‘Imran b, Husain told of two men of Muzaina who said, “Messenger of God, tell us whether what men do to-day and strive over is something which has been destined for them and has previously been decreed for them, or whether it is something their prophet has brought them with which they are encountered and which has become binding upon them.” He replied, “No, it is something which has been destined for them and previously decreed for them.” The verification of that is found in God’s Book which says, “By a soul and Him who formed it and implanted in it its wickedness and its piety.” 1 Muslim transmitted it.1 Quran, xci, 7f.
The Nature of Divine Decree
This narration from 'Imran b. Husain addresses the fundamental Islamic doctrine of divine decree (al-qadā' wal-qadar). The two men from Muzaina posed a critical theological question: Are human actions predetermined by God's eternal decree, or do they result from the Prophet's teachings that became obligatory upon believers?
The Prophet's definitive response affirms that all matters are subject to God's preordained decree. This establishes the orthodox Sunni position regarding divine predestination while maintaining human responsibility.
Quranic Verification
The Prophet substantiated his answer by referencing Quran 91:7-8: "By the soul and He who proportioned it and inspired it [with discernment of] its wickedness and its righteousness." This verse demonstrates that God created the human soul with inherent capacity for both good and evil, yet within the framework of divine wisdom.
This Quranic testimony confirms that human nature contains divinely implanted potentials, while the actualization of these potentials occurs within the scope of divine knowledge and decree.
Scholarly Interpretation
Classical scholars explain that this hadith establishes the balance between divine decree and human responsibility. While God has foreknowledge of all events and has decreed them in eternity, humans still possess free will (ikhtiyār) and are accountable for their choices.
The scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jamā'ah maintain that God's decree encompasses everything, yet humans truly acquire their actions and deserve reward or punishment accordingly. This preserves both divine omnipotence and human moral responsibility.
Practical Implications
This understanding leads believers to trust in God's wisdom while striving to do good. It prevents either extreme: complete fatalism that negates human effort, or the belief that humans operate outside divine knowledge and decree.
The proper attitude combines reliance on God (tawakkul) with diligent effort (kasb), recognizing that outcomes ultimately rest with divine decree while human responsibility remains intact.