31/01/2025
🔕🔇 This hadith, narrated by Abdullah ibn Masʽūd, explains the stages of human creation, the role of destiny, and the unpredictability of a person's final deeds. Let’s break it down:
1. The Stages of Human Creation
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) describes how a human being is formed in the womb:
First 40 days: The embryo is in the form of a tiny zygote (a fertilized egg).
Next 40 days: It develops into a clinging clot (a stage where the embryo attaches to the womb and begins to form).
Next 40 days: It becomes a morsel of flesh (early fetal development).
After 120 days (4 months): An angel is sent to blow the soul into the fetus, giving it life.
2. The Four Things Written for Every Human
When the angel gives the soul, Allah commands him to write four things about the person’s future:
1. Provision (Rizq) – How much wealth and sustenance they will have.
2. Lifespan (Ajal) – How long they will live.
3. Actions (ʽAmal) – What kind of deeds they will do in life.
4. Final Outcome (Happiness or Misery) – Whether they will be successful in the Hereafter or not.
3. The Role of Destiny and the Unpredictability of Deeds
A person may live righteously and seem destined for Paradise, but near the end of their life, they may turn to sin and enter Hell.
Similarly, a person may live sinfully and seem destined for Hell, but near the end of their life, they may repent and do good deeds, entering Paradise.
Key Lessons from This Hadith
Life and destiny are in Allah’s hands, and we do not know how we will end.
Good deeds should not lead to arrogance, because no one is guaranteed a good ending.
Sins should not lead to despair, because sincere repentance can change a person's final outcome.
We should always ask Allah for a good ending (Husn al-Khātimah), meaning to die while doing good.
This hadith teaches humility, gratitude, and the importance of constantly striving to do good until the very end.