Taking and leaving the means at Allah's command: when are we told not to use them?

The Islamic Worldview

Explain Tawakkul

Conclusion

Tawakkul is the believer's complete trust and reliance on Allah — entrusting the outcome of one's affairs to Him after taking every lawful, practical means available, resting on the conviction that nothing reaches a person except what Allah has decreed. It is not passivity: the Qur'an shows trust following consultation and effort, and the Prophet's own conduct, including his words to Abu Bakr in the cave, models reliance on Allah while still acting.

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
Believers are called to consult, decide, and only then entrust the outcome to Allah (Q1, explained by Ibn Kathir/T1); facing a mustered enemy, the Companions marched on saying "Allah is all-sufficient for us," a trust that, as Maarif-ul-Quran notes, never meant sitting idle but continuing to prepare and act Q2 T2.
Guidance from the Sunnah
The hadith on cauterization and ruqyah warns against a misplaced reliance that bypasses lawful means H4, while the Prophet's teaching that "everyone is facilitated" toward what is written for him shows that belief in decree still calls for action, not resignation H6.
Guidance from the scholars
Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Maarif-ul-Quran) warns that confusing inaction with tawakkul is a common error; al-Nawawi points to the Prophet's own tawakkul even while hiding in the cave from pursuers; al-'Azimabadi (via al-Tibi) teaches that relying on people never settles one's need, while relying on Allah brings swift sufficiency. T4 C4 C6
Lesson for the reader
Take every lawful means available for the matter at hand, then place complete confidence in Allah's decree for the outcome, trusting that He alone truly suffices.

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

The Qur'an commands believers to place their trust in Allah, promising that He suffices whoever relies on Him, while making clear this trust follows — rather than replaces — taking proper means and making a decision. Q6 Q4 T4 Q1

Key points

"Whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for every thing." Q6
Maarif-ul-Quran explains that true belief in destiny and tawakkul does not mean sitting back and doing nothing; one must first devote full lawful effort, then resign the outcome to Allah alone. Q4 T4
"Consult them in the matter and, once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah" — trust comes after consultation and a decision, not instead of them. Q1

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q4At-Tawbah 9:51 · The Repentance
Q6At-Talaq 65:3 · The Divorce
T4Maarif-ul-Quran on 9:51

Sunnah

Summary

The hadith weigh tawakkul against taking lawful means such as medicine, and tie it to belief in predestination and facilitation of one's deeds. H4 H6 H3

Key points

"Whoever seeks treatment by cauterization, or with ruqyah, then he has absolved himself of tawakkul" (mixed grading, graded sahih by some and da'if by Zubair Ali Zai). H4
The Prophet taught "do the deeds, for everyone is facilitated" toward what has been decreed for him, rather than abandoning action for fatalism (sahih). H6
"Whoever relies upon Allah, Allah will protect him from the pain of scattered inclinations" (da'if). H3

References

H3Sunan Ibn Majah 4166 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Daif Al-Albani
- Daif Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Daif Shuaib Al Arnaut
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H4Jami At Tirmidhi 2055 · Chapters on Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H6Jami At Tirmidhi 3344 · Chapters on Tafsir
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Sahih - Agreed Upon Zubair Ali Zai

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Classical commentators point to the Prophet's own tawakkul in extreme danger and explain that reliance placed on Allah, rather than on people, is what truly secures sufficiency. C4 C6

Key points

Al-Nawawi says the Prophet's words to Abu Bakr in the cave, "What do you think of two, Allah being their third?" show "an immense demonstration of the Prophet's tawakkul" (bayan 'azim tawakkul al-Nabi) even while in mortal danger. C4
Al-'Azimabadi, citing al-Tibi and linking the point to the Qur'an, explains that whoever relies on people to meet a need finds his want never fully settled, while whoever "lodges" his need with Allah is swiftly granted sufficiency. C6

References

C4al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148
C6Awn al-Ma'bud on Sunan Abi Dawud 1645 · al-Azimabadi, vol. 5 p. 40

Expert Opinions

Summary

Expert Opinions discuss tawakkul as the pairing of practical effort with trust that Allah secures provision. N4

Key points

Sources discussed in Expert Opinions urge believers to combine practical effort with trust in Allah's provision, citing the maxim "tie your camel and place your trust in Allah." N4

References

N4Protection of wealth · Personal Awareness

The Qur'an says "once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah". It doesn't talk about taking action.

