Which is the correct way to take means when relying on God: researching and investigating the best available options, or accepting what God facilitates without diligent effort?

Reliance on Allah is required in all circumstances. It involves taking direct action while acknowledging that these actions have no effect except by Allah’s permission. Exerting effort does not contradict reliance on Allah if the true dependence is on Allah alone; rather, it is required, as in the Hadith (definition): "Tie it and rely [on Allah]." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, took measures during the Hijra (migration) and the Battle of Uhud, which indicates that taking measures does not negate reliance on Allah. Considering means to be effective in themselves is polytheism (shirk (definition)), ignoring means is a deficiency in intellect, and turning away from commanded means is a flaw in Islamic law. True reliance on Allah includes taking direct action, and abandoning them is a weakness that contradicts reliance on Allah.