for he knows that death is inevitable, and when its appointed time arrives it will not be deferred; no fortress or army can hold it back: “Wherever you may be, death will overtake you—even if you should be inside towering fortresses.” 1 And: “Say, ‘Even if you had remained in your homes, those for whom killing had been decreed would still have gone forth to their deathbeds.’” 2

Thus, when the warrior feels these powerful impulses born of faith in the divine decree, he advances in his struggle until victory over the enemy is secured and strength accrues to Islam and the Muslims.

Belief in qadar likewise breeds productivity and prosperity. Once the believer realizes that people can neither harm him except with something Allah has already written against him, nor benefit him except with something Allah has already written for him, he will not sink into fatalistic passivity (tawākul), he will not fear any creature, and he will not rely on them. Rather, he relies on Allah and pursues lawful earnings. Should he suffer a setback and fail to attain his goal, that does not deter him from continuing his efforts or close the door of hope. He does not say, “Had I done such-and-such, such-and-such would have happened.” Instead he says, “This is Allah’s decree, and He does whatever He wills,” then presses on, trusting Allah while correcting his mistake and holding himself to account. In this way the fabric of society is strengthened and its interests are properly ordered.

Allah, exalted is He, has spoken the truth: “Whoever puts his trust in Allah—He will suffice him. Allah will surely accomplish His purpose; Allah has set a measure for everything.” 3

All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the worlds.