Is It Correct to Say “Divine Decree or Allah’s Favor Intervened”? – Shar‘ī Guidance
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām
To what extent can Divine Decree (Taqdīr) be used as a basis or explanation for an event? Is it appropriate to say, “Taqdīr intervened in this matter” or “Allah’s favor intervened”?
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
When someone says:
“Taqdīr (Divine Decree) intervened in this matter,”
this expression is incorrect.
✖ Saying “Taqdīr intervened” implies, linguistically, that Divine Decree interfered in a matter in a way that seems intrusive or unjust,
while in reality:
✔ Taqdīr is not an external intruder; it is the very foundation of all occurrences.
✔ Divine Decree is the preordained system of Allah ﷻ by which all events take place.
Therefore, this phrasing — “Taqdīr intervened” — misrepresents the true nature of Qadar and is not a correct expression.
Instead of saying “Taqdīr intervened”, it is more correct and respectful to say:
◈ “Qadāʾ wa Qadar (Divine Decree) has descended.”
◈ “Divine Decree has prevailed.”
These phrases are more in line with Islamic understanding and do not convey any improper or unintended meanings.
When someone says:
“Allah’s favor intervened,”
— this, too, is an inappropriate form of expression.
Rather, one should say:
◈ “Allah’s favor has been granted.”
◈ “This is the demand of Allah’s favor.”
Such expressions are correct and aligned with Sharī‘ah, as they do not contain any elements of misinterpretation or disrespect.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
Taken from: Fatāwā Arkān-e-Islām❖ Question:
To what extent can Divine Decree (Taqdīr) be used as a basis or explanation for an event? Is it appropriate to say, “Taqdīr intervened in this matter” or “Allah’s favor intervened”?
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh. Ammā ba‘d:
When someone says:
“Taqdīr (Divine Decree) intervened in this matter,”
this expression is incorrect.
❖ Why This Expression Is Improper:
✖ Saying “Taqdīr intervened” implies, linguistically, that Divine Decree interfered in a matter in a way that seems intrusive or unjust,
while in reality:
✔ Taqdīr is not an external intruder; it is the very foundation of all occurrences.
✔ Divine Decree is the preordained system of Allah ﷻ by which all events take place.
Therefore, this phrasing — “Taqdīr intervened” — misrepresents the true nature of Qadar and is not a correct expression.
❖ More Appropriate Phrases to Use:
Instead of saying “Taqdīr intervened”, it is more correct and respectful to say:
◈ “Qadāʾ wa Qadar (Divine Decree) has descended.”
◈ “Divine Decree has prevailed.”
These phrases are more in line with Islamic understanding and do not convey any improper or unintended meanings.
❖ Likewise, Regarding Allah’s Favor:
When someone says:
“Allah’s favor intervened,”
— this, too, is an inappropriate form of expression.
Rather, one should say:
◈ “Allah’s favor has been granted.”
◈ “This is the demand of Allah’s favor.”
Such expressions are correct and aligned with Sharī‘ah, as they do not contain any elements of misinterpretation or disrespect.
هٰذَا مَا عِندِي، وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ بِالصَّوَاب
This is what I hold to be correct. And Allah knows best what is right.
