Strong Believer and Trusting in Allah’s Decree
Sahih Muslim 2664
Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your” if” opens the (gate) for the Satan.
This hadith from Sahih Muslim 2664 teaches a balanced understanding of Qadr (Divine Decree) and human free will in Islam.
-
Strength and Responsibility: The hadith emphasizes that a strong believer is better than a weak one. This includes both physical and spiritual strength, as well as taking responsibility for one’s actions rather than blaming fate.
-
Free Will and Consequences: While everything happens by Allah’s knowledge and decree, humans are not forced into wrongdoing. If someone commits an evil act (e.g., oppression, theft, or even a crime like rape), it is because they chose to do so with their free will. Allah knew it would happen, but He did not force them—rather, He allowed them to act based on their choices, for which they will be held accountable.
-
Accepting What is Beyond Human Control: There are events beyond human choice, such as natural disasters, a child’s death, or illness. These are directly from Allah’s will and are not caused by human actions. In such cases, the hadith teaches patience and acceptance, recognizing that Allah’s wisdom is beyond human understanding.
-
Avoiding Regretful Thinking: The hadith warns against excessive “what if” thinking that leads to despair or blaming fate. If a bad event happens due to our own actions, we should learn from it and take responsibility. But if it is something beyond our control, we must trust in Allah’s plan and not fall into Satan’s trap of despair.
This hadith does not mean that Allah forces evil upon people. Rather, it clarifies that humans act by free will, but Allah already knows their choices. Meanwhile, events beyond human control are purely Allah’s decree, meant as tests or wisdom in His greater plan.