within his power and he is commanded to pursue them, he should do so while relying upon Allah, just as he performs his obligatory duties, fights the enemy, carries weapons, and wears armour. He does not rely on trust alone to repel the enemy without undertaking the fighting he has been commanded to undertake. Whoever abandons the prescribed means is ineffectual, negligent, and blameworthy.

In Sahīh Muslim, Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reports that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Strive for what benefits you, seek Allah’s help, and do not give up. If something befalls you, do not say, ‘If only I had done such-and-such, such-and-such would have happened.’ Rather, say, ‘Allah has decreed it, and He has done what He willed,’ for ‘if only’ opens the door to Satan’s work.”

Sunan Abī Dāwūd reports:

“Two men brought their dispute before the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he ruled against one of them. The man against whom he ruled said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.’ He, peace and blessings be upon him, said, ‘Allah censures inaction. Rather, you must act prudently; then, if something overcomes you, say, “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”’”

People have discussed carrying provisions on Hajj and other journeys. The established practice of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, his rightly guided caliphs, his Companions, those who followed them in righteousness, and the foremost religious masters is to carry provisions. Doing so entails obedience to Allah and His Messenger, benefits the person carrying them, and enables him to benefit others. A “group” has claimed that perfect reliance upon Allah requires not carrying provisions. Yet this view has been rejected by