The patient only recovers from the ailment by the use of a...

The patient only recovers from the ailment by the use of a medicament if Allah (S.w.T.) Wishes it to be so! Depending Only on Actions is a Precursor of Destruction If man depends entirely on his actions for salvation, then he is exposing himself to destruction. If there is anyone who can give salvation to him, it is only Allah (S.w.T.). It is true that the person has done good deeds but only Allah (S.w.T.) can make them effective.

That is possible if Allah (S.w.T.)'s wish and pleasure is for acceptance of the deeds. As we have already said that one should not be proud of his intelligence, his physical strength, the might of his pen or his skill at oratory. Similarly in spiritual matters, one should not depend only on his prayer and fasting. He should know that relief from the hellfire is not possible even if he is pious and abstemious. The actual salvation depends on the wish of Allah (S.w.T.).

Similarly, for the acceptance of the good deeds of a person to qualify for the heaven is at the will of Allah (S.w.T.) only. Sometimes a person has good deeds in his account equal to the size of a mountain. But in reality the weight of these good deeds is not even equal to the size of a sliver of grass. Therefore, acceptance of the deeds is not dependent on their reasons, but in all circumstances it depends on the will of Allah (S.w.T.).

Actions and Allah (S.w.T.)'s Blessings The Prophet of Allah (S.w.T.), in his last Sermon, that has been recorded in the sixth volume of Bihar al-Anwār says at one point, “No one should make a false claim nor should he have unfounded hopes.

Deliverance is dependent on good deeds and Allah (S.w.T.)'s Wish.” Therefore man should not think that if he has performed some good deed in the Way of Allah (S.w.T.), he becomes automatically eligible for heaven; or, if his actions were contrary, his destiny will be hell. This is faulty thinking. He should in fact have trust on the creator in a similar manner that a farmer who does all the operations in his farm and awaits Allah (S.w.T.)'s kindness for a good crop.

A seeker of knowledge too should focus his hopes on the wish of Allah (S.w.T.) that He gives him understanding. Mere reading of books will not give him understanding of the intricate contents therein. The learning that needs intensive efforts also cannot be acquired by mere hard work. There are some persons who show keen interest and hard work to acquire learning, but they remain raw and green.