Divine Decree and Foreordainment By Shaykh Muhammad Al-Uthaymin

Belief in divine decree (al-qadar) is the sixth and final pillar of iman — and one of the most misunderstood. Some have used qadar as an excuse for leaving off deeds, claiming that what is written cannot be changed. Others have gone to the opposite extreme, denying that Allah's decree encompasses the servant's actions at all. The correct position of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah navigates between these two errors with precision and clarity.

Divine Decree and Foreordainment by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin is a concise and authoritative explanation of qadar — what it means, what its four levels are, and how a Muslim correctly understands the relationship between Allah's absolute decree and the servant's real will and choice.

What This Book Covers

The Four Levels of Belief in Qadar

Belief in qadar has four levels, all of which must be affirmed: Allah's eternal knowledge of everything that will occur; His writing of all things in the Preserved Tablet; His will — that everything that exists does so by His will and nothing occurs outside it; and His creation of all things. The Shaykh explains each level with its evidential basis from the Qur'an and Sunnah.

The Servant's Will and Responsibility

Allah's decree does not remove the servant's real choice and real responsibility. The Shaykh explains how the servant's will operates within — and does not conflict with — Allah's encompassing will, and why a person is accountable for their actions even though Allah knew and decreed them. This resolves the confusion that leads many to either fatalism or denial.

Qadar as Part of Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah

The Shaykh situates qadar within the broader framework of Tawheed — specifically Tawheed ar-Rububiyyah, the Oneness of Allah's Lordship. Everything that happens is under His Lordship, creation, ownership, and management. Understanding qadar correctly deepens a Muslim's understanding of who Allah is and strengthens reliance upon Him.

About the Author

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-Uthaymin (1347–1421 AH / 1929–2001 CE) was one of the most prominent and prolific scholars of the modern era, a member of the Senior Scholars Council of Saudi Arabia, and a student of Shaykh Abdur-Rahman Nasir as-Sa'di. His explanations of matters of creed are valued above all for their clarity on precisely the questions where students most often go astray. Published by Authentic Statements Publications.

Who This Book Is For

Every Muslim who wants to understand what it means to believe in qadar correctly — and why the correct position on divine decree is the foundation of tawakkul, patience in trials, and a sound Islamic worldview. Particularly valuable for anyone who has encountered the argument that predestination removes human responsibility and wants the answer of Ahlus-Sunnah with its evidence.

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Qadar is one of six pillars of iman — the same Shaykh covers all six together in The Creed of Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah. For a full study order, see our guide to the best aqeedah books for beginners and browse the aqeedah and Islamic creed collection.