Explanation of the author's statement: And his saying: "Indeed, the provision of Allah is not hastened by the eagerness of an eager person, nor is it averted by the aversion of one who averts."

The Shaykh : A person may believe, yet not possess faith. I mean, faith requires tranquility and affirmation. This is why the concept of "security" (aman), which is the opposite of fear, is taken to mean belief. Abu Talib believed in the Messenger, but... he did not find tranquility in him, nor did he follow him. Then he provided a reason, saying: "Indeed, the provision of Allah..." This is a reason for his statement that you should praise them and blame them. "The provision of Allah" means His gift. It is not hastened by the eagerness of an eager person. However, the eagerness of the eager person is undoubtedly one of its causes, but it is not independent in bringing it about. Otherwise, there is no doubt that if a person is eager for provision and performs the causes, he has performed the causes that necessitate provision. But this does not mean that this cause is independent, effective, and necessitating. Rather, it is Allah (Mighty and Majestic) who provides. How many people are eager to be provided for and do all the causes for provision, yet Allah does not decree provision for them? And how many people do very few causes, yet Allah the Exalted provides them with abundant provision? And how many people receive provision without any effort on their part, such as finding a buried treasure in the ground, or a wealthy relative dying, or something similar? The important point is that his statement (peace and blessings be upon him): Do not think that this prevents performing the causes. Rather, it indicates that the causes are not necessitating. So who decrees the thing? Allah. How many people performed a cause and did not succeed? And how many people performed a light cause and were provided with abundant provision? And how many people are envied by those who envy them among people, yet Allah the Exalted gives them provision? For example, how many people go to a person and say, "Do you want to buy from so-and-so? I have something better and cheaper for you," but Allah the Exalted brings the provision to the first person? Yes, and Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, is the One in whose hand are all affairs.