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Learning to Learn

Belief in Qadar (Divine Decree)

<h3>What is Qadar?</h3><p><strong>Qadar</strong> is the belief in <strong>divine decree</strong>, the sixth pillar of Iman. It means that God knows everything that happens, and nothing occurs without His knowledge and permission, both the good and the difficult.</p><h3>Effort and trust together</h3><p>Belief in Qadar does <strong>not</strong> mean being lazy or careless. Islam teaches that we must still <strong>make effort</strong>, plan well and choose wisely. There is a famous teaching: <em>tie your camel and then trust in God</em>. In other words, do everything sensible, then leave the result to God.</p><h3>The fruit of this belief</h3><ul><li><strong>Patience (Sabr)</strong> in hardship.</li><li><strong>Contentment</strong> with what God provides.</li><li><strong>Gratitude</strong> in times of ease.</li></ul><div class="callout"><strong>Kenyan context:</strong> A Form Four candidate revises hard, sleeps well and arrives early for the exam &mdash; that is 'tying the camel.' Whatever grade then comes, belief in Qadar helps the learner stay calm and keep striving, rather than despairing. A farmer in Kitui who plants on time and still faces a poor rainy season can accept the loss with patience while planning for the next season.</div>
Audio narration — reads aloud, works offline

Qadar is belief in: