قدر
qadara
The Arabic word for destiny is قدر (qadara).
قدر refers to a predetermined condition, fate or the fixed order of things.
Meaning: predetermined condition, fate, fixed order of things (noun)
Which one should you use?
المصير is a formal term for destiny, and القضاء والقدر is a formal way to refer to destiny emphasizing fate and divine predestination.
How do you pronounce it?
qadara
Did you know?
- When discussing destiny in a religious context, Arabs often use the phrase المكتوب (the written), implying that one's fate is already inscribed in a celestial book.
- The word قدر is the root for the word 'capable' or 'power' in Arabic. This creates a conceptual link between what is destined for someone and their innate ability to handle it.
- When people encounter a tragedy, they may say قدر الله, meaning 'it is the decree of God'. This phrase is used not just as a religious statement, but as a social tool to express acceptance and emotional resilience.
Examples in context
- إنّه قدرنا.It is our destiny.This sentence shows how to express that something is one's destiny using قدر.Tatoeba #5131737 by Hosam, translation #1108031 by Scott
- قد تؤثر قراراتك على المصير الذي ينتظرك.Your decisions may impact the destiny that awaits you.
- يجب أن تؤمن بقدرك في الحياة.You should believe in your destiny in life.
- هذا قدر محتوم.hadha qadar mahtum.This is an inevitable destiny.
Example conversation
Ahmed and Sara are talking about a difficult situation.
- أحمد Ahmedربما هذا هو القدر.rubbama hadha huwa al-qadar.Maybe this is destiny.
- سارة Saraأنا أحاول تقبل قدرنا.ana uhawil taqabbul qadarina.I am trying to accept our fate.
- أحمد Ahmedأنتِ امرأة صبورة يا سارة.anti imra'a sabura ya sara.You are a patient woman, Sara.
- سارة Saraشكراً لك يا أحمد.shukran laka ya ahmed.Thank you, Ahmed.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry قدر, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
