Four Aspects of Al-Qadar and Their Meanings

1. Ilm (Knowledge): Allah's knowledge encompasses everything in the universe. He knows

what has happened, what will happen, and what could have happened.

o Example: Allah knows the choices each person will make in their lifetime.

2. Kitabah (Writing): Allah has recorded all that will happen in the preserved tablet (Al-Lawh
Al-Mahfuz).

o Example: Every event in the universe, from the movement of galaxies to a leaf falling
from a tree, is written down.

3. Mashiah (Will): Nothing happens except by Allah's will. Everything that occurs, whether
good or bad, is by His divine decree.

o Example: A person getting a job, recovering from an illness, or facing a calamity all
happen according to Allah's will.

4. Khalq (Creation): Allah is the creator of all things, including actions, events, and outcomes.

o Example: Allah creates the ability for humans to act, speak, and think.

Categories of Human Actions

1. Mandatory Actions (Fard): Actions required by Allah, such as the five daily prayers.

o Example: Performing Salah (prayers).

2. Recommended Actions (Mustahabb): Actions that are not obligatory but are rewarded if
done.

o Example: Giving charity beyond the obligatory Zakat.

3. Permissible Actions (Mubah): Actions that are neither rewarded nor punished.

o Example: Eating halal food.

4. Disliked Actions (Makruh): Actions that are discouraged but not sinful if done.

o Example: Wasting water during ablution.

5. Forbidden Actions (Haram): Actions that are prohibited and sinful.

o Example: Stealing.

Benefits of Al-Qadar

Belief in Al-Qadar, the divine decree, offers many benefits that enhance personal faith and
community harmony. It strengthens faith in Allah, fostering trust in His wisdom and justice. This
belief encourages patience during hardships, knowing that trials are part of Allah's plan, and it
promotes humility and submission to His will. As a result, it brings contentment and peace, with the
understanding that everything happens for a reason.

The Prophet's (phub) Sayings on the Attitude of the Believer

The Prophet Muhammad (phub) emphasized that a believer should maintain a positive attitude
regardless of circumstances, showing gratitude in good times and patience during difficulties. He
said: "Amazing is the affair of the believer, for there is good for him in every matter and this is not
the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good
for him. If he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him." (Muslim)

Influence of Believing in Qadar on the Fear of Death

Belief in Qadar helps reduce the fear of death by instilling the understanding that life and death are
part of Allah's divine plan. It brings peace and acceptance, knowing that every soul will experience
death at its appointed time.

Beginning and End of Human Life

 Start: Human life begins at the moment of conception, when the soul is breathed into the
fetus, typically 120 days after conception.

 End: Human life ends when the soul leaves the body, marking the moment of death.

Five Laws and Guidance Concerning Rizq (Provision)

1. Trust in Allah: Believing that Allah is the ultimate provider.

2. Hard Work: Striving to earn a lawful livelihood.

3. Contentment: Being satisfied with what Allah provides.

4. Avoiding Prohibited Means: Ensuring that earnings come from halal (permissible) sources.

5. Gratitude: Being thankful for what one has been given.

Four Things to Gain and Increase Wealth

1. Taqwa (Piety): Fear of Allah and adherence to His commands.

2. Charity: Regular giving in charity increases blessings.

3. Seeking Forgiveness: Repenting and seeking Allah's forgiveness.

4. Maintaining Family Ties: Strengthening relationships with relatives.

Types of Rizq

1. Material Rizq: Tangible provisions like food, money, and shelter.

2. Spiritual Rizq: Intangible blessings such as knowledge, wisdom, and faith.

3. Health Rizq: Physical well-being and health.

4. Barakah: Blessings and increase in what one has, making it more beneficial.

Steps in Hajj

The steps of Hajj, performed in a specific order, begin with Ihram, where pilgrims enter a state of
purity and make the intention for Hajj. Next, they perform Tawaf, circling the Kaaba seven times.
Following this, pilgrims engage in Sai, walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah. They then
proceed to Arafat, where they pray and supplicate and make dua till maghrib. Afterward, pilgrims
spend the night in Muzdalifah, collecting pebbles for the next ritual and pray there for maghrib and
Isha. At the tenth day of Thul Hijah they throw pebbles at pillars symbolizing Shaytan. This is
followed by the sacrifice of a camel. Then you shave the head or cut your hair. Pilgrims then perform
Tawaf, another circulation of the Kaaba 7 times but this time with normal clothes.

Importance and Benefits of Hajj

 Importance: Hajj is a pillar of Islam, symbolizing submission to Allah and unity among
Muslims.

 Benefits: Spiritual purification, strengthening of faith, forgiveness of sins, and fostering

global Muslim unity.

Relationship Between Free Will and Qadar

Islam teaches that humans have free will to make choices, but those choices and their outcomes are
within Allah's knowledge and decree (Qadar). This balance emphasizes personal responsibility while
recognizing divine sovereignty.

Mubtilaat-us-Siyam (Nullifiers of Fasting)

Actions that invalidate fasting include eating, drinking, intentional vomiting, sexual intercourse, and
menstruation or postnatal bleeding.

Talbiyah

A prayer recited by pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah, expressing their readiness to respond to Allah's
call.

Word Meanings

 Qadaa: Divine decree, the execution of what has been predestined.

 Miqaat: Designated places where pilgrims put on Ihram.

 Kaffarah: Expiation or atonement for sins or mistakes.

State of Ihram: Permissible and Forbidden Actions

Permissible: Worship, supplication, and fulfilling the rituals of Hajj. Forbidden: Cutting hair or nails,
wearing stitched clothing (for men), using perfume, engaging in marital relations, and harming
wildlife.

Exemptions from Fasting

 Children: Not yet reached puberty.

 Elderly: Physically unable to fast.

 Sick: With a condition worsened by fasting.

 Travelers: On long journeys.

 Pregnant/Nursing Women: If fasting endangers their health or their child's.

 Menstruating Women: Prohibited from fasting during menstruation.

Breaking Fast Intentionally During Ramadan

If a Muslim breaks their fast intentionally, they must:

1. Repent: Sincerely seek Allah's forgiveness.

2. Make up the fast: Fast another day after Ramadan.

3. Kaffarah: For certain violations (like sexual relations), fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60
poor people.