4 False Notions of Reliance on Allah That Kill Your Drive
Reliance upon
Allah is among the greatest acts of the heart—one that grants a person
tranquility and strength to face life’s many challenges. Yet many people
confuse true tawakkul (reliance) with passive tawakul
(dependence), leading them to fall into laziness and abandon effort under the
claim that everything is already decreed. This makes it necessary to shed light
on some of the most common misconceptions about reliance upon
Allah—misconceptions we must guard against if we are to continue striving
toward success.
1.
Believing that taking means contradicts
certainty in Allah
Some assume
that sincere reliance means making no effort at all, waiting for provision or
relief without action, thinking that striving diminishes their trust in Allah.
This misunderstanding suppresses human potential and contradicts sound natural
disposition. True reliance, in reality, requires combining certainty of the
heart with action of the limbs.
A man once came
to the Prophet (peace be upon him) asking about his camel: “Shall I tie it
and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” The
Prophet replied with his comprehensive words: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).” Tying
the camel represents taking the necessary means, and it does not contradict
reliance—in fact, it is essential for its completion.
2.
Waiting for provision without movement
or initiative
We often hear
the phrase, “My provision is written and will come to me.” While this may
sometimes reflect good expectation of Allah, it is also used to justify
idleness. Provision is indeed decreed without doubt, but Allah has tied its
attainment to effort and initiative. He has not commanded us to sit and wait
for miracles.
The Prophet
(peace be upon him) likened those who truly rely upon Allah to birds that do
not remain in their nests, but go out in search of sustenance. He said: “If you all
depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He
gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly
at dusk.” This is further affirmed by the saying of Allah: “So move about in its regions and eat from His
provisions.” (Al-Mulk 67:15)
3.
Relying on supplication as a substitute
for hard work
Although
supplication is the essence of worship and the believer’s greatest weapon,
relying on it alone—without any practical effort—is like hoping for a harvest
without planting seeds. This does not negate Allah’s ability to answer prayers
without means, but His way in creation is that effort and perseverance
accompany supplication.
This meaning is
clearly illustrated in the story of Mary (peace be upon her). At the height of
her weakness during childbirth, fruits did not descend to her by supplication
alone. Rather, Allah commanded her to take action: “And
shake the trunk of this palm tree towards you, it will drop fresh, ripe dates
upon you.” (Maryam 19:25)
4. Assuming that planning for the future
weakens reliance
Some believe
that strategic thinking and future planning contradict surrendering matters to
Allah and being content with what is decreed. In reality, disorder and
randomness have nothing to do with the religion. Careful planning, along with
caution, is an integral part of taking the means commanded by the Creator.
The Prophet
Jacob (peace be upon him) set a profound example of planning and precaution
when he instructed his sons to change their entry strategy into Egypt. Allah
says: “He then instructed ˹them˺, “O my sons! Do not enter ˹the city˺ all through one gate, but through
separate gates…” Then he concluded with the highest level of reliance
and submission: “It is only Allah Who decides.
In Him I put my trust.” (Yusuf 12:67)
From all this,
it becomes clear that reliance upon Allah and striving are two sides of the
same coin—neither is complete without the other. True reliance is not a
justification for laziness or passivity; rather, it is a spiritual force and a
powerful motivation for work and productivity, accompanied by a tranquil heart.
A believer acts with their limbs as though the means are everything, while
relying in their heart upon Allah as though the means are nothing.
Rise now. Plan
your life. Exert your utmost effort—while placing your trust in the Ever-Living
who never dies.
Read Also:
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Reliance on Allah in Light of the Quran and Sunnah
-
Reliance on and Seeking Relief from Allah
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