What is the True Meaning of Hijab?

What is the True Meaning of Hijab?

By Yasmin Mogahed

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks are due to Allāh, the Lord of  al-`ālamīn. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

Question: Salam, I am a teenage Arab Muslim girl. As a teenager, I feel I have yet to discover the true meaning of a "hijab". Many people I ask give me just one straight forward answer. It is making sure no hair on your head is revealed to any man unrelated to you. I feel there must be a lot more to it than just that, and I am very eager to learn what it is exactly that allows a women to call herself a "muhajaba". Also, I have met and seen many women wearing fashionable headscarves full of designs, prints etc. Does not this go against Islamic teachings?(Muslimah)        

Salām Muslimah.

I would like to commend for your desire to understand the essence of Islam, not just the rituals. May Allāh guide us all to the true wisdom and beauty of His religion, and allow us to submit faithful to Him.

Hijab is a symbol of our worship and servitude to Allāh.

Before we have a true and complete understanding of hijab and its real meaning, one needs to take a step back and start at the beginning. Allāh says in the Qurān (The Words of Allāh), what means:

“We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play.”

[Al-Anbiyā', 21:16]

In this verse Allāh makes clear that everything He created has a purpose. Every star in the sky, every fish in the ocean, and every leaf on a tree was made for a specific reason. So too was the human being created for a specific purpose. Allāh explains this purpose clearly in the Quran. He says what means:

“And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.” 

[Adh-Dhāriyat, 51:56]

It is important to note even the construction of this statement. Allāh did not just say that He created jinn and mankind to worship Him. He began with a negation. He said: "I did not create the jinn and mankind." By saying it in this way, Allāh begins by clearing the board from any other purpose before He states what our one and only purpose is: to worship Him and Him alone.

Now, it is in that context that one should begin to understand the subject of hijab. Hijab should properly be seen as simply another show of devotion to our Creator. Just as we pray and fast because He commanded us to do so, we should view hijab in the very same light.

Just as praying and fasting sincerely for Allāh's pleasure brings us closer to Him, so too does wearing hijab — if done with the same sincerity. By obeying Allāh's commandments, hijab is just another way to worship our Lord. And in so doing, it brings us closer to realizing our purpose of creation.

That purpose can be reflected even in the clothes that we choose to wear. If when we choose our dress, our intention is to please Allāh, that action in itself is an act of worship. In the very choice of one piece of clothing over another, is an act of worship.

Many people like to refer to hijab as a "personal choice". Yes. It is a personal choice. It is a personal choice to submit to Allah Almighty rather than the fashion of society. It is a choice to be beautiful to God, rather than to people. And it is a choice to cover and dignify the body Allāh gave you, rather than give in to a culture that teaches women they are to be sex objects who sell their bodies to market beer.

Hijab is a symbol of modesty

However, hijab should not just be seen as a cloth one puts on the head. Rather hijab is a symbol of our worship and servitude to Allāh. It is a symbol of modesty, which is not just about our attire; it extends to our whole demeanor.

If someone is wearing the hijab of modest clothing but is not modest in their behavior, they have only shown the external modesty. But internal modesty is missing. Because both internal and external modesty is essential, Allāh mentioned the two together in the Quran:

“(30.) Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allāh is All-Aware of what they do. (31.) And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or the (female) slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allāh to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.”

[An-Nur, 24:30-31]

Al-Qurtubi (rahimahullah) said:The phrase, “what is apparent” in the verse “it applies to the face and hands.” In other words, a woman must cover all her body except her face and hands while in the presence of men who are not related to her directly, and the list of those in whose presence she needs not cover is clearly outlined in the above Qur’anic verse. (Al-Qurtubi Al-Jami` li Ahkam Al-Qur’an, vol. 15, p. 213)

In this verse of the Quran, Allāh does not just talk about the dress of modesty, but also the demeanor of modesty. In fact, both internal and external modesty is so important that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) connected it with faith itself.

Unfortunately, we live in a society that teaches the exact opposite. In our society today, modesty is viewed as a sign of weakness and insecurity, when in fact modesty is a sign of dignity and self-respect.

True modesty means not only being modest in front of people, but also in front of Allāh.

Regarding your question about "fashionable hijabs full of designs and prints," there is no black and white answer. The question one must consider is what the purpose of hijab really is, and whether a particular type of dress contradicts that purpose.

