There are moments in your life where everything seems uncertain. You might feel like you're standing on the edge a cliff and have no way to move forward which is exactly the point at which Tawakkul--complete faith in Allah. Tawakkul isn't merely an involuntary reliance but rather an active way of trusting our lives to Allah and knowing that Allah is the ultimate protector and provider.
Imagine that you are in a dark space, trying to find the way out. A sense of anxiety starts to set in as you search for a way out trying to locate the door. At times you may feel lost, but Tawakkul is just like the light switch that you find. Once you switch the switch on, everything begins to become clear. It's possible that you won't be able to see everything clearly; however, the light is enough to help you understand how to proceed.
In the Qur'an Allah speaks to us about this in a powerful way:
"And those who rely on Allah is enough for him. Yes, Allah will accomplish His purpose."(Qur'an 65:3)
The verse is a concise summary of all the essentials of Tawakkul. It's a guarantee that if you put your faith in Allah Allah will care for you in ways that are beyond that which you can even imagine.
What is Tawakkul?
Before we dive into the adventure of Tawakkul Let's look at what it really signifies. Tawakkul refers to an Arabic term that means total faith and trust in Allah. It's about putting our trust in Allah's wisdom, recognising that Allah is the ultimate protector and planner. Tawakkul isn't merely dependence on the Lord; instead, it's a profoundly active trust in Allah's plans, regardless of the circumstances. As Allah mentions in the Qur'an
The Story of Prophet Musa and Tawakkul
Let's go back to the period of Prophet Musa (Moses). He sat before the Red Sea with his followers in the desert, fleeing Pharaoh's army. There was no clear way to escape. The ocean blocked their path to the sea, but a huge army was coming from behind. The people were terrified in despair, unable to move forward.
Prophet Musa's response was unshakeable Tawakkul. Prophet Musa said,
My Lord is with me, and He will guide me.
(Qur'an 26:62)
The calm confidence even in a difficult situation is the essence Tawakkul. Allah was able to respond to this faith by breaking the sea and allowing people to travel safely. When our human abilities come to an end, Tawakkul begins. Allah's power is endless and He is always helping us, even when we don't know the whole way.
Tawakkul in Our Everyday Lives
You might be wondering what is the best way to apply Tawakkul to our daily lives?
Imagine that you're applying for an opportunity. You've been preparing for your interview, you've read about the company and put in your best effort. However, there's a lot of uncertainty, as the end result is that you're not certain what the final outcome will be. In this situation, you can entrust the situation to Allah.
Tawakkul does not mean that you stop working hard It's more about putting in the effort and giving the result up to Allah with a serene heart.
The prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) has once exemplified this balance. A man came up to him and asked, "Should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave it untied and trust in Allah?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded,
Tie it and trust in Allah.
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
This simple tale demonstrates that Tawakkul isn't about letting go of effort, but rather about linking our efforts with trust in Allah. We are doing our part, and we rely on Allah to fulfill His.
Finding Peace in Allah’s Wisdom
There are instances where, even with our best efforts, the outcome isn't as expected. We may be dissatisfied, angry, or even wonder the reason why things didn't go differently. This is why Tawakkul encourages us to trust God's knowledge is higher than our own. In some cases, the thing we think of as a setback actually is a way of protecting ourselves.
Allah has reminded us in Quran:
"But it is possible that you are against something and it's beneficial to you. Or it is possible that you love something that is harmful to you. Then Allah knows, even though you do not know."
(Qur'an 2:216)
It's a great feeling of peace knowing that Allah has the complete picture, while we see only the fragments. Our knowledge isn't complete however, Allah's knowledge is full. Tawakkul is trusting in the fact that He will arrange our lives according to the plans that are best for us, even if we don't immediately feel the benefit.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Tawakkul
What can we do to strengthen our Tawakkul, particularly in tough moments? Here are some ways to build trust in Allah:
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Reflect on Allah's Names and Attributes
When you realize the fact that Allah has three names: Al-Wakeel (the trustee) as well as Ar-Razzaq (the provider), and Al-Aleem (the all-knowing) you begin to trust His plans for you more. Being aware you are safe in the knowledge that Allah watches over you, supplies for you, and recognizes you more than anyone else brings peace to your heart. -
Remember Past Blessings
And He granted you everything you requested of Him. If you be grateful to Allah You could not count them. (Qur'an 14:34)
Reminisce about times when it seemed like everything was hopeless but then came to an end. Each of these situations serves as a reminder that Allah is always there to help you. In the words of Allah mentions in Qur'an:
The process of reminiscing about past blessings can renew our faith in Him.
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Make Du'a (Supplication)
The act of turning towards Allah (Dua) by praying is an effective method to increase the strength of Tawakkul. When we offer our hearts to Allah and ask Him to help us, we're not just affirming our faith with Him but also proving that we believe that He is able to modify our circumstances. -
Embrace Patience and Gratitude
"Indeed, Allah is with the patient."
Tawakkul demands patience, especially in the event that things do not go according to plan. With patience comes gratitude. Sometimes, what may seem like an interminable delay or hardship can lead to an increase in wisdom and growth. Allah reminds us:
(Qur'an 2:153)
The qualities of patience and gratitude are partners to Tawakkul which helps us to find peace in the timing of Allah's.
Tawakkul Brings Strength and Serenity
If we are able to truly commit to Tawakkul We gain inner strength and tranquility that cannot be shaken by external events. The faith in Allah isn't just an individual act. It's an ongoing journey of faith and surrender. As we surrender of our control and surrender the responsibilities of our life to Allah the more we experience His presence and witness His wisdom manifest.
When we are faced with the challenges of life Let's remember Allah's promise to us:
"Is Allah not sufficient for His Servant?"
(Qur'an 39:36)
In fact, He is. Allah can be more than enough He has plans that are flawless. Wherever you are in your journey, keep in mind that each step you take with Tawakkul is a path to a goal made with mercy, love and the utmost intelligence of Allah. So, let go, be confident and let Allah's plan lead you on a stunning and sometimes difficult journey.
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