# Why Me? Understanding Qadar (Divine Decree) **URL:** https://yaqeeninstitute.org/explore-qadar **Last updated:** 2026-06-18 Evergreen resource hub on qadar (the divine decree in Islam), organized around the existential questions people ask. Each question is answered with curated Yaqeen Institute papers, video series, infographics, ebooks, and podcast episodes on divine decree, suffering, provision (rizq), free will, and trust in Allah. Companion hub to the Why Me? Ramadan video series by Dr. Omar Suleiman. ## Why did God create me? Allah has written all the possibilities of our fate in Al-Lawh al-Mahfoodh (the Preserved Tablet). However, which of those fates will actually be ours? Our existence is not random; it is part of Allah’s plan. - [Faith & Certainty | In Pursuit of Conviction](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/in-pursuit-of-conviction-i-faith-certainty.md) — Paper: Muslims trying to hold on to their faith in environments hostile to Islam—or to religion in general—often find themselves struggling to achieve a calming sense of certainty for the beliefs they hold. The ‘In Pursuit of Conviction’ series aims to restore clarity and conviction in the fundamentals… - [Why Is Shirk the Greatest Sin of All?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/why-is-shirk-the-greatest-sin-of-all.md) — Paper: Why beliefs matter Humanity’s enduring fascination with the same set of existential questions—life after death, the human soul, morality, ethics and the nature of God—has compelled some anthropologists to describe us as Homo Religiosus, distinct as a species based not on ‘sapience’ (wisdom,... - [Living by Judgment Day's Promise | Infographic](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/living-by-judgment-days-promise-infographic) — Infographic: One day, we’ll stand before our Creator and be held accountable for our time spent in this world. For the believer, this day is not just one to occasionally think about and fear. It’s a strong motivator that can help shape our day-to-day lives. These are a few ways that the certainty of Judgment... - [Why Does God Ask for Worship?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/animation/why-does-god-ask-for-worship-animation.md) — Video: This question has been a recurrent criticism among antagonists of religion. It has even stirred doubts in many believers who have been worn down by its relentless repetition, or who have simply lost hope in ever having it answered to their satisfaction. This animation breaks down why the question... - [Why Does God Ask for Worship?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/why-does-god-ask-for-worship.md) — Paper: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy This question has been a recurrent criticism among antagonists of religion. It has even stirred doubts in many theists who have been worn down by its relentless repetition, or who have simply lost hope in ever having it answered to… - [How to Get Closer to Allah: Exploring the Sequence of Allah's Names in Surah Al-Hashr](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/how-to-get-closer-to-allah-exploring-the-sequence-of-allahs-names-in-surah-al-hashr.md) — Paper: As Muslims, our purpose is knowing Allah and worshiping Him. However, in an age of autonomy of the self, the very idea of submission and worship can be hard for some people to comprehend or even fully accept. When everything around you is pushing you towards a life lived for yourself and... - [The Meaning of Allah's Name Al-Wadūd: Seeking The Love of Allah](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-meaning-of-allahs-name-al-wadud-seeking-the-love-of-allah.md) — Paper: Most theistic religions, including Islam, affirm love as one of the divine attributes of God, our Creator. It is considered a virtue by many people to selflessly love others for God’s sake, or to love others as oneself. However, a common criticism we hear against Islam today is that Muslims... ## Why do I have financial problems? Whether one is rich or poor is ultimately determined by Allah’s Decree. Our rizq (sustenance) is preordained, and our circumstances are part of His divine plan. - [Psychology of Wealth: An Islamic Perspective on Personal Finance](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/psychology-of-wealth-an-islamic-perspective-on-personal-finance.md) — Paper: Truly, for every nation there is a trial, and the trial for my nation is wealth. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Long before the scientific enterprise of psychology, economics, and their ensuing marriage known as “behavioral economics,” the Qur’an and Sunnah introduced economic principles aimed at improving... - [Financing Kindness as a Society: The Rise & Fall of Islamic Philanthropic Institutions (Waqfs)](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/financing-kindness-as-a-society-the-rise-fall-of-islamic-philanthropic-institutions-waqfs.md) — Paper: Last updated on August 24, 2020 Introduction From approximately the ninth century, roughly two hundred years after the death of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, charitable foundations and endowments (waqfs or awqāf) began to emerge and spread across the Islamic