Explanation of the Hadeeth from
'Umar, رضي
الله تعالى عنه that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه
وسلم) said:
"Were you to depend upon Allaah with true dependence, He
would have provided for you like He provides for the bird; early in the morning
he leaves hungry, but returns at the end of the day with a full stomach."
(At-Tirmithi no. 2344,
Ibn Majah no.4I64, Ahmad 1/30,52, Ibn Hibban no. 2548 and Al-Hakim 4/318) &
was recorded by Imaam Ahmad, At-Tirmithi, An-Nisa'i, Ibn Majah, Ibn Hibban, and
Al-Hakim, and At-Tirmithi said, "This Hadeeth is Hasan Sahih."
The (Arabic) word (in the Hadeeth
is) "Tawakkul," means to depend
sincerely in one's heart upon Allaah Almighty, for bringing blessings & warding off harms, for this world & the Hereafter. If people were to sincerely
trust & depend upon Allaah to bring them that which benefits them & to keep
away that which harms them, & if they take reasonable, practical steps
themselves, Allaah will send their provision to them by
the simplest of means. Just as Allaah سُبحانه
وتعالى gives the bird provision when it simply leaves in the morning,
seeking its sustenance, & returns at the end of the day. Yes, it does
go out to search, but it is an easy effort. Tawakkul in reality does not
deny actually working & striving for provision, for Allaah سُبحانه وتعالى has decreed that we should work & it is from His ways that
He gives people when they strive.