‘Abdallah b. 'Amr reported God’s messenger as saying, “God recorded the fates of all creatures 50,000 years before creating the heavens and the earth, and His throne was upon the water.” Muslim transmitted it.
Divine Preordination in Islamic Theology
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, transmitted by 'Abdallah ibn 'Amr, addresses the fundamental Islamic doctrine of divine decree (al-qadā' wal-qadar). The recording of all fates occurred 50,000 years before creation, demonstrating Allah's eternal knowledge encompassing all temporal events.
The Nature of the Divine Record
The "recording" (kataba) refers to the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfūz) where Allah inscribed all that will occur until the Day of Judgment. This encompasses both good and evil, blessings and trials, all within Allah's perfect wisdom and knowledge.
Scholars interpret "50,000 years" as indicating an immense, incomparable duration rather than a literal earthly measurement, emphasizing the transcendence of divine time over created time.
The Throne Upon Water
The statement "His throne was upon the water" confirms Allah's sovereignty before creation. Water was the first created substance, upon which the Divine Throne (al-'Arsh) was established, demonstrating Allah's absolute dominion over all existence.
This affirms Allah's complete independence from creation while simultaneously highlighting His continuous sovereignty over it.
Practical Implications for Faith
This teaching strengthens believer's reliance on Allah (tawakkul) while maintaining responsibility for actions. Divine preordination doesn't negate human choice but encompasses it within Allah's perfect knowledge.
It cultivates contentment with divine decree, patience during trials, and gratitude for blessings—all while actively striving in righteous deeds as commanded.