THE CONCEPT OF DEPENDING ON ALLAAH
Question:
Depending on Allaah does not mean that you throw yourself in a swimming pool when you do not know how to swim, or endanger your life in a physical sport without training. What is the real sense of depending on Allaah? Please explain, with thanks.
Answer:
Depending on Allaah means committing all one's affairs to Him alone. It is one of the fundamentals of faith according to the Words of Allaah: And upon Allaah depend, if you are believers [1] It is also one of the strong spiritual means for accomplishing the objectives and servings one's interests. But the believer must also observe along with the dependence the other means whether they are acts of worship, such as supplication, performing the prayer, giving charitable donations, or maintaining good relations with one's kin.
One should also apply material means that Allaah has made as causes for fulfilling needs, such as those mentioned by the inquirer in his question, and their like. One should follow the example of the Messenger of Allaah (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). He used to apply the other convenient means with the perfect dependence on Allaah, the Exalted.
Therefore he who neglects the other available means, being satisfied with depending on Allaah alone, would oppose the guidance of the Messenger (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam). In that case, his dependence would be in effect a form of incapacity not legal dependence. May Allaah exalt the mention of our Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam), his household and Companions, and render them safe from evil.
[1] Al-Ma'idah 5:23.
Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah Vol. 1 Page 24