– Salim Birjees
Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) is an essential part of Iman (faith) and a key indicator of its strength. It means placing complete trust and reliance on Allah in all matters of life. Importantly, it does not mean doing nothing and expecting Allah to fulfil every need without effort. No, it has never ever happened, nor will it ever happen in the future. As Yousuf-ul Qardawi, a renowned Islamic scholar, explains: “Tawakkul is believing that Allah has the best plan for you, while you continue to strive and work hard.”
We often observe Tawakkul in our daily life, for example: a student who studies diligently and then enters the exam hall. After writing the exam, the student feels peace, knowing that he has done his best, and the outcome is in Allah’s hands. This balance between effort and trust defines Tawakkul, and it is required of all believers to complete their Iman.
Tawakkul in the Teachings of the Prophet
A man came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with his camel and asked him: “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).” (Tirmidhi: 2517). This Hadith perfectly explains Tawakkul: responsibility comes with reliance.
Now, a question arises: Why are we recommended relying upon Allah, whereas we face difficulties and try to solve them ourselves! We find the answer that Allah has created us, knows every up and down that we face and knows the human nature that bends easily in bad circumstances to others. Allah dislikes the scene when a man surrenders himself to others, because Allah said in the Qur’an: “Indeed we have honoured the son of Adam.” Allah wants you to be strong and powerful in any critical situation. Therefore, he says: “Put your trust in the mighty and merciful one”. So, if you believe that Allah has a best plan for you, no one will certainly harm you until Allah does.
Another famous incident also highlights this. After a battle, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions were resting. The Prophet hung his sword on a tree and fell asleep. Suddenly, an enemy grabbed the sword and asked, “Who will save you now?” The Prophet ﷺ replied confidently, “Allah.” The man, struck by his unwavering faith, dropped the sword. The Prophet ﷺ then forgave him and let him go. This story reflects the essence of Tawakkul: courage rooted in trust in Allah.
Tawakkul in the Lives of the Prophets
Tawakkul has two parts: strategy and trust in results. Without strategy, trust alone is not complete. Throughout the history, the Prophets demonstrated Tawakkul in their missions:
Prophet Nuh (A.S.) built the ark on Allah’s command, despite mockery from his people.
Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) saved Egypt from famine through wisdom granted by Allah.
Prophet Musa (A.S.) led his people out of Egypt at night, trusting Allah’s plan of salvation.
These examples teach us that Islam does not encourage passive spirituality or blind materialism. Instead, it offers a balanced approach, effort guided by faith, trust, and ethical responsibility.
Why Tawakkul Matters in Our Lives
Have you ever wondered how Tawakkul shapes our daily lives? And why is it so important to us? In fact, its benefits are so powerful and deeply connected to human nature:
Hope over fear: Tawakkul removes the fear of poverty or failure and reminds us that with hardship comes relief.
Consistency and resilience: It strengthens trust in Allah during challenges, preventing despair.
Freedom from fear of death: Believers accept Allah’s judgment with peace.
Honour and dignity: Tawakkul preserves self-respect, freeing a person from begging or relying on others unnecessarily.
A Modern Challenge: Anxiety and Future Phobia
Sadly, many today, especially the younger generation, are drifting away from Tawakkul. The lack of trust in Allah has created fear of the future, leading to anxiety, stress, and even depression. Questions like: Will I get a good job? Will my marriage succeed? What does my future hold? often dominate minds. Many even turn to astrology for answers, which endangers their Iman by promoting Shirk. This crisis can only be addressed by rebuilding faith and Tawakkul. If people understand and live by Tawakkul, they will face life’s challenges with courage instead of fear. As the Prophet ﷺ said: “If you rely upon Allah as He deserves, He will provide for you as He provides for the birds.”
Therefore, Tawakkul is not just a spiritual concept; it’s a way of life. It secures the believer from fear, anxiety, and despair. It motivates us to work hard while keeping our hearts free of worry about results. True Tawakkul transforms life into one of peace, dignity, and courage. Let’s walk with Tawakkul in every step of life. O Allah! Upon You we rely, to You we return, and to You is our final destination.
[The writer is a Research Fellow, Idara-e-Tahqeeq-o-Tasneef-e-Islami, Aligarh]
