What is the ruling on taking means?

The ruling on utilizing means varies depending on the intended outcome. It may be obligatory for attaining religious duties, such as seeking knowledge, or forbidden if it leads to something prohibited, like adultery, or disliked, or recommended, depending on what it leads to. This does not contradict belief in divine decree (Qadar (definition)) and reliance on Allah (Tawakkul (definition)). Relying solely on means is a form of polytheism (shirk (definition)) in monotheism, and completely neglecting means is a denigration of the Sacred Law. Reliance and supplication must be directed to Allah, Glorified be He. The prophets did not stay in their homes awaiting provision; rather, they sought livelihood. And His saying, "And seek from the bounty of Allah" (Al-Jumu'ah: 10), indicates the permissibility of engaging with means, and that Allah has made them an interconnected chain, and their activation is a sunnah (definition) (norm/way).