For example, if one is wearing a headscarf that is excessively beautified, and therefore draws more attention, one must wonder whether that is fulfilling the object of modesty, both internal and external.

“Aishah (radiyallāhu`anha) reported: Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakar as-Siddiq (radiyallāhu`anhu) came to the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) while wearing thin clothing. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) approached her and said: ‘O Asma! When a girl reaches the menstrual age, it is not proper that anything should remain exposed except this and this. Rasulullah (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam) pointed to the face and hands.” [Recorded by Abu Dawud]

Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said:

“The best of your women are the affectionate, the fertile, the comforting, and the agreeable – if they fear Allāh. The most evil of your women are those who expose and display themselves, and those who strut (to show off), and they are the hypocrites. Those who enter Paradise are like the red beaked crow.”

[Recorded by Al-Baihaqi]

The mentioning of this kind of crow is to highlight that those who enter Paradise will be as rare as this kind of crow.

We see from the above verse and Hadith (prophetic statement) that it is certainly unlawful for a Muslim woman to make a display of herself. Further, it is a quality of the most evil of women. Therefore, do not be envious of the disbelieving women. They only have this life to enjoy, while the believing women will have Paradise. There is nothing in your Hijāb to be ashamed of as it is the garment of the righteous and pious female worshippers of Allāh.

In order to truly show how evil those women who expose themselves are, let us ponder the narration by Abu Hurairah (radiyallāhu`anhu) over the following statement of Allāh’s Messenger (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam), who said:

“Of the people of Hell, there are two types that I have never seen; the first are those holding whips like the tail of an ox with which they flog people. The second are women who would be naked despite being dressed (i.e. either paltry dressed or wearing translucent clothes), who are seduced and who seduce others. Their hair is high like the humps of a camel. These women will not enter Paradise, nor will they smell its fragrance, although its fragrance can be smelled from such and such a (very far) distance.”

[Recorded by Muslim]

We seek Allah’s Guidance in all our affairs; and we ask that He shows us and allows us to remain firm on the straight path.

Anas bin Malik (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported: The supplication most often recited by the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) was: “Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina ‘adhab-annar (O our Rabb! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).”‘ [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

It is desirable to recite this Du’a which is mentioned in the Qur’an (Al-Baqārah, 2:201) and which comprehends all that is good both in this life and the Hereafter. The Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) made it a habit to recite this Du’a, and the Companions were eager to follow him in all his words and actions.

'Abdullah bin Mas’ud (radiyallāhu`anhu) reported: The Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni as‘alukal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-‘afafa, wal-ghina (O Allah! I beseech You for guidance, piety, chastity and contentment).” [Muslim].

 “Guidance” means guidance towards virtue which one needs at every step. The ability to do good and steadfastness on the Right Path is also covered by the term guidance. To comply with the Orders of Allah and to prevent oneself from what He has forbidden is Taqwa (fear of Allah), the importance of which needs no elaboration. ‘Affaf is prevention from sins. It also means evasion from seeking help from others. Ghina means riches which makes one independent of others so much so that all one’s hopes are centered on Allah Alone. The prayer quoted in this Hadith is very comprehensive indeed. 

And Allāh Almighty Knows Best.

[Excerpted with modification Via On Islam dated 2011/12/21]

The length of the Short integrals of Solāh

The length of the Short integrals of Solāh

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of al-'ālamīn. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger.

Question: Is it necessary that the time that you spend between prostrations should be lesser than the time you spend in Prostration? Similarly the time you spend after ruku’, while standing should be lesser than the time you spend in ruku’. When we pray quickly, we sometimes don’t recite anything during ruku’ and sujud. Jazakallāh khyran. (From UAE)

Answer:

A brief standing after ruku’, is called the `itidal and sitting between prostrations are considered short integrals of the solāh. 

Although they are not intended integrals in and of themselves, but rather separators between long integrals, they are nevertheless integrals in the Shāfi`ie School Of Thought. But according to Imām Abu Hanifah (rahimallāh)  and one of two views held by Imām Mālik, rising after ruku’ is not obligatory, thus, one may go directly from ruku’ to prostration without rising up and standing (Fath al-’Aziz 1:512).

