Is Ja'far al-Sadiq's saying, "I am astonished at him who was plotted against by people, yet did not resort to God's saying: (And I entrust my affair to Allah. Indeed, Allah is Seeing of [His] servants)" restricted to people's plotting, or can it be used in other meanings, and what are they? And is it permissible to entrust the matter to God in disciplining children with the manners of Islam and instilling His love in them?

The statement attributed to Ja'far al-Sadiq refers to the delegation of affairs to Allah, which is reliance solely upon Him. Quranic verses have indicated that sincere reliance is a cause for preservation and protection from all harm. Delegation and reliance are required in every matter of religion and worldly life, and it is among the greatest acts of worship. However, true reliance must be accompanied by taking lawful means, as in the hadith, "Tie your camel and then rely [upon Allah]." The true reliant person initiates the necessary means, and among them is raising children in a lawful manner.