Conclusion

Yes. In 3:159 trust in Allah comes after consulting and making a decision, so tawakkul (trust in Allah) goes together with deliberate action rather than replacing it. The sources describe it as a state of the heart: you use the means fully, but you rely only on Allah for the outcome, knowing your effort cannot override His decree.

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
Verse 3:159 teaches a sequence: be gentle, forgive, consult, make up your mind, and then rest the outcome with Allah, 'Who loves those who place their trust in Him.' Ya'qub's example in 12:67 adds a point: take the precaution, but know it cannot override Allah's decree. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet taught that the believer strives, asks for Allah's help and does not give up. When something goes against them, they accept it as Allah's decree instead of dwelling on 'if only'. H8 H4
Guidance from the scholars
Ibn Kathir notes that Ya'qub's precaution 'did not avail them against Allah's will' and was only something he felt he needed to do. Al-Qushayri puts trust in the heart, and al-Ghazali warns that giving up effort in the name of trust is ignorance, not piety. T3 C3
Lesson for the reader
Think carefully, ask for advice, decide and act fully, then hand the result to Allah and accept it calmly. Q1 H8

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

In 3:159 trust comes last: the Prophet is told to consult his companions, settle on a decision, and then rely on Allah. Elsewhere the Qur'an shows a prophet taking practical precautions while placing his trust in Allah, and the tafsir says trust in Allah does not mean abandoning the means. Q1 Q3 T4

Key points

Ya'qub tells his sons to enter by different gates, then says he cannot protect them against Allah's will and puts his trust in Him. He acts, but does not rely on what he did. Q3
Mufti Muhammad Shafi says one should use the means available but not rely on them alone, because nothing is accomplished unless Allah wills it. T4

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q3Yusuf 12:67 · Joseph
T4Maarif-ul-Quran on 65:3

Sunnah

Summary

The Prophet linked trust in Allah to effort. He compared those who truly rely on Allah to birds that go out hungry and come back full. He also told believers to strive for what benefits them while seeking Allah's help. H4 H8

Key points

In this sahih (authentic) hadith, the order is to cherish what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and not lose heart. If things still go wrong, say that Allah did what He had decreed, not 'if only'. H8
During the Hijra, the Prophet and Abu Bakr prepared camels and provisions, hired an expert guide and hid in a cave, all while relying on Allah. H2

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 3905 · Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H4Jami At Tirmidhi 2344 · Chapters On Zuhd
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Isnaad Hasan Zubair Ali Zai
H8Sahih Muslim 6774 · The Book of Destiny
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih Muslim)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Al-Mubarakfuri explains 'true reliance' in the bird hadith as knowing for certain that only Allah acts, gives and withholds, and then seeking provision in a decent way. He quotes several scholars who say that trusting Allah is not idleness. C3

Key points

Al-Munawi, quoted by al-Mubarakfuri, says the birds are fed through going out and searching. Earning is not what provides; Allah is the Provider, but some means must be used. Ahmad says nothing in the hadith suggests giving up work. C3
Al-Ghazali calls the idea that trust means giving up work and planning, and lying around 'like a discarded rag', the belief of the ignorant. Al-Qushayri says trust lives in the heart, and outward effort does not contradict it. C3
Al-Nawawi points to the Prophet's 'immense trust' in Allah when he said in the cave, 'What do you think of two when Allah is their third?' C6

References

C3Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi on Jami' al-Tirmidhi 2344 · al-Mubarakfuri, vol. 7 p. 6
C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

Expert Opinions

Summary

Expert Opinions report that writers at Yaqeen Institute, Islam21c and virtualmosque.com urge believers to combine practical effort with trust that Allah secures their provision. They cite the saying 'tie your camel and place your trust in Allah.' N2

References

N2Protection of wealth · Wealth & Economics

Explain "the pain of scattered inclinations"

Conclusion

The "pain of scattered inclinations" is the strain on a heart that serves many masters: worldly worries and desires each make their own demands, so the heart is torn and never settles. In these sources the remedy is to be devoted to one Master. A person who makes Allah and the Hereafter their single concern is promised relief from worldly worries, and their heart is promised peace in remembering Him. This is tawakkul (trust in Allah): a heart united by relying on Allah alone.

