Despite having faith, when despite one;s efforts if something befalls on someone against one's wishes, there some who say "If only I had done such and such" my fate would have been different. This is something that Satan puts into our hearts not to weaken our faith. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has cautioned beleivers against such attitude for it lets the door open for the Satan.
This Hadith is mentioned in Sahih Muslim (Book 46: The Book of Destiny / كتاب القدر / Chapter 8: Belief In The Divine Decree And Submission To It / باب فِي الْأَمْرِ بِالْقُوَّةِ وَتَرْكِ الْعَجْزِ وَالِاسْتِعَانَةِ بِاللَّهِ وَتَفْوِيضِ الْمَقَادِيرِ لِلَّهِ / as Hadith 2664, given herein under:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:
A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan.
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَابْنُ، نُمَيْرٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ إِدْرِيسَ، عَنْ رَبِيعَةَ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ حَبَّانَ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلاَ تَعْجِزْ وَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَىْءٌ فَلاَ تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا . وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَرُ اللَّهِ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ فَإِنَّ لَوْ تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ " .
This Hadith offers deep guidance on personal strength, reliance on Allah, and attitude toward hardship. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and its connection to the Qur'an:
Explanation of Key Parts:
1. “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer…”
- "Strength" here can mean:
- Physical strength (useful in defending, working, and serving others)
- Spiritual and emotional strength (strong will, patience, commitment to faith, self-discipline)
- Qur’an Connection:
- “Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:159)
- “O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:200)
- These verses align with the idea of inner strength and perseverance being beloved to Allah.
2. “Strive to do that which will benefit you…”
Islam encourages proactive behavior — using your mind, body, and resources to pursue what is good for your dunya (world) and akhirah (Hereafter).
- Qur’an Connection:
- “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.” — Surah An-Najm (53:39)
- “So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.” — Surah Al-Inshirah (94:7-8)
- These verses emphasize effort and not being passive.
3. “…Seek the help of Allah and do not feel helpless.”
A believer should always depend on Allah but still act — Islam doesn’t teach fatalism or surrender to despair.
- Qur’an Connection:
- “And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:3)
- “Do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:139)
4. “If anything befalls you, do not say: ‘If only I had…’”
This part deals with accepting divine decree (Qadr) after events unfold. Saying "if only" suggests regret that can lead to self-blame, despair, or doubting Allah's wisdom.
- Qur’an Connection:
- “No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah — He will guide his heart.” — Surah At-Taghabun (64:11)
- “Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.” — Surah At-Tawbah (9:51)
Summary:
This hadith urges believers to:
- Be strong in faith and action
- Take initiative while trusting Allah
- Avoid despair or regret over the past
- Acknowledge Allah’s Qadr without falling into negativity
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject
For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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