world. Over the next millennium, charitable... - [S2E8 - Faith, Poverty, and Community | DoubleTake](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/doubletake-with-yaqeen-podcast/faith-poverty-and-community-doubletake-podcast.md) — Video: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) compared the believers to one body; when one limb aches, the whole body feels it. However, the members of this body come from different backgrounds, and this can sometimes cause us to become disconnected from one another and from our responsibilities to each other. What… - [Ep. 17: Poverty Leads to Disbelief | The Faith Revival](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/faith-revival/the-faith-revival-ep-17-poverty-leads-to-disbelief.md) — Video: Poverty is a difficult test to a person’s faith. Seek refuge from poverty with this supplication. - [When You Noticed His Poverty | Meeting Muhammad ﷺ Episode 20](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/meeting-muhammad-a-ramadan-series/when-you-noticed-his-poverty-meeting-muhammad-episode-20.md) — Video: He was a man who could have lived as a king, but instead chose a life more humble than any that we live today. The Prophet ﷺ was often hungry and had very few material goods, but he was content with choosing the akhira over the dunya. ## Why does trauma happen? Tests are opportunities to learn life lessons, grow in faith, and earn forgiveness for past sins. Rather than worshiping God on edge, we should recognize that He tests those whom He loves. Our relationship with Him should not depend solely on everything going right in our lives.When facing hardships, remember that the pain is temporary, but the reward earned through patience and faith will be eternal. - [Touched by Trauma: "Why Do Bad Things Always Happen to Me?"](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/part-2-touched-by-trauma-why-do-bad-things-always-happen-to-me) — Infographic: What is trauma and how can we learn to overcome it? This infographic is the second in a series on the impact of trauma. - [S1E1 - Is Trauma Affecting my Faith? | DoubleTake](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/doubletake-with-yaqeen-podcast/is-trauma-affecting-my-faith-doubletake-podcast.md) — Video: In a recent study of over 17,000 individuals, 64% of them had experienced something traumatic during their childhood years. Trauma can be something your friend endured as a child, an event your sibling has kept private to themselves, or a load that you have been quietly carrying with you without... - [Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You | Trauma Series Introduction](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/trauma/your-lord-has-not-forsaken-you-trauma-series-introduction.md) — Video: Najwa Awad, LSCW-C and Sarah Sultan, LPC, LMHC give an introduction to their series, Trauma: Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You, and discuss the unique framework through which they connect clinical and spiritual psychology for a holistic recovery process. Explore the series here. - [Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You: Addressing the Impact of Trauma on Faith](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/your-lord-has-not-forsaken-you-addressing-the-impact-of-trauma-on-faith.md) — Paper: Giving a Voice to Unbearable Pain When you hear the word “trauma,” images of a soldier in combat, holding on to dear life while people all around him are being violently killed, may come to your mind. Or maybe you envision a refugee who forcefully left her beloved home to relocate to safety, only... - [Holistic Healing](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/listen/holistic-healing) — Audio: Holistic Healing: Islam’s Legacy of Mental Health is a series that sheds light onto the unparalleled contributions Islamic civilization has made to the field of mental health. Host Dr. Rania Awaad will travel through the past—from the final Prophet (pbuh)—to the present, discovering the people… - [Coping with Grief: A Spiritual and Psychological Guide](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/coping-with-grief-a-spiritual-and-psychological-guide.md) — Paper: Grief What is grief? Grief is a natural and emotional reaction to the loss of someone or something important to you. The loss can be a person, an object, or even a way of life. During a time of loss, emotions can be intensely painful, affecting all aspects of life and relationships. In the midst… - [Reframing the Suffering Narrative: Can Affliction Direct Us to Our Calling?