Depending Only on Allah the Self Sufficient

March 26th, 2025

What we receive in life, whether it’s success, provision or peace, doesn’t truly come from what we see around us. It comes from Allah alone. He is Al-Ghani, the Self-Sufficient, free of all need, while we are always in need of Him. When we rely on Him completely, He provides in ways beyond our imagination.

Introduction

We often link light with the sun, milk with cows, success with education, and happiness with wealth. But the Quran paints a different picture—one that shifts our understanding of cause and effect. In Paradise, there is no sun, yet there is perfect light. There are rivers of milk, yet no cows. These examples remind us that Allah is not bound by the systems He created. He is Al-Ghani—the Self-Sufficient—and all of creation is in constant need of Him.

This realisation reorients our focus. When we rely on creation, our hearts waver. But when we depend on the Creator, we find true stability and peace.


Allah is Al-Ghani the Self Sufficient

Among the most powerful names of Allah is Al-Ghani—the One who is completely free of need. Allah says:

"O humanity! It is you who stand in need of Allah, but Allah ˹alone˺ is the Self-Sufficient, Praiseworthy."
The Quran
| Chapter 35, Verse 15

He does not require anything from His creation—no light from the sun, no nourishment, no praise, no companionship. Yet all of creation is in dire and continuous need of Him, whether they acknowledge it or not.

The world teaches us to chase degrees, titles, money, and status, but none of these guarantee success or happiness. Ultimately, these are just means—and Allah can choose to grant or withhold benefit from them. He can also provide in ways beyond what we can imagine.


The Reality of Provision

In Jannah, we are told of rivers—not metaphorical or symbolic, but real rivers that flow endlessly and purely. Allah says:

"The description of the Paradise promised to the righteous is that in it are rivers of fresh water, rivers of milk that never changes in taste, rivers of wine delicious to drink, and rivers of pure honey..."
The Quran
| Chapter 47, Verse 15

This verse reminds us that even the things we associate with worldly production—milk, wine, and honey—are created in Paradise without need for animals, fermentation, or bees. Their perfection comes not from a process, but directly from the will of Allah.

It teaches us that Allah is the true source of all provision. The cow, the grape, the hive—these are just means. And Allah is not in need of any means to provide.


The Illusion of Independence

Modern life promotes the idea of being “self-made” and independent. But the truth is, even the air we breathe is a mercy granted moment by moment by Allah. Nothing happens without His permission. Even the most powerful are helpless without Him.

"The seven heavens, the earth, and all those in them glorify Him. There is not a single thing that does not glorify His praises—but you ˹simply˺ cannot comprehend their glorification. He is indeed Most Forbearing, All-Forgiving."
The Quran
| Chapter 17, Verse 44

This should humble us. We are not independent of Allah, not even for a blink of an eye.


When You Rely on Allah Alone

Relying on Allah doesn’t mean abandoning effort—it means understanding that the outcome lies in His hands alone. It’s a heart-level trust that whatever is meant for you will reach you, and whatever is not meant for you will pass you by, no matter how hard you try.

"And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He ˹alone˺ is sufficient for them..."
The Quran
| Chapter 65, Verse 3

Whether you are facing an exam, seeking a spouse, looking for a job, or hoping for a cure—begin with Allah. Consult Him, trust Him, and leave the result to Him. When your heart is anchored in His sufficiency, nothing can shake you.


Final Thoughts

When you see the light in your life, know that it isn’t just the sun. When you drink milk, know that the cow is only a means. And when you succeed, know that it wasn’t just your effort—it was Allah. He is Al-Ghani, the Self-Sufficient, and He alone sustains all that exists.

Let your heart rest in the truth that He is enough. And when you live by that, everything else falls into place.