Page 29 - Some Secrets of the Qur'an

27
SECRETS OF SUBMISSION TO ONE'S FATE AND PUTTING ONE'S TRUST IN GOD

its good and evil sides and knows that he cannot prevent anything
that befalls him (good or evil) and he cannot catch anything that
escapes from him (good or evil). 4

Another point mentioned in the Qur'an about putting
trust in God is "taking measures." The Qur'an informs us
about numerous measures believers can take in various
situations. In many other verses, God also reveals the secret
that those measures which are accepted as a form of worship
by God, cannot change the fate. The Prophet Jacob, peace be
upon him, advised his sons to take some measures while
entering the city but afterwards he reminded them to place
trust in God. The relevant verse is as follows:
He said, 'My sons! You must not enter through a
single gate. Go in through different gates. But I
cannot save you from God at all, for judgement
comes from no one but God. In Him I put my trust,
and let all those who put their trust, put it in Him
alone.' (Surah Yusuf: 67)

As seen in the words of the Prophet Jacob, believers
definitely take precautions, but they know that they cannot
change what fate God has willed for them. For example, a
person should follow traffic rules and not drive carelessly.
This is an important measure and a form of worship
performed for one's life and that of others. Yet, if God wills
that person to die in a car accident, no measure can be taken
to prevent his death. Sometimes a precautionary action or an
act may seem to have enabled that person to escape death. Or
one may take a crucial decision, which changes the entire
course of his life; or one may recover from a fatal disease by
showing strength and endurance. Yet, all these occur because