We believe that pursuing the proper means does not contradict belief in the predestination; rather, it is a sign of perfect belief in the divine predestination and decree. Our Lord commands us to seek sustenance and at the same time informs that He had predestined it for us. He, Exalted be He, says: {It is He Who made the earth smooth for you, so travel through its regions and eat from His provisions. And to Him is the resurrection.} [Surat al-Mulk: 15]
He Almighty also says: {When the prayer is over, disperse in the land and seek from the bounty of Allah, and remember Allah much so that you may be successful.} [Surat al-Jumu‘ah: 10]
Allah Almighty informs that Ya‘qūb (Jacob) (peace be upon him) said to his children: {O my sons, do not enter all from one gate, but enter from different gates. I cannot avail you anything against [the decree of] Allah; the decision belongs to Allah alone. In Him I put my trust, and in Him let the faithful put their trust.} [Surat Yūsuf: 67] As-Sā’ib ibn Yazīd reported: The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) wore two coats of mail at the battle of ’Uhud as a double protection. [Narrated by Ibn Mājah (2806), Sa‘īd ibn Mansūr (2858), Ahmad (15722), and An-Nasā’i in Al-Kubra (8529)] Allah Almighty commanded Nūh (peace be upon him) to build the ark, commanded Mūsa (peace be upon him) to strike the sea, and commanded Mariyam (peace be upon her) to shake the trunk of the palm tree so that fresh ripe dates would drop upon her - in addition to other divine commands to His slaves to pursue the proper means.
One of the most effective means is supplication. An-Nu‘mān ibn Bashīr reported: Commenting on the verse: {Your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you"} [Surat Ghāfir: 60], the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Supplication is worship." And he recited: {Your Lord says: "Call upon Me; I will respond to you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell, utterly debased."} [Surat Ghāfir: 60] [Narrated by Abu Dāwūd (1479), At-Tirmidhi (2969), and Ibn Mājah (3828)]
Means include medical treatment and ruqyah. Abu Khizāmah related that his father reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him): "O Messenger of Allah, do you think that the ruqyah we perform, the medical treatment we use, and the caution we practice can avert anything of Allah's predestination?" He said: "They are part of Allah's predestination." [Narrated by At-Tirmidhi (2065), Ibn Mājah (3437), Ibn Wahb in Al-Jāmi‘ Fi Al-Hadīth (699), Ahmad (15472), and Ibn Abi ‘Āsim in Al-Āhad and Al-Mathāni (2610)]