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/reframing-the-suffering-narrative-can-affliction-direct-us-to-our-calling.md) — Paper: In 1095 C.E., Imam Abū Ḥāmid Al-Ghazālī (d. 505/1111) was one of the highly esteemed scholars of Baghdad. He had it all: fame, fortune, family, and prestige. Nevertheless, deep in his heart lay an unsettling feeling urging him to pull away from the worldly life and move closer to God. It was a… - [Faith in Mind: Islam’s Role in Mental Health](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/faith-in-mind-islams-role-in-mental-health.md) — Paper: At Yaqeen, we consider Muslim mental health research to be a top priority. In the current study we examined the role of religiosity in Muslim mental health and well-being. Traditionally, the roles of religiosity and spirituality have been left out of definitions of mental health. However, as... - [The Meaning of Allah's Name Al-Sami: The One Who Always Listens](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-meaning-of-allahs-name-al-sami-the-one-who-always-listens.md) — Paper: Why is Allah named Al-Samīʿ? Explore the meaning of Allah's name, Al-Samī and why God is the All-Watching, the All-Knowing and the All-Hearing. - [Your Lord Has Not Forsaken You: Addressing the Impact of Trauma on Faith](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/books/your-lord-has-not-forsaken-you) — Book: This book is a guide to understanding trauma and its far-reaching effects on the body, mind, and soul, utilizing the Duha Approach to deal with Trauma. ## Why are relationships so hard? Your family can be your greatest blessing or your greatest test. While you may pray for a peaceful family and Allah’s protection, sometimes conflicts arise from within the family itself. Depending on your upbringing, you may feel strength and confidence from your caretakers, or you might carry a strong internal criticism due to unfair parenting or unrealistic expectations. - [Islamic Parenting Strategies: How to Help Children Feel Safe in their Attachment to God and Parents](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/islamic-parenting-strategies-how-to-help-children-feel-safe-in-their-attachment-to-god-and-parents.md) — Paper: For part one of this parenting series, read: Building Resilience in Children: An Islamic Model of Parenting I. Case Study Before they got married, Mona and Ibrahim grew up in traditional households that valued high achievement and reverence for those in authority. They looked forward to building… - [Belief in Divine Love: Discovering Spiritual Attachment Styles](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/belief-in-divine-love-discovering-spiritual-attachment-styles.md) — Paper: What is your spiritual attachment style? Explore how our belief in divine love can effect our attachment to God scale and how our image of God influences how we relate to Him. - [Parenting Style and Our Relationship With God: The Influence of Parental Love on Our Perception of God](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/parenting-style-and-our-relationship-with-god-the-influence-of-parental-love-on-our-perception-of-god.md) — Paper: One of the most foundational Islamic beliefs is the acknowledgment of Allah’s sovereignty. Sovereignty refers to Allah’s absolute ownership, power, and supreme authority over the universe. Allah refers to Himself as ‘the Owner of Sovereignty’ (Mālik al-mulk), and Sūrat al-Mulk begins with the... - [Finding Hope in Faith: An Optimistic Outlook During Hardship](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/finding-hope-in-faith-an-optimistic-outlook-during-hardship.md) — Paper: Even amidst such widespread negativity, there are those voices we all naturally gravitate toward and secretly wish to adopt as our own – those of the optimists who see the proverbial glass as half full. - [The Importance of Conscious Parenting in Raising Confident Muslims](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-importance-of-conscious-parenting-in-raising-confident-muslims.md) — Paper: Is there a connection between parent behavior that contradicts their professed religious beliefs and the eventual outcome of atheism in their children? This question was the subject of a recent study conducted with over five thousand participants from diverse backgrounds, all of whom identified… ## Why did God make me this way? We all possess different abilities, whether physical, intellectual, or emotional. Sometimes we wonder why others excel in areas where we struggle. It’s essential to recognize that each person’s unique abilities serve a purpose. In areas where we lack, Allah compensates by granting us blessings elsewhere. Recognize these headstarts and use them to please Allah. Helping others with our abilities is a way to express gratitude. - [Prophetic Prayers for Relief and Protection](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/duas-for-relief-and-protection.md) — Paper: Asking Allah for help is one of the best ways we can come closer to Him and express our vulnerability and need for Him. Reference this collection of 16 du'as when you are feeling the most vulnerable. - [eBook | Prophetic Prayers for Relief and Protection](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/ebook-prophetic-prayers-for-relief-and-protection.md) — Paper: Asking Allah for help is one of the best ways we can come closer to Him and express our vulnerability and need for Him. Reference this collection of 16 du'as when you are feeling the most vulnerable. - [In Hardship and in Ease: How to Rely on God](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/in-hardship-and-in-ease-how-to-rely-on-god.md) — Paper: …But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. This life is a test, both in good times and bad. As I write this, each and every one of us is enduring some kind of hardship. In recent years, parts of... - [In Hardship and