(51) Chapter: Hope in Allah's Mercy

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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'.)