Reflection & guidance

Meaning
The "scattered inclinations" are the many concerns and desires that pull the heart in different directions, like several masters each demanding service at once. T1
Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses ask the reader to serve one Master and to find rest in remembering Him (dhikr), because peace of heart is found only there. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet taught people to make the Hereafter their single concern, trusting Allah to take care of the rest. He also asked Allah to gather what was scattered in his own affairs. H2 H11
Guidance from the scholars
Al-Jalalayn reads the divided slave's confusion as the state of a person who serves others alongside Allah, and the undivided slave as the state of someone devoted to Allah alone. T1

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

The Qur'an compares a slave owned by several quarrelling partners with a slave who belongs to one master, and asks whether the two can be equal. It also says that hearts find peace only in the remembrance of Allah. Q1 T1 Q3

Key points

Al-Jalalayn explains the comparison: if the many masters all demanded service at once, the slave would not know whom to serve. That confusion stands for the idolater, while the slave of one master stands for the believer in One God. T1
Peace of heart is limited to one source: "the hearts find peace only in the remembrance of Allah." Q3

References

Q1Az-Zumar 39:29 · The Troops
Q3Ar-Ra'd 13:28 · The Thunder
T1Al-Jalalayn on 39:29

Sunnah

Summary

The Prophet taught that a person who makes the Hereafter his single concern is relieved of worldly worries by Allah. A person whose concerns are scattered across worldly matters is left alone by Allah, who "will not care in which of its valleys he died." H2 H11

Key points

The hadith of the single concern is graded hasan (good) by al-Albani but da'if (weak) by Zubair Ali Zai. H2
In a night supplication, the Prophet asked Allah for a mercy that would "gather by it my affair, and bring together that which has been scattered of my affairs." Its chain is graded weak. H11

References

H2Sunan Ibn Majah 4106 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Hasan Al-Albani
- Hasan Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H11Jami At Tirmidhi 3419 · Chapters on Supplication
Authenticity
- Daif Isnaad Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Daif Isnaad Al-Albani
- Daif Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai

Expert Opinions

Summary

Expert Opinions argue that unlimited choice leads to anxiety and paralysis rather than freedom. They describe ego-worship (hawa, following one's desires) as a demanding false master, and set it against the fitra (the innate moral compass) and divine limits, which they say protect a person. N2

Key points

Expert Opinions say people overwhelmed by choice end up handing their freedom over to trends, which only swaps one master for many. N2

References

N2Freedom vs Slavery · Spirituality & Character

Relationship between the state of the heart and action (using the means fully)

Conclusion

In tawakkul, action and the heart each have their own role. The hands use every lawful means fully, while the heart relies on Allah alone for the outcome, knowing the means work only by His will. The two do not compete: the Qur'an and the Prophet's hijra show reliance on Allah coming with planning and effort, not replacing them.

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses ask the reader to act deliberately (consult, decide, take precautions) while the heart says, 'Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah.' The means are done with the hands, and the reliance belongs to the heart. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet planned the hijra in detail: mounts, provisions, a hiding place, a scout and a guide. He still relied on Allah, which shows that full preparation and full reliance can exist together. H2
Guidance from the scholars
Ibn Kathir explains that Ya'qub's precaution 'will not resist Allah's decision and appointed decree' and was 'a need of Ya'qub's inner self which he discharged'. Al-Nawawi sees the Prophet's tawakkul at its greatest inside the cave. T3 C6
Lesson for the reader
Do everything within your power as if it were required of you, but do not let your heart rest on it, because the outcome is Allah's alone. T2

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

The Qur'an puts reliance on Allah and practical action side by side. The Prophet consults and decides, then trusts. Ya'qub takes a precaution for his sons while stating that it cannot protect them against Allah's will. Q1 Q3 T2

Key points

In 3:159 the order is consultation, then a decision, then 'place your trust in Allah', so action comes first and the heart's reliance goes with it. Q1
Ya'qub tells his sons to enter by different gates, then says, 'I cannot help you in any way against (the will of) Allah … In Him I place my trust.' Q3
Mufti Muhammad Shafi says tawakkul 'does not mean to forsake the causes and means' Allah created. You use them, but you do not rely only on them, because no task is done unless Allah wills it. T2

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q3Yusuf 12:67 · Joseph
T2Maarif-ul-Quran on 65:3

Sunnah

Summary

The Prophet's hijra (migration to Madinah) shows careful planning carried out by people who relied on Allah. His teaching praises the heart that relies on its Lord alone. H2 H3 H5

