yet many people entertain ill thoughts of Allah. They depend only on the material means they can see, giving no consideration to the long term or to Allah’s power, even though He is the One who provides, no matter how numerous the children may be. Increase your offspring and your provision will increase with them—that is the truth.

This is further evidence that when a person truly relies on Allah, he must still employ the proper means. Whoever claims, “I will take no measures; I am relying on Allah,” has gone astray. Such a view is invalid, for the true reliance on Allah is to take the lawful means while trusting in Him. Hence the Prophet ﷺ said, “just as He provides for the birds: they leave their nests hungry.” They set out to seek sustenance; the birds do not stay idly in their nests—they go forth and look for their provision.

Therefore, if you place your trust in Allah as it should be placed, you must take the means He has legislated for you: earning your livelihood through lawful avenues—farming, trade, or any other legitimate source. Seek your provision while depending on Allah, and He will ease it for you.

Among the lessons of this hadith is that birds and all other creatures know their Lord, as Allah the Exalted says: “The seven heavens, the earth, and all who are therein glorify Him. There is not a thing but that it glorifies His praise—though you do not understand their glorification” (Al-Isrāʾ 17:44). He also says: “Do you not see that to Allah prostrate all who are in the heavens and all who are on the earth—the sun, the moon, the stars, the mountains, the trees, the animals, and many people? But many others are destined for punishment. And whomever Allah disgraces, none can honor him; indeed, Allah does whatever He wills” (Al-Ḥajj 22:18).