sunnah
'No servant truly believes until he believes in qadr — its good and its evil — and knows that what reached him could not have missed him, and what missed him could not have reached him.' (Tirmidhī 2144 — ṣaḥīḥ)
Scholarly Notes
Two extremes: the Qadariyyah (early Mu‘tazila) denied that Allah's will encompasses servants' actions; the Jabriyyah denied that servants have any real will. Ahl us-Sunnah affirm both — Allah wills and creates, and the servant chooses and acts.
Common Misconceptions
Belief in qadr is not fatalism. The servant strives, takes means, and is held accountable. Qadr is invoked in matters past — to console — not as an excuse to abandon action.
Practical Application
When a calamity strikes, say: 'Qaddar Allāh wa mā shā'a fa‘ala' (Allah decreed, and what He willed He did). When facing a decision, take the means and trust Him with the outcome.
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