Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: `Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath"[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "(Allah wrote) `My Mercy dominated My Wrath". Still another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "(Allah wrote) `My Mercy surpasses My Wrath".
Commentary:
Imam Al-Khattabi states that here the word "Kitab" (translated here as `Book') means the decision of Almighty Allah which He has already made, an instance of which is the following Verse of the Noble Qur'an: "Allah has decreed: `Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious". (58:21). In this Ayah the Arabic word "Kataba" is used in the sense of "Qada' (decided);" or the word "Kataba" signifies "Lauh Mahfooz" on which He has recorded everything. Almighty Allah is on the 'Arsh' (the Throne of Allah) and this Book is with Him. (Fath Al-Bari, Kitab At-Tauhid, Bab: Wa kana Arshuhu `alal-Ma'.) |