The sixth of the articles of faith is belief in divine decree (qadar). It was named by the Prophet ﷺ as part of faith:
"[Faith is] … that you believe in divine decree (qadar), both its good and its evil."
— Sahih Muslim 81
God's knowledge and power over all things
To believe in qadar is to trust that nothing happens outside God's knowledge and will, and that all things unfold according to His wisdom:
"Indeed, all things We created with predestination (a measure)."
— Quran 54:49 (Saheeh International)2
"No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being."
— Quran 57:22 (Saheeh International)3
For the believer, this brings patience in hardship and gratitude in ease, knowing both are part of God's plan.
Human choice and responsibility
At the same time, mainstream Sunni theology holds that God's decree does not cancel human free will. People make real choices and are accountable for them — the Quran repeatedly addresses humans as responsible agents.678
"And say, 'The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills — let him believe; and whoever wills — let him disbelieve.'"
— Quran 18:29 (Saheeh International)4
"Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves."
— Quran 13:11 (Saheeh International)5
Holding these two truths together — God's complete knowledge and power on the one hand, and genuine human responsibility on the other — is at the heart of the Sunni understanding of qadar.
In short
Belief in divine decree means trusting that God knows and governs all that happens, while still recognizing that human beings make real choices for which they are accountable. It is a source of both humility before God and responsibility for one's own actions.