How to Understand Allah's Wisdom in His Decrees

Introduction & Khutbah Opening

I seek refuge with Allah from the evil of our souls and from the evil of our deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, none can misguide him, and whosoever He sends astray, none can guide him. And I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, alone, with no partner.

And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.

O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.

O you people, fear your Lord, Who created you from one soul, and created from it a wife, and spread among them many men and women. And fear Allah, with whom you ask for mercy. Indeed, Allah is ever watching over you.

O you who have believed, fear Allah and say the right words. Your deeds will be corrected, and your sins will be forgiven. And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has won a great triumph.

Know, O servants of Allah, that the best speech is the speech of Allah, the Exalted. And the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. And the worst of things are its innovations, and every innovation is a newly invented matter, and every newly invented matter is a misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Fire.

Understanding Allah's Wisdom in His Decrees

My dear brothers and sisters, in this materialistic world, it is all based on cause and effect. We see things from that perspective, but as a believer, as a Muslim, I'm thinking about what happened at the end of this past year. We thought that with the resilience of the people of Gaza, and how much they showed of taqwa and iman, that the victory of Allah should be coming to them — against the tyrant, the genocide that has happened against them, that Allah will give them victory against these oppressors.

What happened? The year ended, and now we start a new year. And Allah knows what could happen there in the future. Even for us Muslims here in America, as we prepare right now for the new presidency, we start a new year with events that could tarnish even your beginning as a Muslim. And may Allah make it easy for all of us.

But with all of that, then we start thinking about: when is the victory of Allah coming? If the words of Allah are true — and they are true — how should we then understand them? After a whole year of du'a, whether it's in Ramadan, out of Ramadan, during Umrah, during Hajj this year, I made so much du'a. But what's happening? How should I understand the qadar of Allah as a Muslim, as a believer? I don't want to lose my iman. I don't want to lose my trust in Allah's promise. But I'm a human being after all. I get affected as well with all that I see around me.

How should I understand the qadar of Allah, the wisdom behind Allah's decree? My dear brothers and sisters, even though we see things maybe in a negative perspective, we see that the situation in Gaza is extended even into this year. SubhanAllah, in the first hour of 2025, 15 people — 15 Palestinians, innocent people — were murdered. And we're still counting. How long is it going to take? What is it taking the people to wake up to this genocide, making sure that it doesn't continue?

But as a Muslim, I should be even more concerned about this matter than anything else. It's my responsibility — first of all, to Allah, and to my fellow brothers and sisters around the world, and particularly in this area — that at least I bring justice to them. But how should I understand Allah's hikmah, Allah's wisdom, and what's happening around me in this world?

So here are a few things that we need to consider to keep our iman strong, ya jama'a, and to make sure we understand that Allah, ultimately, will bring that victory.

Brothers and sisters, throughout all this time in Gaza, people were hoping that 2024 would not end before a resolution came to this situation. And it's over, and now we're in 2025. There is no hope yet. But then, in a situation similar to this — in Syria — may Allah bring the blessings of that victory to the people of the world — they never thought that this was going to happen. Victory was never even close to them. And Allah brought it to them, subhanAllah, in a very sudden way. Every single power on this earth right now is racing to go to Syria to make sure that they get part of that victory. Allah's ways are very unique.

So how should I understand the qadar of Allah? When there's no hope, and Allah brings it suddenly. And we have so much hope, but it's been delayed. The gratification has been delayed. So what's the hikmah, the wisdom, behind that?

Point One: Allah's Absolute Knowledge and Wisdom

Number one, the first thing that I need to believe in and make sure that I understand very well: Allah's absolute knowledge and wisdom. I should have absolutely no doubt in this. Because Allah knows what's happening — it's not secret, it's not hidden from Him. What our brothers and sisters in India, the Rohingya, in Syria, everywhere in the world, in Gaza and Palestine — what they're going through, Allah knows it. He knows what's happening to them.

So if Allah has that knowledge, then there has to be an absolute hikmah and wisdom behind it. Because Allah has called Himself in the Qur'an عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ — He is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. Now that wisdom might be very apparent and easy for us to recognize. And sometimes it requires a lot of patience and a lot of scrutiny to find that wisdom. And sometimes the ultimate wisdom is for you to submit to His power — that He is the one in control. When He allows something, it will happen. In 11 days, change can happen. And Allah has all the ultimate hikmah and wisdom behind everything that He does.

Allah says:

Perhaps you dislike something, and there is so much khair in it for you. And you might like something else, and there is so much evil that is embedded therein for you. Allah has the knowledge that you don't have.

Brothers and sisters, the absolute knowledge of Allah gives you comfort that He knows what's happening. He knows by His wisdom when this should be delivered. Even if it is delayed, Allah knows best.

