'A slave (of Allah) shall not believe until he believes in Al-Qadar, its good and its bad, such that he knows that what struck him would not have missed him, and that what missed him would not have struck him."
Chapter on Al-Qadar - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2144
The Text and Its Meaning
The noble hadith states: "A slave (of Allah) shall not believe until he believes in Al-Qadar, its good and its bad, such that he knows that what struck him would not have missed him, and that what missed him would not have struck him."
This establishes that belief in divine decree (al-qadar) is an essential pillar of complete faith (iman). The phrase "its good and its bad" refers to all that Allah has preordained, whether perceived by human beings as favorable or unfavorable.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Tirmidhi classified this hadith as hasan sahih (good and authentic). The scholars explain that true faith requires acceptance of Allah's complete knowledge and preordainment of all matters.
The statement "what struck him would not have missed him" affirms that everything occurs by Allah's precise measure and wisdom. Nothing happens randomly or outside His knowledge and decree.
This belief does not negate human responsibility for actions, as Allah has granted choice within His overarching knowledge. Rather, it cultivates contentment with divine judgment and protection from despair during trials.
Practical Implications
Belief in al-qadar brings spiritual tranquility, as the believer understands that both blessings and trials serve divine wisdom.
This conviction prevents arrogance during prosperity and despair during adversity, recognizing all conditions as tests from Allah.
The complete believer therefore combines trust in Allah's decree with striving to do good, seeking Allah's pleasure in all circumstances.