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As for the claim that the prophets and the friends of Allah did not seek provision, this is not so. Rather, most prophets pursued means by which they obtained their provision. Thus our Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in the hadith narrated by Ahmad in al-Musnad, on the authority of Ibn ʿUmar:
“I was sent with the sword before the Hour, until Allah alone is worshipped, without any partner. My provision was placed beneath the shade of my spear, and humiliation and abasement were imposed upon those who oppose my command. Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”
It is also authentically reported in the Sahīh that he, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:
“The best food a man eats is that which comes from his own earnings.”
David ate from his own earnings and used to make armour. Zechariah was a carpenter. Abraham, Allah’s close friend, owned so much livestock that he would serve a fattened calf to guests he did not know. Such hospitality is possible only with ample means.
The finest of Allah’s friends who relied upon Him were the Emigrants and the Helpers. Abū Bakr al-Siddīq was the foremost of Allah’s friends who relied upon Him after the prophets. Allah provided for most of them through means they pursued. Al-Siddīq was a merchant, and he would take his share of the spoils of war; and when he assumed