Key points

For the hijra, Abu Bakr fed two camels for four months and packed food for the journey. They hid in the cave of Thawr while his son brought news of Quraysh's plots, and they hired an expert guide. H2
In a hadith graded sahih by al-Albani, true reliance brings provision 'like the birds', which 'go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies'. In the image, the birds still go out. H3
The seventy thousand who enter Paradise without reckoning are those who do not seek ruqyah (healing by recitation), do not read omens and do not get cauterised, 'but they put their trust (only) in their Lord'. H5

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 3905 · Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H3Sunan Ibn Majah 4164 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Sahih Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Hasan Sahih Shuaib Al Arnaut
- Hasan Zubair Ali Zai
H5Sahih al Bukhari 5705 · Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Al-Nawawi reads the cave episode as proof of the Prophet's great tawakkul at the very moment he was using every means. Ibn Hajar reports that a man who had used ruqyah, acting on a hadith that allows it, was praised before the seventy-thousand hadith was narrated to him. C6 C4

Key points

Al-Nawawi explains 'what do you think of two whose third is Allah' as meaning Allah is their third through help, protection and guidance. He says it shows 'the great tawakkul of the Prophet even in this situation'. C6
Ibn Hajar relates that Sa'id ibn Jubayr told a man who had sought ruqyah for a sting, 'He has done well who stops at what he has heard.' Sa'id then narrated the hadith of those who rely on their Lord alone. C4

References

C4Fath al-Bari on Sahih al-Bukhari 5705 (part 1 of 2) · Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, vol. 10 p. 155
C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

Expert Opinions

Summary

Expert Opinions report writers who urge believers to combine practical effort with trust in Allah for provision. They also present a view of causality in which created means have real power that Allah gives them. N2 N1

Key points

Expert Opinions relay Yaqeen Institute, Islam21c and virtualmosque.com, which cite 'tie your camel and place your trust in Allah' as the pairing of effort and reliance. N2
Expert Opinions set out Ibn Taymiyyah's view that Allah, the first cause, gives created things real causal power, and contrast it with al-Ghazali's view that Allah alone truly causes events. N1

References

N1Free Will vs Causality · Belief
N2Protection of wealth · Wealth & Economics

What does "We take the means, when Allah commands us to, and we leave the means whenever Allah commands us to"? When does Allah command us to, not use the means?

Conclusion

The saying means that taking a means and giving one up are both acts of obedience, and either way the heart relies on Allah, not on the means. In these sources, Allah commands giving up a means mainly in two situations. The first is when the Shari'ah forbids a particular means, as the Prophet forbade fleeing a plague-stricken land, even while commanding people not to enter one. The second is when the means run out, and only reliance on Allah is left, as with Musa at the sea and the Prophet in the cave.

Reflection & guidance

Meaning
The saying itself does not appear in these sources. Its sense is that means are tools of obedience: you use them because Allah commands it, and you give them up when He commands that, so in both cases you are following His command and not relying on the means themselves.
Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses call the reader to use the means and still rely on Allah, and to stay calm when the means run out, as Musa did at the sea. Q3 T2
Guidance from the Sunnah
The plague hadith show both sides in a single command. Using the means is obedience (do not enter), and giving up a means is also obedience (do not run away). Staying patiently, certain of Allah's decree, earns a martyr's reward. H8 H10
Guidance from the scholars
Al-Nawawi treats the cave as a model of the Prophet's tawakkul (trust in Allah): once every means had been used, his calm came from Allah's support. C6

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

The Qur'an shows that the usual path is to act and then rely on Allah. When no means are left, as at the sea in Musa's story, it shows complete reliance on Allah alone. Q3 T3 T2

Key points

Mufti Shafi explains that tawakkul (trust in Allah) does not mean giving up the means Allah created. You use them, but you rely on Allah, because nothing is achieved unless He wills it. T2
Trapped between the sea and the army, Musa said "Indeed with me is my Lord. He will guide me." Mufti Shafi calls this a test of faith in which Musa was not afraid at all. Q3 T3

References

Sunnah

Summary

The plague hadith are the clearest case in these sources of Allah's Messenger commanding both: take one means (do not enter a plague land) and give up another (do not run away from it). H8 H10 H2

