Discussing Al-Qadr

From  amongst   these  sciences  are  those  innovated   by the Mu'tazila in their discussion of Qadr[1] and setting up analogies for Allah while a clear prohibition  has been mentioned  against delving into Qadr, Ibn Hibban  and Hakim record the hadith  of ibn 'Abbas  that the Messenger  of Allah, peace  and blessing be upon  him, said, "This  nation  shall always remain steadfast  and balanced so long as they do not discuss [the final destination] of children and the divine decree.”[2] This has also been reported as a statement of ibn (Abbas only and some declared this to be the stronger case.
            

Bayhaqi records the hadith of ibn Mas'ud that the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him, said, "When my Companions are mentioned, refrain, and when the stars are mentioned, refrain also."[3] This has been reported via a number of routes, all of the isnads being problematic. It is reported  that ibn (Abbas said to Mayrnun ibn Mihran, 'Beware of researching into the stars for they effectuate  fortune  telling; beware of researching into  the divine decree for this effectuates  heresy; beware of  abusing any of  the Companions  of Muhammad,  peace and blessing be upon  him, for Allah would throw you face first into the Fire."[4] Abu Nu'aym also reports this as a statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, but it is not authentic.

The prohibition of delving into the divine decree encompasses a number of matters:

1) Using parts of the Book  to contradict  other parts  such that the one who affirms the divine decree quote a particular verse, while the one who denies it quote another verse and they start quarrelling. It is reported that such an event happened during the time of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessing be upon him, whereupon he became angry and prohibited it.[5] Such matters are to be considered as disputing about the Qur'an and this has been prohibited[6].

2) Discussing the divine decree, either by way of affirmation or negation, by rationalising and employing logical arguments. This is exemplified   by the saying of the Qadariyyah, 'Were Allah to decree everything and then punish people, He would be unjust and oppressive,' and the saying of their diametric opposite.[7] 'Allah has coerced the servants into performing their actions,' and the likes.

3) Delving into the workings of the divine decree, the prohibition of which has been reported from Ali and others from amongst the Salaf. This is because the servants will never be able to understand its true reality.