Sheikh Sa’id Ba’ishn (rahimahullāh) states that:

If one intentionally lengthens the ‘itidal or the sitting between prostrations beyond the amount of time it takes to recite the prescribed supplications therein, which is equal to the Al-Fatihah in `itidal and the minimal tashahhud when sitting between prostrations, ones solāt is invalidated if one knows that such lengthening will render it nullified; Many scholars preferred the position that these are long integrals. (1:210)

[Bushra al-Karim]

In conclusion, `itidal and sitting between the two prostrations do not have to be shorter than ruku’ and sujud, rather, what is requires is that you do not lengthen the two short integrals beyond the limit mentioned above in Bushra al-Karim.

And Allāh Almighty Knows Best

 [Via Shafiifiqh.com (Fatwa Dept.) on Nov 5, 2011]

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

By Shahul Hamīd

Question: My name is Terrel, a non-Muslim and I am reading a lot about Islām. I have a question and I need a comprehensive answer to it. Why is God allowing much suffering on earth?

In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and Thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-'ālameen. There is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu alayhi wasallam, is His Messenger.

The issue on suffering has been haunting human consciousness from the moment man gained the power of thinking: The question is: If God, that is Allāh the Almighty is good and means well for humankind, why should He allow them to suffer? The answer, one may say, can be found in the universal operation of cause and effect. Basically, human actions are motivated by the hope for desired results. It is the hope for the realization of these results that pushes us forward to do good work.

Islām teaches that evil (calamity, misfortune), which causes suffering, is like one of the twins, the other being good. This is because good in our life on earth is ironically linked to evil. In fact, good in this world cannot exist without bad, as they are two sides of the same coin, and both are relative concepts.

The foregoing means that the inadequacies and deficiencies of this world offer us enough opportunities to engage in creative efforts for improvement; and thus they effectively make our life and work meaningful.

Thus, a little reflection would make us see that both good and evil are equally necessary for the spiritual development of humanity. The spirit grows when it confronts evil and overcomes it to do good. It may read in the Qur'an, which Muslims believe is the word of (God) Allah (Kalamullāh), which means:

 “Nor can goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with what is better: Then will he between whom and thee was hatred become as it were thy friend and intimate! And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint — none but persons of the greatest good fortune.”

[Surah Fussilat, 41:34-35]

The foregoing means that in order to counter evil, immense patience is necessary. Similarly, suffering, which is a natural concomitant of evil, tests the worth and mettle of a person. And the spirits of genuine believers do not weaken under suffering; nor does suffering frighten them or make them desperate.

The superiority of Islām over other philosophies or ideologies can be seen in that it equips its adherents with the spiritual strength to confront evil and overcome suffering. A genuine Muslim accepts physical pain, disease, personal loss of life or property, as an unavoidable test of this life and strives to overcome them with a sense of balance and equanimity.

A genuine Muslim accepts nothing would happen except by the will and decree of Allāh. Allāh Says what means: 

“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allāh”

[Al-Hadid, 57:22]

It simply means that everything that affects Mankind is duly measured and destined. Allāh Almighty reminds of His measuring and deciding the destiny of all things before He created the creation: “No calamity occurs on the earth nor in yourselves” means, ‘there is nothing that touches you or happens in existence,' “but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees before We bring it into existence.” meaning, ‘before We created the creation and started life.’

Allāh Almighty created evil or calamity as a form of test and how they would react.  He says in the Qur'an, which means:

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones.” [Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155];  Or do you think that you will enter Paradise before Allāh tests those of you who fought (in His Cause) and (also) tests those who are As-Sabirun (the patient)?” [Surah Al-Imran, 3: 142] ; “You shall certainly be tried and tested in your wealth and properties and in your personal selves.”[Surah Al-‘Imran, 3: 186]; “Who has created death and life that He may test which of you is best in deed. And He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving.” [Surah al- Mulk, 67:2]

In order to face the trials and tribulations of this world with calmness, we need to realize that everything happens by the permission of Allāh Almighty.  Allāh Almighty says in the Quran what means: 

“And with Him are the keys of the unseen; no one knows them except Him.  And He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls but that He knows it. And no grain is there within the darkness of the earth and no moist or dry [thing] but that is [written] in a clear record.” [Surah Al-An‘am, 6:59]

Indeed, Allāh has power over all things; and the reason why He allows diseases and calamities in a particular situation is beyond our comprehension and for reasons that may not be apparent. Yet, out of His infinite wisdom and mercy, He wants only what is best for us: 

“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Paradise) for them wherein are everlasting delight.”   

