corrupt and a grave error. It is inconceivable that even a person with the least knowledge and faith would suppose that everyone who sins is beyond reproach merely because the sin was decreed for him, while hearing what Allah has related in the Quran about His punishment of the people of Noah, Ād, Thamūd, Pharaoh, Midian, and the people of Lot (1), among others.

Divine decree encompasses all creation. If sinners were excused, those peoples would not have been punished for their sins. Such a person also knows what Allah sent Muhammad and His other messengers with concerning the punishment of transgressors, as found in the Torah and the Quran (2); what Allah commanded regarding the prescribed penalties against those who spread corruption and fighting the disbelievers; what Allah ordained regarding securing justice for the wronged against the wrongdoers; and how He will judge among His servants on the Day of Resurrection by punishing the disbelievers (3) and exacting redress for the wronged from the wrongdoer. We have discussed this at length elsewhere.

The point of the hadith, however, is that whatever calamities befall a servant have been decreed for him, and he should submit to Allah’s decree. Allah Most High says:

“No calamity befalls except by Allah’s permission. Whoever believes in Allah, He guides his heart.”

[Surah al-Taghābun: 11]

Alqama said:

“This refers to the man (4) who is struck by a calamity and knows that it is from Allah, so he is content and submits.”

Al-Wālibī narrated from Ibn Abbās:

“He guides his heart to certainty, so that he knows that whatever befell him could never have missed him, and whatever missed him could never have befallen him.”

Ibn al-Sā’ib and Ibn Qutayba said:

“When he is tried, he is patient; when he is blessed, he is grateful; and when he is wronged, he forgives.”