Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3194

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book which is with Him on His Throne, 'My Mercy overpowers My Anger.'"

Commentary on the Divine Decree

This profound hadith establishes the fundamental principle of Allah's mercy preceding His wrath. The writing occurred after the completion of creation, indicating this is an eternal decree established before temporal existence.

The "Book with Him on His Throne" refers to the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) where Allah's eternal knowledge and decrees are recorded. This demonstrates that mercy is not an afterthought but an essential attribute preceding creation itself.

Theological Significance

The phrase "overpowers" indicates that divine mercy encompasses and prevails over anger, not that anger is eliminated. This reflects the balanced nature of Allah's attributes where justice is tempered with compassion.

Scholars note this hadith provides immense comfort to believers, assuring them that Allah's default disposition toward creation is mercy, while wrath is reserved for specific circumstances of disobedience without repentance.

Practical Implications

This teaching encourages hope and prevents despair in divine mercy. It calls believers to constantly seek Allah's forgiveness and mercy through righteous deeds and sincere repentance.

The hadith also serves as a reminder for Muslims to embody mercy in their dealings with creation, reflecting the divine attribute in human interactions as commanded by the Prophet.