[Surah At-Tawbah 9:21]

Believers must try to view both good fortune and bad fortune with an equal temper of mind. The ultimate good they are going to get is certainly in the hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wa sallam-Allāh’s blessing and peace be upon him) said:

"How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good.  If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him.  If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is also good for him."   

[Recorded by Muslim]

Islām teaches that the life of this world is indeed a trial, and what is most beneficial to us ultimately is the good we do. Allāh Almighty Says: 

“In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allāh likes not prideful boasters.”  

[Surah Al-Hadid 57:23]

In his Tafsir, Ibn Kathir said the verse, “In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you.” means, ‘We informed you of Our encompassing knowledge, recording all things before they occur and creating all things in due measure known to Us, so that you may know that what has met you would never have missed you and what has missed you would never have met you. Therefore, do not grieve for what you have missed of fortune, because had it been destined for you, you would have achieved it.’

The phrase “came to you” means “which has been given to you.” Both are interrelated.

The phrase: “And Allāh likes not prideful boasters.” means, ‘who acts arrogantly with other people’. This indicates that Allāh Almighty reminded ‘the believers’: ‘Not to boast before people about what Allāh has favored you with, because it is not you who earned it by your efforts. Rather, all this came your way because Allāh destined them for you and provided them for you as provisions. Therefore, do not use what Allāh has granted you as a reason to boast and become arrogant with others.’

Ikrimah, a renowned scholar, said, "Every one of us experience happiness and grief, nevertheless, make your joy with gratitude and endure your grief with patience.''

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam) also said: "No misfortune or disease befalls a Muslim, no worry or grief or harm or distress — not even a thorn that pricks him — but Allah will expiate for some of his sins because of that."  [Recorded by Al-Bukhari]

We, humans are weak beings; and our first inclination is to weep and wail about our situation, but God, Who is Most Merciful, promises us that after every hardship there is relief: “So verily, with the hardship, there is relief.” [Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:5]

When struck by illness or injury, believers put their trust in God, and are satisfied with whatever God has decreed for them. And at the same time, they pray to their God for the amelioration of the condition, while resorting to the means of remedy available to them.

It is not uncommon for people suffering from debilitating diseases or terrible disabilities, to thank God for their condition, or speak of the way pain and suffering brought blessings and goodness into their lives. When we are feeling utterly helpless and distressed, God is our only refuge. When pain and suffering become unbearable, only God can send us the means of relief.

Complete trust in God and total submission to His will enable a person to peacefully accept all the conditions this world brings — the good and the hard, as well as the exciting and utterly distressing.

Islām teaches that the suffering of this world is a means of our purification; and indeed, God is there to reward us abundantly in the hereafter for our losses and pains.

Believers never lose hope; they trust in the eternal benevolence and mercy of Allāh the Almighty, as He says in the Quran:

 “On no soul doth Allāh Place a burden greater than it can bear.” [Al-Baqarah, 2:286]; “My mercy extends to all things.” [Al-A‘raf, 7:156]

Allāh's mercy is all-pervading, and He fulfills the smallest need of the lowest creature in the most unexpected ways.

We must also accept the calamities and misfortunes are among the signs which Allāh uses as a reminder to mankind.  Allāh the Almighty says:

“And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much” [Al-Shura, 42:30];  “Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allāh, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself” [Al-Nisā’ 4:79]

It is also a test upon us whether we show mercy and compassion to the victims, poor and needy and to provide assistance to them, because the Prophet (Sallallāhu 'alaihi wa sallam) said:

Show mercy, you will be shown mercy.” [Recorded by Imām Ahmad]; “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Have mercy on those who are on earth, and the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.” [Recorded by Abu Dawūd; At-Tirmidzi]; “Whoever meets the need of his brother, Allāh will meet his needs.” [Recorded by Al-Bukhari; Muslim];

The core of the faith in Islam is tawhid and taqwa : the submission to Allah. All other deeds form as part of taqwa and tawhid. Without proper tawhid there would be no fear of Allah. If we fear Allah, and love Him the most, this should lead us to be closer to Him. Otherwise, our claim is not valid or incomplete. Our taqwa and fear should be up to the level. So tawhid is the essence of the message of Allah. He sent the Prophet, (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), with this message and made him an example for us to emulate and follow. Consequently, tawhid (almutab'a) by following the Prophet, (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam), is part of submission to Allah.

