has befallen them. If they blame their father because of how they themselves have been affected, he reminds them of divine decree.

“Patience” is obligatory by scholarly consensus. Higher than this is contentment with Allah’s decree. Some have held that “contentment” is obligatory, while others have held that it is recommended, which is the correct view. Higher still is to thank Allah for the calamity, recognizing His favor in making it a means of expiating one’s sins, raising one’s rank, turning back to Him, humbly beseeching Him, and sincerely placing one’s trust and hope in Him rather than in created beings.

As for people of transgression and misguidance, you find them invoking divine decree as an excuse when they sin and follow their desires, yet attributing good deeds to themselves when Allah blesses them with them. As some scholars have said: “When you obey, you are a Qadarī; when you sin, a Jabrī. Whatever doctrine suits your desires, you adopt.”

When people of guidance and sound judgment perform a good deed, they recognize Allah’s favor upon them in it: He is the One who blessed them, made them Muslims, enabled them to establish prayer, and inspired them with piety. They recognize that there is neither might nor power except through Him. Through this recognition of divine decree, they are freed from self-admiration, reproachful reminders of their favors, and hurtful conduct. When they commit a sin, they seek Allah’s forgiveness and repent to Him for it.

In Sahīh al-Bukhārī, Shaddād ibn Aws reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The best supplication for forgiveness is for the servant to say: ‘O Allah, You are my Lord; there is no god but You. You created me, and I am Your servant. I remain faithful to Your covenant and promise as best I can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin, so forgive me