Is a person held accountable for the outcomes of taking means, or for the effort expended therein?

If a person expends their effort and does what is within their capacity, they are not to be blamed for what they missed or for any harm that befell them. Rather, blame is only incurred for negligence or dereliction of duty. Allah Almighty says: (Allah does not burden a soul beyond its capacity) and (Allah does not burden a soul except with what He has given it). And the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Be keen on what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not become helpless. And if something befalls you, do not say 'If only I had done such and such, it would have been so and so,' but rather say 'Allah has decreed, and He does what He wills,' for 'if only' opens the door to the work of Satan." The intent, then, is submission to Allah's command and contentment with His decree after the predestined event has occurred.