in Ease: How to Rely on God](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/blog/how-to-rely-on-god.md) — Talk Toolkit: Why should I give a lecture on this topic? The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr hid together in a cave. Outside, death circled nearer and nearer in the blades and hateful hearts of the disbelievers of Quraysh. The Prophet ﷺ and his beloved companion had done everything they could to avoid their… - [S2E3 - What does it mean to trust God? | DoubleTake](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/doubletake-with-yaqeen-podcast/what-does-it-mean-to-trust-god-doubletake-podcast.md) — Video: God has promised us that with every hardship comes ease, and we know that He does not send any tests or difficulties without the means to seek His aid and relief. Why, then, do we sometimes struggle to trust His plan? What is missing from our understanding of God that can help us feel comfortable... - [The Divine Gift of Gratitude: The Secret of Happiness in the Modern World](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-divine-gift-of-gratitude-the-secret-of-happiness-in-the-modern-world.md) — Paper: Writing in The Atlantic in an article titled “Gratitude without God,” Emma Green asked the following question in the context of the annual American holiday of Thanksgiving: “Gratitude is the animus of these secular rituals, but the object of the gratitude is unclear. If people aren’t thanking… - [Episode 18: A Reminder of My Illness | Prayers of the Pious](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/prayers-of-the-pious/episode-18-a-reminder-of-my-illness-prayers-of-the-pious-ramadan-series.md) — Video: Be grateful to Allah and remember the promises you make to Him. Sh. Omar Suleiman explains this lesson through the prayer of Uwais al-Qarni. [ Day 18 Du’a ] “Oh Allah cure all of my leprosy except for the space of a coin.” - [An Islamic Theory of Spiritual Personality: Four Pathways to Allah](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/an-islamic-theory-of-spiritual-personality-four-pathways-to-allah.md) — Paper: Feeling out of place within the Muslim community is a common and often distressing experience. Many individuals feel out of sync with those around them, exhibiting different tendencies and approaches to faith. This sense of disconnection can be isolating and troubling, especially since belonging… - [Prophetic Prayers for Relief and Protection](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/books/prophetic-prayers-for-relief-and-protection) — Book: Powerful Dua ebook for protection and relief from calamities ## Why does God allow suffering? The world is filled with suffering, wars, natural disasters, and diseases. People often wonder why bad things happen to good people. However, from an Islamic perspective, suffering serves a purpose and has divine wisdom. We should ask ourselves: When innocent people suffer, what can we do? How can their suffering motivate us to take action and alleviate their pain? Our hearts should remain sensitive to the struggles of others. - [Why Do People Suffer? God's Existence & the Problem of Evil](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/why-do-people-suffer-gods-existence-the-problem-of-evil.md) — Paper: In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Grantor of Mercy This essay argues that the existence of evil offers neither a logical nor probable case against God’s existence and that Islam offers a comprehensive theodicy: that is, a systematic solution to the problem of evil. This paper is... - [The Purpose of Pain](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/the-purpose-of-pain-infographic) — Infographic: Why does God Allow evil to exist? This infographic delves into the wisdom behind the existence of pain and suffering according to the Qur'an and Sunnah. - [The Meaning of Allah's Name As-Salam: The Source of Peace](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-meaning-of-allahs-name-as-salam-the-source-of-peace.md) — Paper: Why is Allah named As-Salam? Explore the meaning of Allah's name, As-Salam and why God is The Ultimate Giver and Source of Peace. - [S2E2 - How can I bring peace to my heart? | DoubleTake](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/doubletake-with-yaqeen-podcast/how-can-i-bring-peace-to-my-heart-doubletake-podcast.md) — Video: Human beings naturally desire to be in a state of peace, but understanding what that means can be complicated, and the journey to attaining it is full of challenges and distractions. Allah tells us that He is as-Salām, the Flawless, the Source of Peace. How can our understanding of God transform... - [Hadith #9 - Responding To Evil With Good](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/40-hadiths-on-social-justice/hadith-9-they-are-not-our-teachers-responding-to-evil-with-good-40-hadiths-on-social-justice.md) — Video: Most acts of injustice are perpetuated because someone failed to take the higher road. Sh. Omar Suleiman describes a narration that contains the tafseer of a verse in the Qur’an on responding to evil with good. - [The Problem of Evil: A Multifaceted Islamic Solution](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/the-problem-of-evil-a-multifaceted-islamic-solution.md) — Paper: If God is All-Good, All-Powerful, and All-Knowing, why does suffering or evil exist? As suffering is a shared human experience, questions have been raised throughout history regarding the purpose of evil and how it is explained by orthodox theism, among other theologies. In recent centuries, the... - [Why Does God Allow Evil to Exist?