Key points

When Umar heard the Prophet's command not to enter a land with an epidemic, he turned back at Sargh. Avoiding danger was itself obedience. H8
Someone who stays in a plague town patiently, hoping for reward and knowing nothing befalls him except what Allah has written, is promised the reward of a martyr. Here giving up flight is the act of trust. H10
The seventy thousand who enter Paradise without reckoning are those who do not seek ruqyah (healing by recitation) or cauterization (burning a wound to treat it), do not believe in omens, and "put their trust (only) in their Lord." This describes a high level of trust in giving up some lawful remedies. It is praise, not a command (Sahih al-Bukhari). H2

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 5705 · Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H8Sahih al Bukhari 6973 · Tricks
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H10Sahih al Bukhari 6619 · Divine Will (Al-Qadar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Al-Nawawi reads the Prophet's words in the cave, "What do you think of two, with Allah as their third?", as showing the Prophet's great tawakkul (trust in Allah) at a moment when the means were exhausted. For al-Nawawi, Allah being "their third" means His help, support, protection and guidance. C6

Key points

Al-Nawawi links this closeness of Allah to the verse "Allah is with those who are mindful of Him and those who do good." Allah's help is tied to obedience, not to how many means a person has. C6

References

C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

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The Islamic Worldview

Explain Tawakkul

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
Believers are called to consult, decide, and only then entrust the outcome to Allah (Q1, explained by Ibn Kathir/T1); facing a mustered enemy, the Companions marched on saying "Allah is all-sufficient for us," a trust that, as Maarif-ul-Quran notes, never meant sitting idle but continuing to prepare and act Q2 T2.
Guidance from the Sunnah
The hadith on cauterization and ruqyah warns against a misplaced reliance that bypasses lawful means H4, while the Prophet's teaching that "everyone is facilitated" toward what is written for him shows that belief in decree still calls for action, not resignation H6.
Guidance from the scholars
Mufti Muhammad Shafi (Maarif-ul-Quran) warns that confusing inaction with tawakkul is a common error; al-Nawawi points to the Prophet's own tawakkul even while hiding in the cave from pursuers; al-'Azimabadi (via al-Tibi) teaches that relying on people never settles one's need, while relying on Allah brings swift sufficiency. T4 C4 C6
Lesson for the reader
Take every lawful means available for the matter at hand, then place complete confidence in Allah's decree for the outcome, trusting that He alone truly suffices.

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

"Whoever places his trust in Allah, He is sufficient for him. Surely Allah is to accomplish His purpose. Allah has set a measure for every thing." Q6
Maarif-ul-Quran explains that true belief in destiny and tawakkul does not mean sitting back and doing nothing; one must first devote full lawful effort, then resign the outcome to Allah alone. Q4 T4
"Consult them in the matter and, once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah" — trust comes after consultation and a decision, not instead of them. Q1

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q4At-Tawbah 9:51 · The Repentance
Q6At-Talaq 65:3 · The Divorce
T4Maarif-ul-Quran on 9:51

Sunnah

Summary

The hadith weigh tawakkul against taking lawful means such as medicine, and tie it to belief in predestination and facilitation of one's deeds. H4 H6 H3

Key points

"Whoever seeks treatment by cauterization, or with ruqyah, then he has absolved himself of tawakkul" (mixed grading, graded sahih by some and da'if by Zubair Ali Zai). H4
The Prophet taught "do the deeds, for everyone is facilitated" toward what has been decreed for him, rather than abandoning action for fatalism (sahih). H6
"Whoever relies upon Allah, Allah will protect him from the pain of scattered inclinations" (da'if). H3

References

H3Sunan Ibn Majah 4166 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Daif Al-Albani
- Daif Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Daif Shuaib Al Arnaut
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H4Jami At Tirmidhi 2055 · Chapters on Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H6Jami At Tirmidhi 3344 · Chapters on Tafsir
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Sahih - Agreed Upon Zubair Ali Zai

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Classical commentators point to the Prophet's own tawakkul in extreme danger and explain that reliance placed on Allah, rather than on people, is what truly secures sufficiency. C4 C6

Key points

Al-Nawawi says the Prophet's words to Abu Bakr in the cave, "What do you think of two, Allah being their third?" show "an immense demonstration of the Prophet's tawakkul" (bayan 'azim tawakkul al-Nabi) even while in mortal danger. C4
Al-'Azimabadi, citing al-Tibi and linking the point to the Qur'an, explains that whoever relies on people to meet a need finds his want never fully settled, while whoever "lodges" his need with Allah is swiftly granted sufficiency. C6

