and will provide for him from places he could never anticipate.

A person exercises this mindfulness by doing what Allah has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden. Whenever things become tight for the God-fearing servant, Allah opens a way out—whether the hardship concerns livelihood, wealth, children, society, or anything else. Therefore, whenever you fear Allah, be certain that He will grant you relief from every constriction. Rely on this promise, for it comes from the One Who says to a thing, “Be,” and it is: “Whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.”

How many people have feared Allah and found that He indeed made an escape for them! Among the clearest examples is the story of the three men trapped in a cave when a boulder rolled over its entrance. Unable to push it aside, each of them appealed to Allah with a righteous deed he had performed for His sake. Allah then lifted their distress, the rock moved, and He provided them a way out. Instances of this kind are plentiful.

His words, “and will provide for him from where he never expected,” contain yet another immense benefit: Allah will sustain you from directions you would never imagine. Suppose, for example, that a man had been earning money through forbidden means—such as fraud, usury, or similar practices—and then, upon receiving sincere advice, gave it up for Allah’s sake. Allah would surely grant him a way out and provide for him from unforeseen sources.

Do not be hasty, however, and do not think that if the relief is delayed it will never arrive. Allah may test His servant by postponing the reward, in order to see whether he will return to the sin or remain steadfast. So, if you had been dealing in usury, someone admonished you, and you abandoned it, yet a month or two pass without renewed profit, do not despair,