What are the limits of taking means, and is falling short in them a sin that necessitates seeking forgiveness, and should supplication be made before, after, or during the taking of means?

A Muslim must take permissible means, for taking them is an act of worship, while relying on them is polytheism (shirk). Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah mentioned that all means are decreed by Allah, and turning to them is polytheism, while abandoning them indicates a deficiency in intellect and a flaw in religious understanding.

The commentator of al-Tahawiyyah emphasizes that tawakkul (reliance on Allah) does not negate earning a livelihood, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to work and earn. Ibn al-Qayyim clarified that true tawakkul is the heart's reliance on Allah while directly engaging with the means, and abandoning means is a form of helplessness that contradicts tawakkul.

Ibn Hajar stated that tawakkul is not abandoning the use of means or relying on creatures; rather, it is taking means and striving to seek sustenance, for the sky does not rain gold or silver. The jurists have unanimously agreed that tawakkul does not contradict striving and taking means, and supplication (du'a) is a great means of sustenance.

Supplication is prescribed before, during, and after taking means, and it is one of the greatest means to achieve what is sought.