—indeed, that his deeds, Allah protect us, have no connection to Allah at all. For this reason they have been dubbed “the Magians of this community,” because they resemble the Magians; yet every human action in fact takes place by Allah’s decree.

Another benefit is that sacred knowledge may at times be hidden from eminent people and known to those below them. There is no doubt that ʿUmar b. al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was far more learned than ʿAbd al-Rahman b. ʿAwf, and many who were with ʿUmar possessed learning that ʿAbd al-Rahman lacked. Still, a junior person may hold a piece of knowledge unknown to a senior one, as happened here.

A further lesson lies in the Prophet’s ﷺ wisdom: a person must not plunge into what leads to destruction or harm. Allah the Exalted says, “Do not kill yourselves” (4:29) and “Do not cast yourselves with your own hands into ruin” (2:195). Therefore, it is forbidden to gamble on a matter in which one fears annihilation. Everything is decreed, yet causes have real effects.

Another ruling: when plague strikes a land, it is impermissible to leave it merely to flee the disease; if one departs for some other legitimate need, however, there is no blame.

Likewise, there is no harm in using medicines, tablets, or injections that ward off an epidemic, for such measures are preventive before the calamity descends. Just as treating oneself after infection is permissible, so too is taking precautions beforehand; this is not a deficiency in tawakkul (reliance on Allah) but part of it. Taking means that protect one from destruction and punishment is required. Whoever claims to rely on Allah while neglecting the means is not truly relying; rather, he is impugning Allah’s wisdom, for His wisdom dictates that things occur only through the causes He has decreed for them.

And Allah is the One who grants success.