Refuge from Unfortunate Decrees and Calamity
Sahih Muslim 2707
It was narrated from Abu Huraira that: Allah’s Apostle (ﷺ) used to seek refuge (in Allah) from the evil of what has been decreed, from misery, from the mockery of (triumphant) enemies, and from severe Calamity.
- This hadith From Sahih Muslim 2707, narrates that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to seek refuge in Allah from various forms of evil, including what has been decreed, misery, mockery of enemies, and severe calamity. Regarding the concept of decree in Islam, it is believed that Allah has knowledge of everything that will happen, and He has decreed everything that will come to pass. This includes both good and bad things. However, human beings still have free will and are responsible for their actions. They have the ability to make choices and take actions, and they will be held accountable for those choices and actions on the Day of Judgment. The belief in predestination and free will can sometimes seem contradictory, but in Islam, they are both considered to be true. Allah knows what will happen, but human beings still have the ability to choose their actions. It is important for Muslims to accept Allah’s decree and strive to make the best choices they can within the boundaries of Islamic teachings. As for why Allah decrees certain things, it is ultimately beyond human understanding. Muslims believe that Allah is all-knowing and all-wise, and that everything He does is for a reason, even if we cannot always understand that reason. The best we can do is to trust in Allah and strive to live our lives in accordance with His teachings.
What Does “Decree” (Qadr) Mean?
In Islam, Qadr (divine decree) refers to Allah’s complete knowledge, power, and control over everything that happens in the universe. Nothing occurs without His will, whether good or bad.
However, decree (Qadr) can be divided into two types:
1️⃣ Natural calamities – These include disasters like earthquakes, floods, and illnesses. These events are part of Allah’s divine plan, and humans have no control over them.
2️⃣ Human actions (good or evil) – Allah has given humans free will to choose between good and evil. However, since Allah is All-Knowing, He already knows what choices each person will make. Thus, their actions are also part of the decree.
📖Surah Al-Kahf (18:29)
“And say: The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills—let him believe; and whoever wills—let him disbelieve.”
This verse confirms that humans are given a choice, but Allah’s knowledge encompasses what choices they will make, and their actions become part of what is decreed.
Why Did the Prophet Seek Refuge from Decree?
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sought protection from the harmful aspects of what has been decreed because:
✅ Some decrees are based on natural causes (e.g., calamities), and we seek refuge from them.
✅ Some decrees are based on human choices (e.g., evil deeds), and we seek refuge from making bad decisions.
✅ Although everything is decreed, Allah can change it through His mercy, which is why we seek His protection.
📖Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:39)
“Allah eliminates what He wills and confirms what He wills, and with Him is the Mother of the Book.”
This means that decree is not rigid, Allah can change it based on His wisdom, mercy, and a person’s supplications.
What is “Mother of the Book” (Umm al-Kitab)?
📖Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:39)
“Allah eliminates what He wills and confirms what He wills, and with Him is the Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitab).”
The term Umm al-Kitab (أُمُّ ٱلْكِتَٰبِ) translates to “Mother of the Book” and refers to the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz), where all divine decrees are recorded. It contains the ultimate knowledge of everything that has happened and will happen, as decreed by Allah.
Why is it Called “Mother of the Book”?
The word Umm (أم) means “mother” in Arabic. In this context, “Mother of the Book” means that this is the origin and foundation of all revealed scriptures. Just as a mother gives birth and nurtures, this divine book is the source from which all scriptures (Torah, Zabur, Gospel, and Qur’an) were derived.
Connection to Women’s Honor
In Islam, the title “mother” carries deep respect and honor. Just as “Umm al-Kitab” is the foundational book of all knowledge, women as mothers are honored as the foundation of humanity.
📖Hadith – Sunan An-Nasa’i 3104
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
“Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.”
Similarly, the Qur’an uses the word “Umm” (mother) to signify something foundational and honored, just like a mother is the nurturer of life. Thus, the Mother of the Book (Umm al-Kitab) is the divine source of knowledge, just as a mother is the source of life and nurture. This naming reflects the high status of both divine wisdom and women in Islam.