When I Google it up this morning, the Wikipedia told me that in Arabic, the meaning of depending on God alone for sustenance is called Tawakkul, which is “the word for the Islamic concept of the reliance on God alone for success in life or what is called the “trusting in God’s plan” which non of us would deny, whether Christian or Muslim. It is in both religions. In Christianity as in Islam, believers accept each event in life as part of God’s foreordained plan.
How can one even doubt that God alone is the one who determines our sustenance when even in Biology we are taught that plants produce the oxygen we breathe, and the process of rainfall which provides water for us to drink and nourishes the crops which then becomes a source of food for both humans and animals?
Or should we forget verse 6 of Surah Hud in which Allah says –
“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.” So who are you to ascribe any success or riches from your own efforts alone? But wait a minute.
Did I hear the Hausa-Fulani man saying it is based on “Surah Hud verse 6 quoted above that we derived the saying “bakin da Allah ya tsaga bazai hana mishi abinda zai ci ba”? A a, no no no. That’s not the meaning.
Youth let me disabuse your minds. Don’t be confused as it is only the confused mind that misunderstood the Plan of God and His Wisdom as it is clear that God commands two things – strive and work on the one hand, and rely on Him to make the actions possible and goals attainable, on the other. Period. There is no contradiction here.
As I have often insisted, Islam is a dynamic religion. Not only does it not condone, but it actually does not encourage laziness and dependency on others. Don’t be misled by thinking otherwise.
I particularly remember the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, as having said: “Begging is forbidden except when there is great debt, suffering, injury, or abasing poverty.” (Related by Abu Dawud and Al-Bayhaqi).
He, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, also said, “It is much better for one of you to take his rope and go to chop some wood (for his livelihood) than to beg from people, whether they give him anything or deny him.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Ibn Majah, and others).
The Prophet himself worked hard for his living. He spent his boyhood as a shepherd and took to trade in manhood. He carried people’s goods to Syria and other places and shared the profits with them. The prophet also said “Allah did not send any Prophet but to be shepherds.” The Companions asked: “Were you a shepherd?” The Prophet, replied: “Yes, I used to look after the sheep of the people of Makkah for several qirath.” [Sahih Bukhari]
Hence, as much as Allah wants from us to initiate actions and seek and use all permissible means to secure our needs and those of our families, He also wants us not to depend on these means as the source of our sustenance. This is the genuine understanding of tawakkul.
A hard working attitude and one that does not give up easily is closely linked to the guarantee of Allah’s sustenance. The similarities that exist are hard work and determination, and hope, which as president Obama said, “hope. Audacity of Hope”.
What I expect from you as young man or woman, regardless of what ASUU are doing, making to graduate late despite your school grades, if you don’t have a job, after graduating 2:1, you should not give up, or sit back and do nothing at home. Instead, you should strive hard and continue to increase your efforts in finding a job. Not necessarily government job.
As a youth, if you already have a job but feel that you do not earn much, you should strive to upgrade your skills (join a computer school or do some other training) and increase your knowledge as well, through available schemes that are offered by various government and non governmental agencies. This can enable you to find a better paying job that is suitable with your new skills.
As a young person do more than one job such as doing Uber after closing from work. It may be your car, your friend’s car or your parents car, if they allow you. If your girlfriend or ex flags you down or called you for Uber or Bolt, don’t be shy; charge her the correct fair and ‘bone face’. It is called ‘hustling’. This can help you increase your income. ‘Sana’a goma ba sata ba’
The summary of it all is that only those who diligently put in effort and do not give up will receive Allah’s help. There is no contradiction here. You may Follow Olajide Abiola or Agoso Bamaiyi on Facebook and receive help from God.
- Dasin is a former House of Representatives member from Adamawa State
