Hadiths
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, God will make easy for him a path to Paradise).
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Whoever God wants good for, He makes him understand the religion)
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim).
The Messenger of God - may God’s prayers and peace be upon him - said: (If a person dies, his work is cut off except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who
Faith Faith in God 139 2026-08-06

Is the statement, "My duty is to worship, and Allah's is to provide sustenance," correct?

Question
What is the authenticity of the well-known saying: "My duty is to worship Allah as He has commanded, and Allah will provide for me as He has promised"? Is the expression "upon Allah" (or "it is upon Allah") considered disrespectful toward Allah, the Exalted?
Answer

All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah.

If this statement is authentically attributed to Ibrahim ibn Adham (may Allah have mercy on him), then its meaning is correct when understood properly.

Its intended meaning is that a Muslim should make the worship and obedience of Allah his greatest concern while remaining certain that Allah, the Exalted, has guaranteed the provision of His servants and has promised it to them. Allah says:

"There is no creature on earth except that its provision is upon Allah."
(Qur'an 11:6)

Is saying "upon Allah" disrespectful?

No.

There is no disrespect in this expression if the intended meaning is that Allah Himself has made this incumbent upon Himself out of His grace, promise, and generosity, not because anyone can obligate Him or impose anything upon Him.

Allah is the One who promised provision, and His promise never fails. Allah says:

"Indeed, Allah is the All-Provider, the Lord of Power, the Ever-Strong."
(Qur'an 51:58)

Does this mean one should stop striving for provision?

No.

Islam commands believers to take the lawful means while placing sincere trust in Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fear Allah and seek your provision in a dignified manner, for no soul will die until it has received its full provision."

Therefore, the believer strives to earn a lawful livelihood while remaining confident that what Allah has decreed for them will reach them at its appointed time.

Conclusion

The statement:

"My duty is to worship Allah, and Allah will provide for me as He has promised."

is correct in meaning, provided it is understood that Allah guaranteed the provision of His servants by His own promise and generosity—not because anyone can obligate Him to do so.

A Muslim should combine worship, taking the lawful means, and sincere reliance upon Allah.

And Allah knows best.