وَٱلَّذِى قَدَّرَ فَهَدَىٰ 3
Translations
And who destined and [then] guided
Transliteration
Wa-alladhī qaddara fa-hadā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah refers to Allah's attribute of determining the destiny and nature of all creation, and then guiding each creature according to its predetermined nature and purpose. Classical scholars like Al-Tabari and Ibn Kathir explain that Allah decreed the nature (fitrah) of each creature—whether human, animal, or plant—and then provided the guidance appropriate to that nature. This encompasses both the physical laws governing creation and the spiritual guidance given to humanity through revelation.
Revelation Context
Surah Al-A'la is a Meccan surah that focuses on glorifying Allah's attributes and His supreme power over creation. This ayah appears in the opening sequence of praises to Allah and establishes the foundation for understanding Divine wisdom: that Allah's decree of all things is inseparable from His perfect guidance of them.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Every child is born on the fitrah (natural disposition), then his parents make him Jewish, Christian, or Zoroastrian' (Sahih Bukhari 1385). This hadith relates to how Allah's predetermination includes the innate guidance (fitrah) placed within human nature.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Allah's decree and guidance are perfectly harmonized—He does not create without purpose nor command without wisdom. For believers, this instills trust that following Allah's guidance aligns with our deepest nature and ultimate flourishing.