Point Two: Trusting Allah's Rahmah and Mercy

The second thing, my dear brothers and sisters: I trust Allah's rahmah and mercy. He called Himself Ar-Rahman Ar-Rahim. Are you going to tell me that you have more mercy on the people of the world than Allah, their Creator?

With all that our brothers and sisters are going through, I know it's very painful to see what's happening. There's no doubt about it. We're humans. We react to this emotionally. But I have the absolute trust that Allah's rahmah and mercy is closer to them — more than I would think — even though they're going through all these difficulties and hardships. I trust that Allah's mercy is there. That is Allah — He is the Most Merciful. And I need to believe in that. Even if they don't get their reward in this dunya, I know that Allah's mercy is there for them also in the akhira.

Brothers and sisters, Allah made this very clear. The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has written something upon Himself before He even initiated this creation:

My mercy will always prevail over My wrath. Allah's rahmah is always there.

Point Three: Viewing Allah's Creation Holistically

The third thing, my dear brothers and sisters: I need to think about Allah's creation holistically. Sometimes we only think about human beings as part of Allah's creation. We think about us — for example, the Muslims or one particular area — and we try to understand Allah's hikmah and wisdom through that very micro area of His creation. But if you zoom out and see Allah's magnificent creation — the heavens and the earth, the universe — how everything runs with qadar, as Allah mentioned:

Everything was created with a measure — everything has a calculated measure for it. The alternation of the day and night. The cold weather and the hot weather. The seasons. Human beings. Life and death. Sickness and health. All that you see — everything was created with measure.

So if I know that Allah has created everything with measure, I would know as well that defeat and victory also have their measurement. Pain and wellness. Happiness, joy, and sorrow. Everything has a measure. And Allah has shown us through this whole creation that everything has that measurement. And when you look at it, you realize nothing — nothing — is random in the creation of Allah. So what happens there, again, has that hikmah and wisdom behind it.

But still, for us as believers, even the afflictions, even hardships, are part of a bigger plan. And Allah gave us peace and tranquility through the words of the Prophet ﷺ:

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5641; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2573)

In this hadith, the Prophet ﷺ says that nothing afflicts a believer — nothing that hurts a believer. And the Prophet mentioned things such as وَصَبٌ وَلَا نَصَبٌ — pain or fatigue, being exhausted. He said ﷺ: وَلَا هَمٌّ وَلَا حَزَنٌ — grief or sorrow. وَلَا أَذًى وَلَا غَمٌّ — nothing afflicts you, physical or emotional, nothing — except that Allah will give you reward for it.

So I know that even going through hardships, it's part of the process, part of the qadar, the measurement of Allah for me as a human being — perhaps to straighten my ways, maybe to make me a better person, a stronger person, maybe just to provoke that rahmah and mercy because of what I'm going through, so I can see what others also are going through.

There Is No Absolute Evil in Allah's Creation

My dear brothers and sisters, we all sometimes see things from one perspective. When we see something hard and difficult or evil, we think of it as absolute evil. But there is no such thing in Allah's creation as an absolute evil. Even destructions, even hurricanes, even tornadoes. Yes, absolutely — it's painful. We cry. We see events to which we cannot hold ourselves but react emotionally. But I know at the end of the day, Allah knows — there is a hikmah behind it. Something good might be coming out of this.

Shaykh Ibn Taymiyyah rahimahullah says: when it comes to Allah, you have to understand that absolute evil is inexistent in Allah's actions. There is no such thing as absolute evil. Everything has a wisdom behind it from Allah.

What Is My Position? What Can I Do?

So what's my position in all of this? As a believer, I'll try my best to understand Allah's hikmah. What does Allah want from me in this situation? Does He want me to be just a pacifist — to just look at the situation, bypass this whole crisis with just du'a and move on? Or does He want me to take action right now? And if so, what kind of action can I take?

What's my position in this world, in this life? What's my position as an individual that I can really use to bring some positive change to the world? Am I a speaker, so I can speak out? An influencer? Alhamdulillah, a wealthy person who can donate to those who can bring that change? Am I someone who has, alhamdulillah, the strength and the physical ability to go and help, assist, and deliver aid to other people? What can I really do? Ask yourself: where do you stand?

So when I know that I can do something, alhamdulillah, then I should partake in this assistance, this help and change, insha'Allah. And that should be my resolution for this year. What change am I going to bring to the world in 2025? What am I going to do? Don't say, "No, I'm just one individual. He's talking to the brother next to me." I'm talking to each and every one of us.

