By Dr. Mohsen Haredy

What Is Tawakkul?

Muslims believe that everything is determined by God (Allah). Muslims accept what Allah decides for them regardless of how it turns to be. At the same time, before embarking on any task Muslims take necessary measures to ensure the success of this task.

If you plan to start a project, you have to make a feasibility study and study the market. This is what you can do from a humanistic perspective. However, from an Islamic perspective, there is a source of trust and reliance for Muslims. This source is Allah the Almighty.

Muslims call this concept Tawakkul. So, tawakkul means trust and reliance on Allah.

Trust in Allah is a divine command

Trust in Allah is a divine command for Prophets and Messengers. In many stores of the Prophets recounted in the Quran we read this command ‘Rely on Allah’.

And rely upon the Ever-Living who does not die, and exalt [Allah] with His praise. And sufficient is He to be, with the sins of His servants, Acquainted. (Al-Furqan 25:58)

And rely upon the Exalted in Might, the Merciful. (Ash-Shuraa 26:217)

Also, the believers are commanded to rely on Allah. In seven verses in the Quran we read this command: “and upon Allah the believers should rely” (3:122, 3:160, 5:11, 9:51, 14:11, 58:10, and 64:13)

Trust in God is a characteristic of the believers

Muslims believe that trust in God is a characteristic of the believers. We read in the Quran: And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers. (Al-Maidah 5:23)

In acts of worship, Muslims are commanded to put their trust in God. Allah says:

 So, worship Him and rely upon Him. (Hud 11?123)

While giving dawah (calling people to Islam), Prophet Muhammad was commanded to rely on Allah. Allah says:

But if they turn away, [O Muhammad], say, “Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.” (At-Tawbah 9:129)

In issues related to provision (rizq), Allah says:

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent. (At-Talaq 65:3)

In issues related to jurisdiction, Allah says:

And in anything over which you disagree – its ruling is [to be referred] to Allah. [Say], “That is Allah, my Lord; upon Him I have relied, and to Him I turn back.” (Ash-Shura 42:10)

In issues related to agreements and contracts, Allah says:

[Jacob] said, “Never will I send him with you until you give me a promise by Allah that you will bring him [back] to me, unless you should be surrounded by enemies.” And when they had given their promise, he said, ” Allah, over what we say, is Witness.” (Yusuf 12:66)

Benefits of Tawakkul

Putting our trust in God brings happiness to us and a lot of provision

Prophet Muhammad said: “If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds which go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Anas ibn Malik narrated that a man said:

“O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?” He said: “Tie it and rely (upon Allah).” (At-Tirmidhi)

Ibn Abbas said: People used to perform Hajj and not bring provisions with them. Abu Masud said the inhabitants of Yemen or people of Yemen used to perform Hajj and not bring provisions with them. They would declare we put our trust in Allah. So Allah most high sent down “and bring provisions, but the best provision is piety.”

This means that tawakkul does not mean we should not do our best to make things happen the way we like and the way it should be.

Trust in God teaches Muslims full satisfaction and peace of mind

Whatever befalls a Muslim is good for him. Prophet Muhammad said: How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. (Muslim)

Muadh Ibn Jabal reported:

I was riding a pillion with the Prophet on a donkey. He said, “O Muadh, do you know what is the right of Allah upon His slaves, and what is the Right of His slaves upon Allah?” I said: “Allah and His Messenger know better”. Upon this the Messenger of Allah said, “Allah’s Right upon His slaves is that they should worship Him Alone and associate nothing with Him; and His slaves’ right upon Him is that He should not punish who does not associate a thing with Him.” He (Muadh) added: I said to the Messenger of Allah: “Shall I give the glad tidings to people?” He said, “Do not tell them this good news for they will depend on it alone”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad urged Muslims to say this supplication when they go out in the morning. He said: “Whoever says – that is: when he leaves his house – ‘In the Name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, there is no might or power except by Allah’ it will be said to him: ‘You have been sufficed and protected,’ and Satan will become distant from him.”

Trust in Got get is your way to Paradise

Imran ibn Husain reported: Verily the Messenger of Allah said: Seventy thousand men of my Ummah would enter Paradise without rendering account. They (the companions of the Prophet) said: Who would be those, Messenger of Allah? He (the Prophet) said: They would be those who neither practice charm, not take omens, nor do they cauterise, but they repose their trust in their Lord.” (Muslim)

Trust in God is your source of power

Allah says: “But whoever relies upon Allah – then indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” (Al-Anfal 8:49)

Trust in God takes away the concept of omen

Prophet Muhammad said: Taking omens is polytheism; taking omens is polytheism. He said it three times. Every one of us has some, but Allah removes it by trust (in Him). (Abu Dauwd)

Trust in God protects you from the control of Satan.

Allah says: Indeed, there is for him no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord. (AN-Nahl 16:99)

A Piece of Advice

Let’s rely on God. Let’s understand the real meaning of tawakkul and make it part of our daily life. In every step we take, we should rely on God. Tawaakul will relieve us from our daily challenges and sufferings.