where he does not expect.

A “way out” means both the place through which one leaves and the act of leaving itself. One seeks a way out of confinement and hardship: this is relief, victory, and provision. Thus, He makes clear that fearing Him brings victory and provision, as He says:

“Who has fed them against hunger and made them secure against fear.”

For this reason, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Are you granted victory and provision except through the weak among you—through their supplications, their acts of kindness, and their prayers for forgiveness?”

One brings benefit, while the other wards off harm.

As for putting one’s trust in Allah, He makes clear that Allah will suffice the person who does so. This explains reliance upon Allah in terms of His sufficing those who trust in Him, as He says:

“Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?”

This is contrary to those who say that reliance consists solely of entrusting one’s affairs to Him and being content. Moreover, Allah will surely accomplish His purpose; He is not like one who is powerless.

“Allah has appointed a measure for everything.”

The verse has also been explained as referring to a way out of the distress caused by doubts, through sound evidence, clear knowledge, and direct experience. As they have said: “He teaches him without human instruction and grants him insight without learning through experience.” Abū Tālib al-Makkī mentioned this. Similarly, concerning His words:

“If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion,”

they have said that it is a light by which one distinguishes truth from falsehood. They have also explained it as “insight.”

The verse encompasses a way out of both outward and inward distress. Allah Most High says:

“Whoever Allah wills to guide, He opens his heart to Islam; and whoever He wills to lead astray, He makes his heart tight and constricted, as though he were climbing into the sky.”

It also encompasses what bodies experience and what hearts experience of knowledge and faith. A similar explanation has been given of His words:

“And spend out of what We have provided for them.”

And likewise His words:

“He sends down water from the sky,”

meaning the Quran and faith.