THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

guidance. But the one who sees things from a narrow or superficial angle is likely to go astray. THE LAW OF DIVINE SUPPORT The Quran teaches trust in God (tawakkul); one such verse says: “Put your trust in God.” (33:3) However, in another verse, it says: “Take your precautions.” (4:71) If we were to understand the first verse in an absolute and literal sense, it would imply that whoever has faith in God should rely entirely on God and make no efforts of their own—for if everything ultimately happens by God’s will, then personal planning might seem unnecessary or even a sign of weak faith. On the other hand, if we understand the second verse strictly by its literal wording, it might imply that a believer should make preparations and strategies relying entirely on human effort alone. At first glance, it may seem as if these two verses contradict one another. If we fully act on the first, the second becomes irrelevant. If we follow the second entirely, the first seems disconnected. But in truth, there is no contradiction. These verses represent two sides of the same reality. The command to trust in God relates to God’s role in the matter, while the instruction to take precautions pertains to the human role.