Q: Brother Ibrahim `A.Z. from coast Banias in Syria says: Allah (Exalted be He) states: And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allâh. This means that Allah has made it binding on Himself to provide for everything on earth among humans, animals, insects and other creatures. Yet, how can we explain the famines that afflict some African countries?
A: The Ayah (Qur'anic verse) is interpreted according to its literal meaning and all the disasters and famine Allah has decreed will not decrease or restrict anyone's provision. In fact, anyone for whom Allah has decreed a longer life or certain provision will receive it through various ways that they may or may not know. Allah (Glorified be He) states: And whosoever fears Allâh and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. Allah also states: And so many a moving (living) creature carries not its own provision! Allâh provides for it and for you. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "None dies before having their provision and age in full."
Furthermore, a person may be stricken by poverty and scarcity of provision for reasons related to their deeds such as negligence, failing to fulfill their role, or for committing prohibited sins. Allah (Glorified be He) states: Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allâh, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself. He (Glorified and Exalted be He) also states: And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much. (See the Qur'ân Verse 35:45). It is authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Truly, a servant is deprived of provision for a sin they commit." (Related by Imam Ahmad, AlNasa'iy, and Ibn Majah with a good Sanad; chain of narrators)
A servant may also be afflicted with poverty, a disease, or other hardships to test their gratefulness and patience. Allah (Glorified be He) states: And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to AsSâbirûn (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allâh we belong and truly, to Him we shall return."
And Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states: And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allâh's Obedience). Good and evil in the Ayah refer to blessings and calamities. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Amazing are the matters relating to the believer! All matters relating to him are good. When he receives something he dislikes and is patient, this is good for him and if he receives something he likes and praises Allah, this is good for him. This does not apply to everyone, only the believers." (Related by Muslim in his Sahih Book of authentic Hadith). There are many Ayahs and Hadith to the same effect. Allah is the Grantor of success.