of special merit: the latter part of the night, after the prayers, at the call to prayer, when rain falls, and the like.

As for the best means of earning a livelihood, it is to rely upon Allah, trust that He will suffice, and expect good from Him. Whoever is concerned about his provision should turn to Allah concerning it and supplicate to Him, as He, glorified be He, says in what His Prophet relates from Him:

“All of you are hungry except those whom I have fed, so ask Me for food and I shall feed you. O My servants, all of you are naked except those whom I have clothed, so ask Me for clothing and I shall clothe you.”

Al-Tirmidhī narrated from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Let each of you ask his Lord for everything he needs, even the strap of his sandal when it breaks, for if He does not make it possible, it will not be possible.”

Allah Most High has said in His Book:

“Ask Allah of His bounty.”

And He, glorified be He, said:

“When the prayer is concluded, disperse throughout the land and seek Allah’s bounty.”

Although this concerns the Friday prayer, its meaning applies to all prayers. For this reason—and Allah knows best—

“The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed whoever enters the mosque to say, ‘O Allah, open for me the gates of Your mercy,’ and upon leaving to say, ‘O Allah, I ask You of Your bounty.’”

Abraham, Allah’s intimate friend (peace and blessings be upon him), said:

“So seek provision from Allah, worship Him, and be grateful to Him.”

This is a command, and a command entails obligation. Thus, seeking Allah’s help and turning to Him in matters of provision and all other affairs is a fundamental principle.