Chapter.8 Pg.

49-
52
Belief in the Divine Decree (Al-Qadar)
Exercises
A. Answer the following questions.
Q.1: Mention the original meaning of the word al-Qadar.
Ans: Al-Qadar is an Arabic word which originally means 'measure or amount whether of
quantities or qualities'. The verb form of this word means, among other things, 'to measure or
decide the quality, quantity, or position of something before one actually makes it.'

Q.2: List the four levels of belief in al-Qadar.

Ans: Here are the four levels of belief in al-Qadar:
1. Knowledge: This means to believe that Allah has knowledge of everything, no matter how
small or big it is. The hidden for Him is visible and the secret is public. He knows what is secret
and what is more hidden than a secret. He knows what is in a person's mind, conceived in his
heart, which is not yet uttered by his lips. He even knows the intentions his heart has not yet
formulated. The Qur'an says, "Allah has encompassed all things in [His] knowledge."
(Surat at-Talaaq, 65:12)
2. The Recording of Decrees: This means to believe that Allah had recorded all the decrees
regarding His creatures before He created the heavens and the earth. Hence, He not only knew
and knows what will happen, but He had also recorded this information in minute detail in the
Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfoodh). The Qur'an says, "No calamity occurs on the earth or
among yourselves but it is inscribed in the Book [of Decrees] before We bring it into existence.
Indeed, that is easy for Allah." (Surat al-Hadeed, 57:22)

3· His Will: This means to believe that Allah's Will is executed and that His Ability is Absolute. If
He wills something, it will certainly happen; but if He does not will something, it will never
happen. This refers to everything. It denotes Allah's action of giving life, sustenance, causing
death and so on. The Qur'an says, "Surely, His Command, when He intends a thing, is only that
He says to it, 'Be', and it is." (Surat Yaa Seen, 36:82)

4· Allah's Creativity: This means to believe that Allah has created everything and that there is no
other creator except Him. The Qur'an says, "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the
Disposer of all affairs." (Surat az-Zumar, 39:62)