THE THIRD LEVEL OF AL-QADAR

 FAJR REMINDER: THE THIRD LEVEL OF AL-QADAR

By: Umm Affān

Muḥarram 22, 1448 (7-July-2026)

There is goodness in whatever Allāh wills, even when, at first, it appears painful, disappointing, or difficult to understand. Our vision is limited, but the Wisdom of Allāh encompasses everything. How often have we grieved over something, only to later realize that Allāh was protecting us from a far greater harm? And how often have we desired something with all our hearts, only to discover that it would have brought us regret?

A businessman was once rushing to catch a flight because he was on his way to finalize an important business deal. As he waited, the Adhān (call to prayer) was made. Instead of ignoring the call of his Lord, he left to perform Ṣalāh. By the time he returned, the plane had already departed. Naturally, he felt disappointed and sat down in sadness, thinking he had lost a valuable opportunity. But moments later, shocking news arrived: the aircraft had caught fire in mid-air. Instantly, his sadness turned into gratitude. He fell into prostration, thanking Allāh for saving his life through what had initially seemed like an unfortunate delay. 

Indeed, what looked like a loss was, in reality, a tremendous mercy from the Most Merciful. Truth is the Words of Allāh (ﷻ): “…and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allāh knows but you do not know.” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 216]

The third level of understanding Al-Qadar is Al-Mashī'ah (The Will or Wish) regarding what Allāh likes and hates. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “Verily! Allāh does what He wills.” [Sūrah Al-Ḥajj (22) 18] This Mashī'ah is divided into two categories. The first is Mashī'atullāh Al-Kawniyyah (Universal Will), meaning that whatever Allāh wills to occur within His creation will certainly come to pass. Nothing happens outside His Will. Whether people perceive an event as good or bad, joyful or painful, it only takes place by His perfect Wisdom and Decree. He is never unjust, nor does He decree anything in vain.

Unfortunately, some people find it difficult to accept that unpleasant events also occur by Allāh's Decree. Yet a believer understands that every decree of Allāh carries wisdom, even if that wisdom remains hidden from us. This certainty fills the heart with contentment, patience, and unwavering faith during times of ease and hardship alike. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “No calamity befalls, but with the Leave (i.e. Decision, Decree, and Permission) of Allāh.” [Sūrah At-Taghabūn (64): 11]

The second is Mashī'atullāh As-Shar’īyyah (Legislative Will), which refers to everything Allāh loves, commands, and is pleased with. It includes all the guidance, laws, and righteous deeds that He has prescribed for mankind and the jinn. Allāh has clearly distinguished between what is lawful and unlawful, what He loves and what He dislikes. He has set limits that must not be crossed. Obeying His Commands leads to His Pleasure and eternal success, while deliberately violating His Commands and Prohibitions exposes a person to His Punishment. Indeed, Allāh only wants us to obey Him and to stay away from all forms of disobedience.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to fill our hearts with complete contentment regarding His Decree, to grant us the ability to submit wholeheartedly to His Universal and Legislative Will, and to make us among those who only do that which He loves. Aameen.