Ibn ‘Umar reported God’s messenger as saying, “Everything is decreed, even backwardness and shrewdness.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Comprehensive Nature of Divine Decree
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim, transmitted through the noble companion Ibn 'Umar, establishes the all-encompassing scope of Allah's preordainment (al-qadar). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) states that "everything is decreed," using the comprehensive term "kullu shay'in" which leaves no exception within creation.
Explanation of Key Terms
"Backwardness" (al-'ajz) refers to incapacity, weakness, or inability to accomplish matters - whether physical, mental, or spiritual. This includes both inherent limitations and acquired incapacities.
"Shrewdness" (al-kays) denotes intelligence, cleverness, foresight, and the capacity to manage affairs skillfully. The pairing of these opposites demonstrates that both deficiency and capability fall under divine decree.
Theological Implications
This narration affirms the sixth pillar of faith - belief in divine decree. Scholars explain that Allah's knowledge encompasses all matters before their occurrence, His pre-recording in the Preserved Tablet, His will that nothing happens except by His permission, and His creation of all beings and their attributes.
The hadith refutes those who attribute success solely to human effort or failure purely to personal shortcomings, reminding believers that all capacities and limitations originate from Allah's wisdom.
Practical Guidance for Believers
Understanding this doctrine cultivates humility in success - recognizing that abilities are divine gifts - and patience in adversity - knowing trials are by Allah's wisdom.
It teaches balance: while we strive using lawful means (asbāb), we ultimately rely on Allah, acknowledging that outcomes rest in His hands. This neither negates human responsibility nor attributes partnership in divine creative power.