Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said, “A group of people (both men and women) whose hearts will be like the hearts of birds, will enter Jannah (Paradise)” (Muslim)
It has been interpreted that such people are those who put their trust in Allah; another interpretation is that these people are those who are tender-hearted. Both, trust in Allah and kindness of heart are valuable qualities and both are means to enter Paradise. In terms of trust in Allah, one should not worry much about his food and means of sustenance; we should have hearts like birds that do not collect to keep in reserve but go out every morning in search of food and return to their nests fully satisfied.
In another similar Hadith, Umar (RA) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk.” (At-Tirmidhi)
It is true that provision, or exam results as the case may be, is from Allah and that nothing happens without the Will of Allah. But trust in Allah does not mean we give no importance to work and effort. What it means is that along with the due importance of work and effort, we have full trust in Allah. It is necessary to work and make effort for livelihood and prosperity because this is ordained by Allah. For example, birds do not keep sitting in their nests waiting for food but fly out in search of it.
And whenever you leave your nest, your house, say as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “I begin in the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions except by the Power of Allah.” Whoever says this, it will be said to him: ‘You are guided, defended and protected,’ and the devil will go far away from him. (Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nisaa-ee)
In conclusion, I end with the advice given by the Prophet (SAW) to Ibn Abbas when he was once riding behind the Prophet (SAW), “O boy! I will instruct you in some matters. Be watchful of Allah (i.e., the Commandments of Allah), He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights, He will be ever with you. If you beg, beg of Him Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you. The pens have been lifted and the ink has dried.” (At-Tirmidhi)
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