References

C4al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148
C6Awn al-Ma'bud on Sunan Abi Dawud 1645 · al-Azimabadi, vol. 5 p. 40

Expert Opinions

Summary

Expert Opinions discuss tawakkul as the pairing of practical effort with trust that Allah secures provision. N4

Key points

Sources discussed in Expert Opinions urge believers to combine practical effort with trust in Allah's provision, citing the maxim "tie your camel and place your trust in Allah." N4

References

N4Protection of wealth · Personal Awareness

The Qur'an says "once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah". It doesn't talk about taking action.

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
Verse 3:159 teaches a sequence: be gentle, forgive, consult, make up your mind, and then rest the outcome with Allah, 'Who loves those who place their trust in Him.' Ya'qub's example in 12:67 adds a point: take the precaution, but know it cannot override Allah's decree. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet taught that the believer strives, asks for Allah's help and does not give up. When something goes against them, they accept it as Allah's decree instead of dwelling on 'if only'. H8 H4
Guidance from the scholars
Ibn Kathir notes that Ya'qub's precaution 'did not avail them against Allah's will' and was only something he felt he needed to do. Al-Qushayri puts trust in the heart, and al-Ghazali warns that giving up effort in the name of trust is ignorance, not piety. T3 C3
Lesson for the reader
Think carefully, ask for advice, decide and act fully, then hand the result to Allah and accept it calmly. Q1 H8

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

Ya'qub tells his sons to enter by different gates, then says he cannot protect them against Allah's will and puts his trust in Him. He acts, but does not rely on what he did. Q3
Mufti Muhammad Shafi says one should use the means available but not rely on them alone, because nothing is accomplished unless Allah wills it. T4

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q3Yusuf 12:67 · Joseph
T4Maarif-ul-Quran on 65:3

Sunnah

Summary

Key points

In this sahih (authentic) hadith, the order is to cherish what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and not lose heart. If things still go wrong, say that Allah did what He had decreed, not 'if only'. H8
During the Hijra, the Prophet and Abu Bakr prepared camels and provisions, hired an expert guide and hid in a cave, all while relying on Allah. H2

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 3905 · Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H4Jami At Tirmidhi 2344 · Chapters On Zuhd
Authenticity
- Sahih Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Hasan Sahih Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Isnaad Hasan Zubair Ali Zai
H8Sahih Muslim 6774 · The Book of Destiny
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih Muslim)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Key points

Al-Munawi, quoted by al-Mubarakfuri, says the birds are fed through going out and searching. Earning is not what provides; Allah is the Provider, but some means must be used. Ahmad says nothing in the hadith suggests giving up work. C3
Al-Ghazali calls the idea that trust means giving up work and planning, and lying around 'like a discarded rag', the belief of the ignorant. Al-Qushayri says trust lives in the heart, and outward effort does not contradict it. C3
Al-Nawawi points to the Prophet's 'immense trust' in Allah when he said in the cave, 'What do you think of two when Allah is their third?' C6

References

C3Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi on Jami' al-Tirmidhi 2344 · al-Mubarakfuri, vol. 7 p. 6
C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

Expert Opinions

Summary

References

N2Protection of wealth · Wealth & Economics

Explain "the pain of scattered inclinations"

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Meaning
The "scattered inclinations" are the many concerns and desires that pull the heart in different directions, like several masters each demanding service at once. T1
Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses ask the reader to serve one Master and to find rest in remembering Him (dhikr), because peace of heart is found only there. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet taught people to make the Hereafter their single concern, trusting Allah to take care of the rest. He also asked Allah to gather what was scattered in his own affairs. H2 H11
Guidance from the scholars
Al-Jalalayn reads the divided slave's confusion as the state of a person who serves others alongside Allah, and the undivided slave as the state of someone devoted to Allah alone. T1

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

Al-Jalalayn explains the comparison: if the many masters all demanded service at once, the slave would not know whom to serve. That confusion stands for the idolater, while the slave of one master stands for the believer in One God. T1
Peace of heart is limited to one source: "the hearts find peace only in the remembrance of Allah." Q3

References

Q1Az-Zumar 39:29 · The Troops
Q3Ar-Ra'd 13:28 · The Thunder
T1Al-Jalalayn on 39:29

