Question
We read in the Qur'ân: "If a happy thing befalls them, they say: This is from Allah; and if an evil thing befalls them they say: This is because of you. Say: All is from Allah." We read in the very next verse: "Whatever good happens to you, is from Allah; but whatever evil befalls you, is from youself." How can it all be from Allah an at the same time the evil be from ourselves?
Answer
Everything that happens, both the good and the evil of what happens, is from Allah in the sense that He is the Creator, originator, and determiner of all things. Nothing in creation can bring anything from non-existence into existence. Only Allah can create. He is the sole originator of everything. Allah says: "Allah is the Creator of all things, and He has charge over all affairs." [Sûrah al-Zumar: 62]
This is the meaning intended by the first verse you ask about, verse 78 0f Sûrah al-Nisâ:
We see in the choice of words of these two verses delicacy of speech. This passage of the Qur'ân teach us the etiquette we should observe when speaking about Allah. We do not attribute evil to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expresses the same concept hen he says: "All goodness is in Your hand, and evil is not attributed to You." [Sahîh Muslim (1290)]
Abraham (peace be upon him) put this etiquette into practice when he said: "He who created me and then guided me; He who nourishes me and quenches my thirst; and when I fall ill, He it is who restores my health." [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ': 80]
We can see here how Abraham attributes his creation, guidance, nourishment, and recovery to Allah, but attributes falling ill to himself. This is simply a matter of etiquette, since Allah is the creator of all things.
In brief, Allah creates all things, including our actions. However, we have free will, and we choose for ourselves either what is good or what is evil. Therefore, we are held accountable for our choices.
And Allah knows best.
This is the meaning intended by the first verse you ask about, verse 78 0f Sûrah al-Nisâ:
Wheresoever you may be, death will overtake you, even though you were in lofty towers. Yet if a happy thing befalls them, they say: "This is from Allah"; and if an evil thing befalls them they say: "This is because of you (O Muhammad)." Say (unto them): "All is from Allah." What is amiss with these people that they come not nigh to understand a happening?The very next verse, which is verse 79 of Sûrah al-Nisâ', tells us:
Whatever good happens to you, is from Allah; but whatever evil befalls you, is from yourself.This verse means that Allah is the one who makes good things easy for you and He makes you disposed to engage in what is good. As for evil things, even though Allah is the creator of those things as well, we as people fall into them by our own free choice.
We see in the choice of words of these two verses delicacy of speech. This passage of the Qur'ân teach us the etiquette we should observe when speaking about Allah. We do not attribute evil to Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) expresses the same concept hen he says: "All goodness is in Your hand, and evil is not attributed to You." [Sahîh Muslim (1290)]
Abraham (peace be upon him) put this etiquette into practice when he said: "He who created me and then guided me; He who nourishes me and quenches my thirst; and when I fall ill, He it is who restores my health." [Sûrah al-Shu`arâ': 80]
We can see here how Abraham attributes his creation, guidance, nourishment, and recovery to Allah, but attributes falling ill to himself. This is simply a matter of etiquette, since Allah is the creator of all things.
In brief, Allah creates all things, including our actions. However, we have free will, and we choose for ourselves either what is good or what is evil. Therefore, we are held accountable for our choices.
And Allah knows best.
-islamtoday.net
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