In our journey through life, we encounter moments of joy and sorrow, ease and difficulty, gain and loss. These experiences, whether pleasant or painful, are all part of the Qadr (Decree) of Allah. Understanding and accepting this concept is key to finding peace in our hearts and minds. By embracing the belief that everything happens according to Allah’s perfect plan, we can navigate life with contentment and trust in His wisdom.
One of the core teachings in Islam is to say “Alhamdulillah” (All praise is due to Allah) in every situation. Whether we are blessed with something we desire or face a challenge, saying Alhamdulillah reminds us to acknowledge Allah’s wisdom and mercy. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us the following: “Amazing is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him; and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him” (Sahih Muslim 2999). This hadith emphasizes the power of gratitude and patience, knowing that whatever comes our way is ultimately for our benefit.
When we understand that every event in our lives is by Allah’s decree, we begin to see both gains and losses as gifts. What enters our lives is a blessing from Allah, and what leaves was never truly ours to keep. The Quran beautifully reminds us: “And it may be that you dislike a thing while it is good for you, and it may be that you love a thing while it is bad for you. Allah knows, while you know not” (Al Baqarah:216). This verse highlights that Allah’s knowledge surpasses ours, and what He decrees for us is always for our ultimate good, even if we do not immediately see it.
Once we develop the mindset of “It’s the Qadr of Allah,” many worries and anxieties begin to fade away. We stop questioning why things happen and start trusting that everything is part of Allah’s perfect plan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, it would benefit you only with something that Allah had already prescribed for you, and that if they gather together to harm you with anything, they would harm you only with something Allah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2516). This hadith reinforces the belief that nothing happens outside of Allah’s will, and His decree is always in our best interest.
Often, we have desires and plans that we hope will come true. However, Allah’s plan is always better than our wishes. Sometimes, what we want is not what we need, and Allah, in His infinite wisdom, gives us what is best. The Quran reminds us, “And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs” (Al Ahzab:3). Placing our trust in Allah and His decree brings a sense of relief, knowing that He is in control and His decisions are always made with our best interest in mind.
From a psychological perspective, trusting in Allah’s Qadr can lead to greater emotional resilience and inner peace. When we accept that everything happens for a reason, we are less likely to be overwhelmed by negative emotions like anxiety, fear, or regret. This acceptance allows us to focus on the present moment, make the best of our circumstances, and maintain a positive outlook on life. By developing a strong belief in Allah’s plan, we can free ourselves from the burden of worry and live with a heart filled with contentment and gratitude. Remembering the Quranic verses and Hadiths that emphasize the importance of trusting in Allah’s decree helps us develop a mindset that brings us closer to Him and allows us to experience the true beauty of His Qadr.
Written by: Zahra Rahman