Sunnah

Summary

Key points

The hadith of the single concern is graded hasan (good) by al-Albani but da'if (weak) by Zubair Ali Zai. H2
In a night supplication, the Prophet asked Allah for a mercy that would "gather by it my affair, and bring together that which has been scattered of my affairs." Its chain is graded weak. H11

References

H2Sunan Ibn Majah 4106 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Hasan Al-Albani
- Hasan Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai
H11Jami At Tirmidhi 3419 · Chapters on Supplication
Authenticity
- Daif Isnaad Ahmad Muhammad Shakir
- Daif Isnaad Al-Albani
- Daif Bashar Awad Maarouf
- Daif Zubair Ali Zai

Expert Opinions

Summary

Key points

Expert Opinions say people overwhelmed by choice end up handing their freedom over to trends, which only swaps one master for many. N2

References

N2Freedom vs Slavery · Spirituality & Character

Relationship between the state of the heart and action (using the means fully)

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses ask the reader to act deliberately (consult, decide, take precautions) while the heart says, 'Sovereignty belongs to none but Allah.' The means are done with the hands, and the reliance belongs to the heart. Q1 Q3
Guidance from the Sunnah
The Prophet planned the hijra in detail: mounts, provisions, a hiding place, a scout and a guide. He still relied on Allah, which shows that full preparation and full reliance can exist together. H2
Guidance from the scholars
Ibn Kathir explains that Ya'qub's precaution 'will not resist Allah's decision and appointed decree' and was 'a need of Ya'qub's inner self which he discharged'. Al-Nawawi sees the Prophet's tawakkul at its greatest inside the cave. T3 C6
Lesson for the reader
Do everything within your power as if it were required of you, but do not let your heart rest on it, because the outcome is Allah's alone. T2

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

In 3:159 the order is consultation, then a decision, then 'place your trust in Allah', so action comes first and the heart's reliance goes with it. Q1
Ya'qub tells his sons to enter by different gates, then says, 'I cannot help you in any way against (the will of) Allah … In Him I place my trust.' Q3
Mufti Muhammad Shafi says tawakkul 'does not mean to forsake the causes and means' Allah created. You use them, but you do not rely only on them, because no task is done unless Allah wills it. T2

References

Q1Ali 'Imran 3:159 · Family of Imran
Q3Yusuf 12:67 · Joseph
T2Maarif-ul-Quran on 65:3

Sunnah

Summary

The Prophet's hijra (migration to Madinah) shows careful planning carried out by people who relied on Allah. His teaching praises the heart that relies on its Lord alone. H2 H3 H5

Key points

For the hijra, Abu Bakr fed two camels for four months and packed food for the journey. They hid in the cave of Thawr while his son brought news of Quraysh's plots, and they hired an expert guide. H2
In a hadith graded sahih by al-Albani, true reliance brings provision 'like the birds', which 'go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies'. In the image, the birds still go out. H3
The seventy thousand who enter Paradise without reckoning are those who do not seek ruqyah (healing by recitation), do not read omens and do not get cauterised, 'but they put their trust (only) in their Lord'. H5

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 3905 · Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H3Sunan Ibn Majah 4164 · Zuhd
Authenticity
- Sahih Al-Albani
- Sahih Muhammad Fouad Abd al-Baqi
- Hasan Sahih Shuaib Al Arnaut
- Hasan Zubair Ali Zai
H5Sahih al Bukhari 5705 · Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Key points

Al-Nawawi explains 'what do you think of two whose third is Allah' as meaning Allah is their third through help, protection and guidance. He says it shows 'the great tawakkul of the Prophet even in this situation'. C6
Ibn Hajar relates that Sa'id ibn Jubayr told a man who had sought ruqyah for a sting, 'He has done well who stops at what he has heard.' Sa'id then narrated the hadith of those who rely on their Lord alone. C4

References

C4Fath al-Bari on Sahih al-Bukhari 5705 (part 1 of 2) · Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, vol. 10 p. 155
C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

Expert Opinions

Summary

Key points

Expert Opinions relay Yaqeen Institute, Islam21c and virtualmosque.com, which cite 'tie your camel and place your trust in Allah' as the pairing of effort and reliance. N2
Expert Opinions set out Ibn Taymiyyah's view that Allah, the first cause, gives created things real causal power, and contrast it with al-Ghazali's view that Allah alone truly causes events. N1

References

N1Free Will vs Causality · Belief
N2Protection of wealth · Wealth & Economics

What does "We take the means, when Allah commands us to, and we leave the means whenever Allah commands us to"? When does Allah command us to, not use the means?

