PILLARS OF IMAN - IRE FORM 4 Notes

• Meaning of Qadar and Qadha
  • Qadar
  • Qadha
• Islamic teachings on Qadar and Qadha
• Significance of belief in Qadha and Qadar

Meaning of Qadar and Qadha

Read Qur’an [Q 2:211]

• In life, many things involve planning.
• After planning, one then works out on how to implement what has been planned.
• The intended plans may either turn out to be successful or unsuccessful.
• Even before Allah (SWT) created human beings, he had planned for everything in the entire universe.
• Unlike the plans of human beings, Allah (SWT’s) plans are perfect and eternal. Allah (SWT) uses His power to do everything in the universe.
• On the other hand, human beings are guided by the belief in the fundamental principles of Islam.
• Among these principles is the belief in the pillars of Iman.
• In Book one, we learned that there are six pillars of Iman.
• The sixth and last pillar of Iman is the belief in Qadar and Qadha.
• In this chapter, we shall study the Islamic teachings about this important pillar of Iman.

Qadar

• The term Qadar comes the Arabic word Qadara.
• Literally, this word means ‘to estimate’, ‘measure’, ‘evaluate’, ‘assess’ or ‘to pre-plan’ for an event that will take place.
• This meaning, especially, ‘to measure’ is evident in Allah (SWT’s) communication in the Holy Qur’an when He says, “Verily, all things Have We created in proportion and measure.” [Q 11: 19]
• In Surat Yasin, Allah (SWT) states; “And the moon We have measured for it mansions (to traverse) till it returns like the old (and the withered) lower part of the date stalk.” [Q 36:39]
• It is also used to mean the power of Allah (SWT) over His creature. Allah (SWT) says in Suratul Balad; “Thinketh he (man), that none hath power over him?” [Q 90:5]
• Technically, Qadar refers to Allah (SWT’s) everlasting foreknowledge in executing His will power to control all the affairs of the universe.
• It is Allah (SWT’s) knowledge on everything in His creation.
• Nothing is hidden from him.
• Allah (SWT) says in the Qur’an, “From Allah, verily nothing is hidden on earth or in the heavens.” [Q 3:5]
• Allah (SWT), as the creator of all that is in the heavens and the earth Has detailed information of everything in it.
• All this knowledge is confidentially recorded in the lauhul Mahfuth (well preserved tablet). Almighty Allah (SWT) says, “Knowest thou not that Allah knows all that is in heaven and on earth? Indeed it is all in a record, and that is easy for Allah.” [Q 22:70]

Qadha

• Literally, the Arabic word Qadha, means a ‘decision’, ‘decree’ or judgement.
• It is from this word that we derive ‘Qadhi’, which refers to ‘a Muslim judge.’
• Its technical terms, Qadha refers to the ‘divine decree’ or ‘pre-destination’ made by Allah (SWT) over his creations.
• Every creature’s act both in the material and spiritual life has been predestined by Allah (SWT).
• The Holy Quran gives this proof in the following verse: “He to whom belongs the dominions of the heavens and the earth: No son has He begotten, nor Has He a partner in His dominion: It is He who created all things, and ordered them in due proportions.” [Q 25:2]
• Allah (SWT’s) decisions cannot be questioned, reviewed, amended, or intercepted by any of his creations.
• Allah (SWT) is the one with the final decree.
• A Muslims should believe that everything good or bad, all moments of happiness or sorrow, pleasure or pain, success or failure come from the Creator and Sustainer of the world.
• Allah (SWT) decrees everything at His own will.
• The decree may come in the form of a command on the acts of worship, directives in the universe among other ways that He knows best.
• Allah (SWT) says,
  “Thy Lord has decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents ….” [Q 17:23]
• In Surat Hud, a decree was passed by Allah to end the floods during the time of Nabii Nuh.
• Allah (SWT) says, “Then the word went forth: ‘O earth! Swallow up thy water, and O sky! Withhold (thy rain)!’ And the water abated, and the matter was ended. The ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word went forth: ‘Away with those who do wrong.” [Q 11:44]

Islamic teachings on Qadar and Qadha

• It is important for each and every Muslim to have a strong and right belief in these two since they are among the pillars of Iman.
• Whoever has doubt in any of the six pillars of Iman shall be regarded as a disbeliever.
• The following are the Islamic teachings about Qadar and Qadha.
  • Allah (SWT’s) foreknowledge is infallible (perfect).
  • Human beings do not have the prior knowledge of the Qadar.
  • Allah (SWT’s) Qadar does not compromise human responsibility.
• Therefore, every Muslim should think, plan and make the right choices, but, if sometimes things do not turn out the way they expected, a believer should not lose hope.
• Allah (SWT) is Just and has given us (humankind) only limited responsibility and judges us accordingly.
• Allah (SWT) holds humankind accountable for only those deeds that they can do under their ability. None is punished for what is beyond his or her human ability.
• Allah (SWT’s) knowledge is all encompassing. He knows what each of His creatures did in the past, what he is doing at present and what he intends to do in future.
• Allah (SWT) has records (in the Lauhul-Mahfuth) of everything that will occur until the day of judgement. The life span of all human beings is written, together with their amount of sustenance.
• To Allah (SWT), nothing occurs in the heavens or on earth without His fullest knowledge. Whatever Allah (SWT) wills to happen, does happen. And whatever He does not will shall never prevail.
• Every individual is solely responsible for his acts. No humankind is exempted from obeying the Islamic moral law. The believers who perform righteous deeds will be acknowledged with rewards from their Almighty Allah (SWT) while those who disobey the law will receive punishment.

Significance of belief in Qadha and Qadar

• It strengthens a Muslim’s belief in Allah (SWT) as the sole rreator of the universe. This is because the entire universe is controlled by Allah (SWT) and therefore, we must show gratitude to Him.
• It promotes contentment in a Muslim. A Muslim appreciates whatever blessings that Allah (SWT) bestows upon him.
• It guides Muslims towards tawakkul (total reliance and dependence on Allah). Thus, the belief that all creation, powers and plans belong to Allah (SWT). This teaches us not to hope for any benefit or favour from anyone else besides Allah (SWT).
• It encourages monotheism (oneness of Allah), thus makes Muslims to direct all forms of worship to Allah (SWT) alone so as to keep him steadfast on the path of righteousness and piety.
• It enlightens the Muslims about the divine secrets that are known only by Allah (SWT) since He is well aware of all that happens.
• It generates in a Muslim moral and spiritual strength in situations of despair and hopelessness.
• It teaches Muslims to be modest, humble, transparent and accountable in all their dealings so as to avoid over indulgence in worldly success at the expense of Allah (SWT’s) purpose for their creation.
• It makes Muslims to have taqwa (fear of Allah) and be steadfast in the religion.
• It strengthens the Muslim’s belief in the other pillars of Iman.
• It makes a believer realise that Allah (SWT) is the Most Wise and all His actions are dictated by His will.
• It promotes patience, perseverance and endurance when dealing with worldly challenges.