#
Provision is a great blessing from God, by which life is established and continues, and through which needs are met and sufficiency is achieved. God Almighty has taken upon Himself the sustenance of all His servants, as He said: ﴿And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision﴾, thus hearts are reassured that provision is solely in the hands of God, not in the hands of humans or the fluctuations of days.
Provision is not limited to money alone; it includes health, knowledge, comfort, family, tranquility, and everything that benefits a person in this world and the hereafter. A person may be granted wealth but deprived of peace, and their wealth may diminish while God enriches them with contentment and satisfaction, which is true richness.
Islam has commanded us to strive for sustenance while relying on God. Trusting in God does not mean abandoning work, but rather combining taking the necessary measures and having confidence in God. The Prophet ﷺ said: "If you truly relied on God, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they leave hungry in the morning and return full in the evening." Birds go out, move, and search, and then their provision comes to them.
Among the reasons for the abundance of provision are the fear of God, maintaining family ties, seeking forgiveness, charity, and having good intentions in work. How many people have had their sustenance opened up due to a sincere prayer, a hidden charity, or a good intention.
On the other hand, excessive attachment to the worldly life and an excessive desire for money may deprive a person of the blessings of their provision, no matter how abundant it is. Blessing is the true secret of sustenance, which makes the little amount feel like a lot and grants its owner peace of mind.
In summary, sustenance is solely in the hands of God; He gives with wisdom and withholds with wisdom. The servant must strive and work hard, be content with what God has decreed for him, and be certain that what has been written for him will inevitably come, and what has not been written for him will not be attained no matter how hard he strives.