Is it permissible to say, "Perhaps it is for the best," when afflicted with a calamity, or is it obligatory to say, "Surely it is for the best"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Predetermination (Al-) is entirely good in relation to Allah. However, in relation to human beings, some of it is good and some is evil. Allah tests His servants with both good and evil. When someone says "لعله خير" (perhaps it is good) upon experiencing something disliked, it refers to good specifically for that individual, not in relation to Allah's creation. The word "لعَلّ" (perhaps/lalla) has multiple meanings, including doubt, affirmation, interrogation, and hope (tarajji), which can sometimes convey certainty and the inevitability of an event.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/175841
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 175841
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy