restricted; we do not have an unfettered right of disposal. Should someone wish to deal with his wealth in an absolute manner—for a purpose not sanctioned by the law—we say to him, “Hold back! You may not do so,” for the property belongs to Allah. Therefore, use it only in the way He has permitted.

For this reason the Prophet said, “To Allah belongs whatever He takes and to Him belongs whatever He gives.” If what He takes already belongs to Him, why should we panic? How can we resent the Owner for reclaiming what is His? Such an attitude contradicts both sound reason and revealed texts.

He further said, “And everything with Him is set for a stated term.” Everything rests with Him according to a precise measure, just as Allah, Exalted is He, says in the Noble Quran, “And everything with Him is by measure” (al-Raʿd 13:8). That measure includes its time, its place, its very being, its attributes—every detail connected to it is predetermined by Allah.

“For a stated term” means a fixed appointment. Once you are sure of this—“To Allah belongs what He takes and to Him belongs what He gives, and everything with Him is set for a stated term”—you will be satisfied. This last clause affirms that no one can alter what has been decreed for a future moment, neither advancing it nor delaying it, as Allah says, “Every nation has an appointed term; when their term arrives, they can neither postpone it by an hour nor advance it” (Yunus 10:49). If something is decreed and can come neither sooner nor later, then fretting and discontent are pointless, for whether you worry or object, you will not change what has been destined.

The Messenger of Allah then conveyed to his daughter the exact words he had been told to deliver. Yet she sent to him again, asking him to come in person. He, peace and blessings be upon him, rose with a group of his Companions and went to her. The child was brought to him while his breath was rattling—quivering, rising and falling—so the Prophet wept, and tears filled his eyes. Then he said—