Tirmidhi

1؎: By «قضاء» is meant the decreed matter (amr muqaddar). Some people say: the meaning is that supplication (du'a) is extremely effective in averting calamity and misfortune, to the extent that if it were possible for decree (qada) to be repelled by anything, it would be by supplication. Meanwhile, some people say: the meaning is that supplication makes the decree easy and light, such that the one making supplication will feel as if the decree did not descend at all. This is also supported by the narration of Tirmidhi, in which supplication is proven to be beneficial for what has already descended of decree and for what has not yet descended as well.

2؎: If the increase in lifespan is in reality, then its meaning is that this increase is according to the knowledge of the angel who is appointed over the lifespan of a person, not in relation to the knowledge of Allah. For example, if it is recorded in the Preserved Tablet (al-Lawh al-Mahfuz) that so-and-so’s lifespan, in the case of performing Hajj and ‘Umrah, will be sixty years, and in the case of not performing Hajj and ‘Umrah, will be forty years, then it is in Allah’s knowledge whether he will perform Hajj and ‘Umrah or not. And in the divine knowledge (ilm al-ilahi), there can be no change or alteration, whereas in the knowledge of the angel, there is the possibility of change.