What is the difference between qada' and qadar?

The questioner : The questioner asks: What is the difference between *qadar* (divine decree) and *qada'*? And what is the correct view regarding where that distinction lies?

The Shaykh : When *qada'* is used in isolation, it encompasses *qadar*. And when *qadar* is used in isolation, it encompasses *qada'*. However, when the phrase "qada' and qadar" is used, there is a difference between them. This is common in the Arabic language, where a word has a comprehensive meaning when used alone, and a specific meaning when used in conjunction with another. It is said regarding such cases: "When they are together, they are distinct; when they are distinct, they are together." Who can give us an example? What Allah willed.

Another questioner : The alphabet and lordship? No, the believer and the Muslim, how many? Two words: the believer and the Muslim.

The Shaykh : The believer or the imam and Islam?

Another questioner : There is nothing else.

The Shaykh : Yes, good. To proceed?

Another questioner : The poor and the needy.

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed. This passed by us yesterday, or perhaps you were not present yesterday. Good.

Another questioner : Present.

The Shaykh : Okay.

Another questioner : All right.

The Shaykh : Yesterday.

Another questioner : Khalid, yesterday.

The Shaykh : The poor and the needy: when they are together, they are distinct; when they are distinct, they are together. Good. As for *qada'* and *qadar*, the correct view is that they hold this status: meaning that when *qada'* is used alone, it encompasses *qadar*, and when *qadar* is used alone, it encompasses *qada'*. But when they are used together, *qada'* is what Allah the Exalted decrees in His creation, whether it be bringing into existence, extinguishing, or changing. And *qadar* is what Allah the Exalted predestined in eternity. This is the difference between them. Pay attention: is *qadar* prior or subsequent?

Another questioner : Yes, yes. It comes first, it comes first.

The Shaykh : Look, *qada'* is what Allah the Exalted decrees in His creation, whether it be bringing into existence, extinguishing, or changing. And *qadar* is what Allah the Exalted predestined in eternity. Which one is prior?

Another questioner : Ahmad.

The Shaykh : *Qadar* is the prior one, and *qada'* is subsequent. This is the case when "qada' and qadar" is said; this is the difference between them. However, when used in isolation, each of them means the other.

Another questioner : We like vegetables.

The Shaykh : Yes.

Another questioner : Thank you.

The Shaykh : Write it down, may Allah bless you, the question, and give it to the brother. Yes.