The Sahabah, radiyallahu ta'ala anhum ajma'een — regardless of their skill or talent, they always came to the Prophet ﷺ asking for a way to help and assist. Everybody! Even the children — the Prophet had to push them back, saying you are too young for this. They would still come because they thought: I want to help, I want to participate in something good.

But if you truly cannot do anything, and there is nothing you can do — it is way beyond your expertise, your field, your means of supporting — that is when you need to submit yourself to the will of Allah. Because Allah's power overpowers everyone. And that is when patience becomes a great virtue. You need to persevere in patience after giving your best. And hope for the reward from Allah.

The Role of Du'a: The Example of Badr

During that time, my dear brothers and sisters, du'a will be definitely needed and very beneficial. Look at the Prophet ﷺ at the Battle of Badr — he prepared the whole group and community that was with him. 314 people, who were not even prepared for a war. But when the war came, he consulted with them. He said: look, we didn't go out for war, but it is coming to us. And all of them said: ya Rasul, whatever you want to do, we'll go with you.

And the Prophet ﷺ prepared these 314 people against a thousand. And subhanAllah, looking at the sight of it and thinking about it — how Allah described it in Surat al-Anfal — it was an unbelievable sight.

Brothers and sisters, I just came back from Umrah and we went to Badr. We went to observe the sight of the first battle — Yawm al-Furqan, the Day of Criterion, as Allah described it. Wallahi, it was a majestic sight, just to look at it. Look at Masjid al-'Arish, where the Prophet ﷺ stood and made his du'a, raising his hands all the way up. Because in that moment, that was the only thing left for him to do ﷺ — after preparing everything.

But most of us, many of us, unfortunately, we make du'a as a first thing and then we just don't do anything about it. "Alhamdulillah, I did my part, I just made the du'a." You can do better than du'a, and more than du'a, insha'Allah, especially in this year.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Your Iman in 2025

Brothers and sisters, make sure to strengthen yourself with regard to this matter through the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ. Read the Seerah of the Prophet ﷺ. Read his ways of dealing with these events and circumstances in his life. Read the Qur'an, what it teaches us about other Prophets, peace be upon them all.

Look for people in your community — or like-minded people — who share the same vision. Come to the masjid. Join a group. Join a jama'a. Make sure to be a volunteer. Help and assist in whichever way you can, insha'Allah, to bring khair to the community.

And on a personal level, make sure to strengthen your iman with your connection with Allah. Brothers and sisters, this is the year that you need to strengthen your iman with your dhikr — constant remembrance of Allah. And if you've never experienced tahajjud and night prayers in your life outside of Ramadan, this is the year that you need to start working on this. Don't say, "Well, this is for the 'ubbad, for the imams, and for the righteous." No, ya jama'a. Tahajjud and ibadah — waking up at night before Fajr to pray two or four raka'at for the sake of Allah — is every believer's duty. Every believer's duty. You need to do that.

Strengthen your connection with Allah. This is the way you will be able, insha'Allah, to go through this year and more to come.

A Note on the Month of Rajab

My dear brothers and sisters, on a quick note — a different topic. This month is Rajab. Rajab is one of the al-Ashhur al-Hurum — the sacred months. As Allah mentioned in the Qur'an, there are four months considered sacred. And that month, many people unfortunately ignore and neglect. There is a virtue in this month that the Prophet ﷺ recommended for us to fast.

Alhamdulillah, it's wintertime. The weather is cool, the days are very short. And you can start strengthening your iman and connecting with Allah by fasting as many days as you can.

Rajab is followed by Sha'ban, the month preceding Ramadan. Which means, ya jama'a, we have less than 60 days until Ramadan starts. Less than 60 days. And if you haven't accomplished what you wanted to accomplish last year in Ramadan, you have less than 60 days to start preparing, insha'Allah, for this upcoming month of Ramadan — by the will of Allah.

Closing Du'a

O Allah, teach us what will benefit us, and benefit us with what You have taught us. Indeed, You are the All-Knowing, the All-Wise.

O Allah, grant our souls their righteousness and purify them. You are the Best of those who purify them. You are their Protector and Guardian.

May Allah make it easy on all of us, ya Rabbal 'Alamin. Make it easy for our brothers and sisters in Palestine and Gaza, ya Rabbal 'Alamin. We ask Allah to give us the ability to understand His wisdom, and to accept His qada' and qadar, and to be patient with His decrees, ya Rabbal 'Alamin. We ask Allah to give us full tawakkul upon Him.

Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, send blessings upon him. O Allah, send blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon his family and companions. And may Allah be pleased with the rightly-guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, 'Umar, 'Uthman, 'Ali, and the rest of the companions. And may Allah protect them all, and those who follow them in the best of their faith — and to You be all praise.