A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan.
The Book of Destiny - Sahih Muslim 2664
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim's "Book of Destiny" contains multiple layers of wisdom concerning faith, divine decree, and spiritual conduct.
The Superiority of Strong Faith
A believer with strong faith (iman) is superior to one with weak faith, not in physical strength but in spiritual conviction, trust in Allah, and steadfastness in obedience. This strength manifests in greater reliance upon Allah, more consistent worship, and better character.
Allah loves such believers more because they actualize the purpose of creation - to worship Him with excellence and fulfill their trust (amanah) in the most complete manner.
Recognizing Good in Every Situation
"There is good in everyone" refers to the divine wisdom that every believer possesses some goodness, and every situation contains potential benefit. The wise believer focuses on what benefits their ultimate success in the Hereafter rather than temporary worldly gains.
The Threefold Path to Success
"Cherish that which gives you benefit" - Prioritize actions and pursuits that yield eternal reward over temporary pleasures.
"Seek help from Allah" - Acknowledge human incapacity and constantly turn to the All-Powerful for assistance in all matters.
"Do not lose heart" - Maintain spiritual resilience against difficulties, knowing that with hardship comes ease and divine testing leads to elevation.
Proper Response to Adversity
When facing difficulty, the believer must avoid saying "If I had done such-and-such, this wouldn't have happened." Such "if" statements reflect dissatisfaction with divine decree and open doors for Satanic whispers of regret and doubt.
Instead, one should affirm "Allah decreed what He willed," accepting Qadr with contentment. This attitude closes Satan's access points and transforms trials into opportunities for spiritual growth and reward.
Theological Implications
This hadith beautifully integrates the principles of divine decree (qadr) with human responsibility. While Allah has predetermined all matters, humans are still accountable for their choices and attitudes toward what befalls them.
The balance between striving for excellence in faith and accepting divine decree represents the middle path of Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah between fatalism and denial of predestination.