Book Session Subject: Complete Reliance on Allah

Complete reliance on Allah is the sincere dependence of the heart on Allah in the servant's endeavours in pursuing his interests and safeguarding himself against anything that may be harmful to his well-being both in this life and in the akhira (the next life).

And for whoever fears Allah, He prepares a way forward for him, and He provides for him from where he does not expect. And for whoever relies on Allah, then He is enough for him. (65:2-3)

A person who fears Allah and relies completely on Him, will find that these two qualities are sufficient for him both in matters of this world and of his deen (religion – way of life).

'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (radiAllahu 'anhu) said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (salAllahu 'alayhi wa salam) say 'If you had all relied on Allah as you should rely on Him, then He would have certainly provided for you as He provides for the birds, who wake up hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs at dusk'" (At-Tirmidhi, Saheeh hadith)

Abu Hatim ar-Razi said that this hadith establishes the fundamental principle that reliance on Allah is one of the most important means of acquiring one's sustenance and provision.

Sa'eed Ibn Jubair said "Reliance on Allah is an essential part of faith".

Possessing the state of reliance, however, does not prevent you from utilising the ways and means which Allah has decreed for His creation. These are His laws, and He has commanded us to use ways and means, while at the same time He has instructed us to rely one Him. Endeavouring to make use of the ways and means in His Universe with our limbs is obedience, and relying on him in our hearts is faith in Him. Allah says:

O you who believe, take your precautions! (4:71)

Sahl said "Whoever questions actions (e.g. Striving to earn a living) questions the very validity of the sunnah, and whoever questions reliance on Allah, questions faith itself".

Reliance is the state of the Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wa salam), while striving to earn a living is his sunnah, and whoever behaves in accordance with the state of the Prophet (salAllahu 'alayhi wa salam) must not abandon his sunnah.

Adapted from: The Purification of the Soul

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