What is the ruling on saying (so-and-so is a poor soul, he does not deserve it) when someone is struck by a calamity?
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Question:
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner says: When a calamity befalls some people, some people say, "So-and-so is a poor soul, he does not deserve it." What is the ruling on this statement?
Answer:
This is not permissible. To say, "He does not deserve it" or "He does not merit this," is an objection against Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It is an objection against the divine decree and destiny of Allah. Allah knows better than you and knows what is fitting for you. You should say, "So-and-so is good, and so-and-so does not deserve to be struck." Allah knows better than you and is more just. Perhaps his calamity is better for him and a reward for him. Allah knows what is best for His servants. Yes.
May Allah reward you, Your Eminence, father. The questioner says: When a calamity befalls some people, some people say, "So-and-so is a poor soul, he does not deserve it." What is the ruling on this statement?
Answer:
This is not permissible. To say, "He does not deserve it" or "He does not merit this," is an objection against Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He). It is an objection against the divine decree and destiny of Allah. Allah knows better than you and knows what is fitting for you. You should say, "So-and-so is good, and so-and-so does not deserve to be struck." Allah knows better than you and is more just. Perhaps his calamity is better for him and a reward for him. Allah knows what is best for His servants. Yes.
Source
قناة «العلامة الدكتور صالح الفوزان»، [1259- 4717] ما حكم قول (فلان مسكين ما يستاهل) إذا أصيب بمصيبة؟ - الشيخ صالح الفوزان — youtube.com
The Arabic text is a machine transcription of the audio recording.