The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2653 b

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Allah ordained the measures (of quality) of the creation fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth, as His Throne was upon water.

Commentary on Divine Preordination

This profound hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic doctrine of al-Qadr (Divine Decree). The "measures" refer to the precise determinations of all creation - their forms, provisions, lifespans, and ultimate destinies. Allah's knowledge and decree preceded actual creation by fifty thousand years, demonstrating that nothing occurs outside His perfect wisdom.

The mention of the Throne upon water indicates this occurred during the primordial state of creation, before the formation of the physical universe. This emphasizes that Allah's knowledge is eternal and independent of time, encompassing all that was, is, and shall be.

Scholarly Perspectives

Imam An-Nawawi explains this refers to Allah's eternal knowledge recording all matters of creation. The "fifty thousand years" symbolizes a vast, incomparable period, not necessarily a literal earthly measurement.

Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this hadith confirms that divine decree encompasses both good and evil, but Allah only wills good while permitting evil for greater wisdom. The believer accepts this while maintaining responsibility for choices.

Practical Implications

This teaching fosters contentment with divine apportionment (qismah) and trust in Allah's wisdom. It reminds believers that their provisions, trials, and opportunities are precisely measured by the All-Knowing.

While affirming divine decree, Muslims must still strive righteously and make lawful efforts, for the means are also decreed. This balance between trust in Allah and responsible action defines the Islamic approach to destiny.