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/infographics/why-does-god-allow-evil-to-exist-infographic) — Infographic: In a contemporary study, Americans were asked, “If you could ask God only one question, and you knew He would give you an answer, what would you ask?” The most common question was, “Why is there pain and suffering in the world?” This infographic illustrates the theodicy put forth by Ibn Qayyim... - [Ep. 12: No Good Without Evil | Road to Return](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/road-to-return/no-good-without-evil-road-to-return.md) — Video: Sometimes when we witness evil acts in this world, it’s easy to ask why God allows such things to happen. But evil comes not from God, but from the very choices human beings make. Sh. Yahya Ibrahim describes the nature of evil and how we can both protect ourselves from it and see it as an... ## Ramadan 2026 Watch additional videos released in Ramadan that are related to the concept of qadar or divine Decree. - [Juz 16: Miracles and Predestination | Ust. Sarah Sultan](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/juz-16-miracles-and-predestination-ust-sarah-sultan.md) — Video: Sign up for exclusive Qur’an 30 for 30 series updates here. You may have plans for your life, but what happens when Allah changes your destiny completely? The story of Musa and Khidr teaches us the reality of qadar—how what we want isn’t always what we need. Join Ust. Sarah Sultan, Dr. Omar... - [Juz 10: Finding Contentment and Happiness in God | Dr. Hassan Elwan](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/juz-10-finding-contentment-and-happiness-in-god-quran-30-for-30-season-5.md) — Video: Why is it so easy for some people to respond to the call of Allah but not others? How can a Merciful God punish people? Everyone wants to be happy, but how can you actually find that happiness and contentment? Join Dr. Hassan Elwan with hosts Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Abdullah Oduro as they… - [Why Do They Get the Life I Want? | Why Me?](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/why-do-they-get-the-life-i-want-why-me.md) — Video: Sometimes, what you see as someone else being unfairly favored might actually be qadar at work in your favor. So beware of envy and defeat overtaking you, and make an effort to recognize the wisdoms in your life. Because when it comes to Allah's decree, it's not the most materially blessed or... - [The Meaning of La hawla wala quwwata illa billah | Episode 6](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/the-meaning-of-la-hawla-wala-quwwata-illa-billah-episode-6-deeper-into-dhikr.md) — Video: While we may go through our lives planning and working towards our goals, it is ultimately God’s Power and Will that determines all. La hawla wala quwwata illa billah. There is no power and no strength except with God. Learn how this powerful remembrance is key to submitting to God and... - [Juz' 15 with Dr. Farah Islam and Dr. Omar Husain | Qur'an 30 for 30 Season 3](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/juz-15-with-dr-farah-islam-and-dr-omar-husain-quran-30-for-30-season-3.md) — Video: Surah Al-Isra and Surah Al-Kahf offer something magnificent: a lens to see the world in its true reality, as Allah wishes us to see it. They are an exploration into divine decree, the transient nature of life, and the problem of evil. Dr. Omar Suleiman and Sh. Abdullah Oduro are joined by Dr.… - [Believing in the Unseen](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/believing-in-the-unseen-doubletake-podcast.md) — Video: Listen on your favorite podcast app! In Surat al-Hujurat verse 18, Allah (SWT) says: “Surely Allah knows the Unseen of the heavens and earth. And Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.” Al-Ghaib, or the Unseen, refers to knowledge that is only known to Allah, such as knowledge about the angels and... ## Other resources on qadar Revisit some classic Yaqeen resources that dive into the concept of qadar or divine Decree. - [Predestination vs. Free Will in Islam: Understanding Allah's Qadr](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/read/paper/predestination-vs-free-will-in-islam-understanding-allahs-qadr.md) — Paper: How can we reconcile two apparently contradictory facts that Allah has absolute power and sovereignty over all creation, and that at the same time we are responsible for our actions? Are we forced to do what we do, or are our choices meaningful? - [Trailer: Road to Return](https://yaqeeninstitute.org/watch/series/road-to-return/road-to-return-trailer.md) — Video: How do you come back from committing a sin? Set upon a journey with Sh. Yahya Ibrahim to uncover common transgressions and learn how to pick yourself up and return to Allah after you have fallen prey to them. Get this series directly to your inbox by signing up here!