the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, accepted his pledge of allegiance along with a group of others and quietly confided to them: ‘Do not ask people for anything.’ There were men among that group who, if their whip fell from their hand, would not say to anyone, ‘Hand it to me.’”

In numerous places, the scriptural texts command asking the Creator and prohibit asking created beings. For example, Allah Most High says:

“So when you are free, strive hard, and direct your longing to your Lord.”

And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Ibn ‘Abbās:

“When you ask, ask Allah; and when you seek help, seek help from Allah.”

Another example is the statement of Abraham, Allah’s close friend:

“So seek from Allah your provision.”

He did not say, “So seek your provision from Allah,” because placing the adverbial phrase first suggests exclusivity and restriction. It is as though he said, “Seek provision from none but Allah.”

Allah Most High also says:

“And ask Allah of His bounty.”

A person must obtain the provision and other things he needs and ward off whatever harms him. In both matters, he is instructed to direct his supplication to Allah. He may ask Allah and bring his complaints to Him, as Jacob, peace be upon him, said:

“I only complain of my suffering and my grief to Allah.”

Allah Most High mentions in the Quran “gracious withdrawal,” “gracious forgiveness,” and “gracious patience.”

It has been said that gracious withdrawal is withdrawal without causing harm; gracious forgiveness is forgiveness without reproach; and gracious patience is patience without complaining to created beings. Thus, during Ahmad ibn Hanbal’s illness, it was read to him that Tāwūs disapproved of the groaning