Allāh Subhānahu wata‘ala, says: "Verily, the Abrar (pious and righteous) will be in Delight (Jannah). And verily, the Fujjar (the wicked, disbelievers, sinners and evildoers) will be in the blazing Fire (Hell)." [Al-Infitar, 82:13, 14]

Anas Ibn Mālik (radiyallāhu’anhu) who said: “The supplication most often recited by Rasūlullāh (Sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam): Rabbana-ātina-fid-dunya hasanah, Wa fil-ākhirati-hasanah, Wa-qina-‘ādzabānnār (O Lord! Bestow upon us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).’” (Al-Baqārah 2:201) [This is recorded by Al-Bukhāri, Muslim, and Tarmidzi]. Tarmidzi (rahimullāh) said: “Hasanah is very comprehensive and includes in all kinds of good and benefits of this world and of the Hereafter. Good health, wealth and satisfaction of the world and good status in Jannah, forgiveness from sins and Allāh’s bounties and favours in both worlds are included in this duā’” [ Jāmi’ At-Tarmidzi]

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) used to say: "Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-‘afafa wal-ghina (O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency)". [Recorded by Muslim].

The du'a contains four words, the meanings and implications of which constitute its essence. These words are guidance, piety (fear of Allah), chastity and sufficiency. Guidance here means guidance at every turn of life and steadfastness on the path of truth. Fear of Allah is the greatest means of piety and strongest defense against sins. Chastity is the state of being free from what is unlawful. Self-sufficiency is the antonym of poverty and here it means the self-contentment. What it implies is that one should not care for what people possess. In view of all these qualities, the du’a of the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) mentioned in this Hadith is very comprehensive and valuable.

Ibn Abi Hatim and Ibn Jarir recorded that Umm Salamah (radiyallāhu`anha), said that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) used to supplicate: ‘Ya muqallibal-qulubi, thabbit qalbi `ala dinik (O Controller of the hearts make my heart steadfast in Your religion).” Rasulullah (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) then recited: Rabbana la tuzia’qulubana ba’ daiz hadaitana wahab Lana min laduñ karahmah; Iñnaka an tal wahhāb. (Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after Thou have guided us, and grant us mercy from Thou. Truly, Thou are the Bestower.) (Al-’Imran, 3:8) [This is recorded by Muslim and At-Tirmidzi]

And Allāh Almighty knows best.

[Via On Islam dated 28^th November, 2011with minor modifications]

All Occurs By the Will and Decree of Allāh.

All Occurs By the Will and Decree of Allāh.

What could affect the Qadar (what has already been written for us) of Allāh Almighty?

Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful;

All the praise and thanks is due to Allāh, the Lord of the al-`ālameen. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allāh, and that Muhammad, Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam is His Messenger.

Allāh Almighty Says:

“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of decree (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allāh In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allāh likes not prideful boasters.”

 [Al-Hadid 57, 22-23]

1.Nothing exists except by the will and decree of Allāh

Allāh Almighty says:

“No calamity befalls on the earth or in yourselves but is inscribed in the Book of Decrees (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz), before We bring it into existence. Verily, that is easy for Allāh  

[Al-Hadid 57:22]

Ibn Kathir (rahimahullāh) in his Tafsir said: “Everything that affects Mankind is duly measured and destined”.

Allāh reminds of His measuring and deciding the destiny of all things before He created the creation: “No calamity occurs on the earth nor in yourselves” meaning, ‘there is nothing that touches you or happens in existence,' “but it is inscribed in the Book of Decrees before We bring it into existence.” meaning, ‘before We created the creation and started life.’ 

Qatadah (rahimahullāh) commented on this Ayah: “No calamity occurs on the earth” refers to famine, while, “or nor in yourselves” refers to suffering and diseases.'' He also said, “We were told that every person who suffers a prick of a thorn, a twisted ankle, or a bleeding vein, has it occur on account of his sins. What Allāh forgives is even more.” This great Ayah provides clear evidence to the misguidance of the cursed Qadariyyah sect, who deny Allāh’s Preordainment and His knowledge of everything before it occurs. 

`Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-`As (radhiyallāhu`anhu) narrated, who said: "I heard the Messenger of Allāh (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) say, “Allāh ordained the measures (of everything) fifty thousand years before He created the heavens and the earth.'' [Recorded by Muslim, Ahmad] 

Allāh’s statement, “Verily, that is easy for Allāh.” means that He knows all things before they occur, and He records them exactly as they will occur when they occur, and this is easy for Him. Verily, Allāh knows what happened, what will happen and what did not happen, and what shape and form it will take if it were to happen.

