The Eternal Allocation of Sustenance
One of the most taxing aspects on human psychology in this world is the worry about livelihood and sustenance. Many people resort to illicit means for their provision, compromise their honor, and submit to oppressors. However, in Islamic belief, every living being’s sustenance has been predetermined from eternity and guaranteed. Shaykh Geylani reminds those who strive with ambition of this truth: “Sustenance is apportioned at its time; it neither increases nor decreases, cannot be hastened or delayed.
Combining Effort and Trust (Tawakkul)
The fact that sustenance is written eternally does not necessitate a person to sit idly by. The servant should adhere to legitimate means to seek their provision (work), but their heart should be connected not to those means, but to the Creator of those means. “Ask Allah for your and your children’s provision. Do not see much influence in your efforts.” The boss at work, the customer, or the harvest in the field are merely veils; the true Giver is the Absolutely Generous (Ar-Razzaq).
Freedom from Worldly Ambitions
Selling one’s faith and morals for temporary worldly gains is the greatest folly. No matter how much a person strives, they cannot eat beyond their stomach’s capacity or exceed their provision. “All your ambition is in seeking something that has no end. This bad ambition prevents you from being among those who possess true knowledge.” The believer who uproots worry about sustenance from their heart and embraces complete trust (tawakkul) attains unshakable spiritual freedom in both worlds.