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Meaning
The saying itself does not appear in these sources. Its sense is that means are tools of obedience: you use them because Allah commands it, and you give them up when He commands that, so in both cases you are following His command and not relying on the means themselves.
Guidance from the Qur'an
The verses call the reader to use the means and still rely on Allah, and to stay calm when the means run out, as Musa did at the sea. Q3 T2
Guidance from the Sunnah
The plague hadith show both sides in a single command. Using the means is obedience (do not enter), and giving up a means is also obedience (do not run away). Staying patiently, certain of Allah's decree, earns a martyr's reward. H8 H10
Guidance from the scholars
Al-Nawawi treats the cave as a model of the Prophet's tawakkul (trust in Allah): once every means had been used, his calm came from Allah's support. C6

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

The Qur'an shows that the usual path is to act and then rely on Allah. When no means are left, as at the sea in Musa's story, it shows complete reliance on Allah alone. Q3 T3 T2

Key points

Mufti Shafi explains that tawakkul (trust in Allah) does not mean giving up the means Allah created. You use them, but you rely on Allah, because nothing is achieved unless He wills it. T2
Trapped between the sea and the army, Musa said "Indeed with me is my Lord. He will guide me." Mufti Shafi calls this a test of faith in which Musa was not afraid at all. Q3 T3

References

Sunnah

Summary

The plague hadith are the clearest case in these sources of Allah's Messenger commanding both: take one means (do not enter a plague land) and give up another (do not run away from it). H8 H10 H2

Key points

When Umar heard the Prophet's command not to enter a land with an epidemic, he turned back at Sargh. Avoiding danger was itself obedience. H8
Someone who stays in a plague town patiently, hoping for reward and knowing nothing befalls him except what Allah has written, is promised the reward of a martyr. Here giving up flight is the act of trust. H10
The seventy thousand who enter Paradise without reckoning are those who do not seek ruqyah (healing by recitation) or cauterization (burning a wound to treat it), do not believe in omens, and "put their trust (only) in their Lord." This describes a high level of trust in giving up some lawful remedies. It is praise, not a command (Sahih al-Bukhari). H2

References

H2Sahih al Bukhari 5705 · Medicine
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H8Sahih al Bukhari 6973 · Tricks
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)
H10Sahih al Bukhari 6619 · Divine Will (Al-Qadar)
Authenticity
- Sahih — the whole collection is accepted as authentic (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Key points

Al-Nawawi links this closeness of Allah to the verse "Allah is with those who are mindful of Him and those who do good." Allah's help is tied to obedience, not to how many means a person has. C6

References

C6al-Minhaj Sharh Sahih Muslim on Sahih Muslim 2381 · al-Nawawi, vol. 15 p. 148

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Explain TawakkulShare answer

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

References

Sunnah

Summary

Key points

References

Hadith Commentaries

Summary

Key points

References

Expert Opinions

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Key points

References

The Qur'an says "once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah". It doesn't talk about taking action.Share answer

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

References

Sunnah

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References

Hadith Commentaries

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Expert Opinions

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References

Explain "the pain of scattered inclinations"Share answer

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

References

Sunnah

Summary

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References

Expert Opinions

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References

Relationship between the state of the heart and action (using the means fully)Share answer

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Summary

Key points

References

Sunnah

Summary

Key points

References

Hadith Commentaries

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Expert Opinions

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References

What does "We take the means, when Allah commands us to, and we leave the means whenever Allah commands us to"? When does Allah command us to, not use the means?Share answer

Conclusion

Reflection & guidance

Sources

Qur'an & Tafsir

Explain Tawakkul

The Qur'an says "once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah". It doesn't talk about taking action.

Explain "the pain of scattered inclinations"

Relationship between the state of the heart and action (using the means fully)

What does "We take the means, when Allah commands us to, and we leave the means whenever Allah commands us to"? When does Allah command us to, not use the means?

Explain Tawakkul

The Qur'an says "once you have taken a decision, place your trust in Allah". It doesn't talk about taking action.

Explain "the pain of scattered inclinations"

Relationship between the state of the heart and action (using the means fully)