2.Allāh Almighty Orders Patience and Gratitude

Allāh further said:

“In order that you may not be sad over matters that you fail to get, nor rejoice because of that which has been given to you. And Allāh likes not prideful boasters.” 

[Al-Hadid 57:23]

The ayat, “In order that you may not grieve at the things over that you fail to get, nor rejoice over that which has been given to you.” meaning, ‘We informed you of Our encompassing knowledge, recording all things before they occur and creating all things in due measure known to Us, so that you may know that what has met you would never have missed you and what has missed you would never have met you. Therefore, do not grieve for what you have missed of fortune, because had it been destined for you, you would have achieved it.’ (It is also recited :) “nor rejoice over that which came to you”

 

The phrase “came to you” means “which has been given to you.” Both meanings are related. Allāh says here, ‘do not boast before people about what Allāh has favored you with, because it is not you who earned it by your efforts. Rather, all this came your way because Allāh destined them for you and provided them for you as provisions. Therefore, do not use what Allāh has granted you as a reason to boast and become arrogant with others.’ 

Allāh’s statement: “And Allāh likes not prideful boasters.” meaning, who acts arrogantly with other people. `Ikrimah (rahimahullāh) commented by saying, "Every one of us experience happiness and grief. However, make your joy with gratitude and endure your grief with patience.''

[Tafsir Ibn Kathir]

And the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.”[Narrated and classified as sahih by At-Tirmidzi (2516), from the hadith of Ibn `Abbās.]

Al-Mubarakfuri (rahimahullāh) said: “The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried” means, what has been decreed has been written in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfouz (the Book of Decrees), and nothing else will be written after that is done.

[Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 7/186]

The writing is of two types: firstly a kind which cannot be altered or changed, which is what is in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfouz, and secondly a type which may be altered or changed, which is in the hands of the angels. And the ultimate outcome is what is written in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfouz. This is one of the meanings of the words of Allāh:

“Allāh blots out what He wills and confirms (what He wills). And with Him is the Mother of the Book (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfouz)”

 [Al-Rad, 13:39]

Hence, we can comprehend what was narrated in the Sunnah, that upholding family ties increases one’s lifespan or increases one’s provision; or that duā’ can alter the divine decree. For Allāh knows whether His servants will uphold the ties of kinship or make duā’, so He writes in Al-Lawh Al-Mahfouz that this person will have more provision or a longer life span.

Ibn Taimiyyah (rahimahullāh) said:

Provision is of two types:

1.That which Allāh knows He will provide, which cannot be changed.

2. That which He has prescribed and told to the angels. This may increase or decrease depending on causes.

If Allāh commands the angels to write provision for a person if he upholds the ties of kinship and because of it Allāh will increase his provision. It was proven in Al-Sahihayn that the Prophet (Sallallāhu `alayhi wasallam) said: “Whoever would like his provision to be increased and his life span to be extended let him uphold the ties of kinship.” Similarly the life span of Dawud (`alaihis-Salām) was extended by sixty years and Allāh made it one hundred years, after it was originally forty. This is as `Umar Ibn Khattab (radhiyallāhu`anhu) said: “O Allāh , if you have decreed that I am to be doomed, then erase that and make me one of those who are to be blessed, because You blot out whatever You will and confirm whatever You will.”

Similarly Allāh said of Nuh (`alaihis-Salām): “That you should worship Allāh (Alone), fear (be dutiful to) Him, and obey me, He (Allāh) will forgive you of your sins and respite you to an appointed term” [Surah Nuh, 71:3-4]

And there is a great deal of corroborating evidence. The means of acquiring provision comes under the heading of that which Allāh has decreed. If it has been decreed that a person will earn his provision by means of his work and efforts, and then Allāh will cause him to work and strive and that which is decreed for him by means of his work it will not come to him without him working to earn it. And what has been decreed for him without his having to earn it, such as an inheritance, will come to him without him working for it.

Work or striving is of two types: striving in work for the sake of earning a living, such as industry, farming and business; and striving in du’a, putting one's trust in Allāh, treating others kindly, and so on. Allāh will help His servants so long as His servants help his brother.

[Majmu’ al-Fatawa, 8/540, 541]

Allāh Almighty Knows Best.