"O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely(upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely(upon Allah)?" He said: "Tie it and rely(upon Allah)." Other chains report similar narrations.
Hadith Commentary: The Balance Between Trust and Action
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2517) addresses the fundamental Islamic principle of harmonizing human effort (asbab) with divine reliance (tawakkul). The questioner sought clarification on whether complete trust in Allah necessitates abandoning practical measures.
The Wisdom of "Tie It and Rely"
The Prophet's response establishes that true tawakkul requires taking permissible means while recognizing that outcomes ultimately belong to Allah. This reflects the Quranic principle: "Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves" (13:11).
Scholars explain that tying the camel represents fulfilling one's worldly responsibilities through lawful means, while reliance upon Allah signifies spiritual submission and recognition of divine decree.
Practical Applications
This teaching applies to all aspects of life: seeking knowledge while praying for understanding, engaging in trade while trusting in provision, taking medical treatment while relying on healing from Allah, and preparing for the Hereafter through righteous deeds while depending on divine mercy.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith beautifully balances the material and spiritual realms, preventing both negligence of worldly responsibilities and excessive attachment to causes. It teaches that the believer's heart should be connected to the Creator while the limbs properly engage with creation.