spend anything seeking Allah’s countenance without thereby rising in rank and standing—even the morsel you place in your wife’s mouth.”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) thus explained that Allah censures helpless inaction, which is the opposite of resourcefulness: neglecting what one is commanded to do. Such neglect is incompatible with the capacity that accompanies an act, although it is not incompatible with the prior capacity upon which commands and prohibitions are predicated. For the capacity that necessarily entails an act accompanies it and pertains only to the act it enables, as Allah Most High mentions in His words:
“They were unable to hear,”
and His words:
“And they were unable to hear.”
As for the capacity to which commands and prohibitions relate, it may or may not be accompanied by the act. Thus Allah Most High says:
“Pilgrimage to the House is a duty owed to Allah by those who are able to make their way there.”
And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to ʿImrān ibn Husayn:
“Pray standing; if you cannot, then sitting; and if you cannot, then on your side.”
On this matter, people fall into “four categories.” Some attend to commands and prohibitions, worship and obedience, acknowledging the divinity of the Lord—glory be to Him—whom they have been commanded to worship. Yet they do not attend to divine decree and predestination, trust in Allah, and seeking His help. This is the condition of many who engage in religious learning and devotional practice. Despite their good intentions and their reverence for Allah’s sacred bounds and rites, they are often overcome by weakness, helplessness, and lack of support. For it is seeking Allah’s help, trusting in Him, taking refuge in Him, and supplicating to Him that strengthen the servant and make his affairs easier.