Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah and the Use of Means in Islam

Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah—the oneness of Allah in His Lordship—teaches that Allah alone is the Creator, Sustainer, and Controller of all affairs. Some may mistakenly think that relying on worldly means (asbāb) contradicts this belief. However, Islam clarifies that taking the means which Allah has created does not oppose Tawḥīd, as long as one understands that Allah is the true Causer of all results. This article explores the balance between Tawḥīd and the lawful use of means in a Muslim’s life.

Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah Explained

Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah is the belief that Allah alone controls the universe—He gives life and death, provides sustenance, and decrees outcomes. Nothing occurs without His will. Yet, Allah has placed in His creation certain causes and effects. He commands His servants to take lawful means, while their hearts must remain attached only to Him.

Does Taking the Means Contradict Tawḥīd?

Some may wonder: if everything is in Allah’s hands, why seek medicine, work for sustenance, or plan for the future? The answer is that using the means does not negate reliance upon Allah. Rather, it fulfills His command to act responsibly. Allah is the One who created the means and made them effective, while the true outcome always belongs to Him alone.

Conditions of Taking Means

Islam sets three essential conditions for taking means (asbāb):

• Belief: The means does not act independently; the effect belongs only to Allah.
• Reliance: The heart must depend on Allah, not the means, which is only a tool.
• Permissibility: The means must be lawful in Islam; haram means are never allowed to reach one’s goal.

An Example: Seeking Treatment

If a Muslim becomes ill, he may seek treatment with lawful medicine. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Seek treatment, O servants of Allah, but do not seek it in the unlawful.” This shows that medicine is a cause Allah has permitted. Yet, the believer must know that the cure is from Allah, not from the medicine itself. Allah says: “And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.” (Quran 26:80)

Practical Applications

Using means is part of the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ tied his camel, wore armor in battle, and prepared strategies—yet his heart relied fully on Allah. Likewise, Muslims today may study for success, work for income, or use technology, but they must keep their trust in Allah as the ultimate Provider and Protector.

Conclusion

Taking the means does not contradict Tawḥīd al-Rubūbiyyah; rather, it completes it. Allah is the Creator of both causes and effects, and He commands us to use what He has made permissible. The believer’s duty is to act with effort, while keeping faith and reliance upon Allah alone. In this way, a Muslim combines obedience with Tawakkul, fulfilling the balance of Islam.

Related Topics: Tawḥīd and Tawakkul | Reliance on Allah vs. Relying on Means