Authored by: Shaykh Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Jibreen (May Allah preserve him)
Answer:
The literal meaning of Tawakkul is: for a person to turn to another entity for accomplishing a task they are incapable of fulfilling themselves. The phrase “Tawakkul bil-Amr” is used when the entity (upon which reliance is placed) guarantees to accomplish the task on behalf of the individual.
In Islamic terminology, Tawakkul means entrusting all matters to Allah Almighty, fully relying on Him from the heart, and being content with Him as the sole arranger and caretaker of all affairs. It is one of the acts of worship related to the heart, and believers are frequently commanded to practice it. Those who implement it have been praised, as highlighted in the Quran:
“So worship Him and place your trust in Him.”
(Surah Hud: 123)
Allah also states:
“Then rely upon Him if you are Muslims.”
(Surah Yunus: 84)
And in another verse:
“And take Him as your Disposer of Affairs.”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil: 9)
Similarly, Allah says:
“And upon their Lord, they rely.”
(Surah Al-Anfal: 2)
This means they entrust all their affairs to Allah, the One without partners, while placing complete faith and trust in Him alone. They harbor no hopes in anyone besides Him, rely on none other than Him, and turn solely to Him. Allah, therefore, suffices for them, as mentioned in the Quran:
“And whoever relies upon Allah, He is sufficient for him.”
(Surah At-Talaq: 3)
“So worship Him and place your trust in Him.”
(Surah Hud: 123)
And He commands:
“Fear Allah, and upon Allah let the believers rely.”
(Surah Al-Maidah: 11)
In these verses, Allah instructs both worship and Taqwa (fear of Allah), which involve adopting lawful means and safeguarding oneself from prohibited actions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:
“If you were to rely upon Allah as He deserves, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they set out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 1, Hadith 205)
This Hadith is deemed authentic by Shaykh Ahmad Shakir, and it is also reported in Sunan al-Tirmidhi under the chapter of Zuhd (Hadith 2344).
This Hadith illustrates that birds adopt means by leaving their nests in search of sustenance. Similarly, the one who truly relies upon Allah is the believer who seeks both worldly and spiritual means of success and salvation. They strive to earn their livelihood through permissible means, acknowledging that Allah is the ultimate Creator of causes and effects. Without His will, trees would bear no fruit, merchants would gain no profit, and animals would not survive. When a person places full reliance upon Allah while adopting lawful means, Allah provides for them from unexpected sources.
Thus, a person must not use Tawakkul as an excuse for laziness or inaction. Tawakkul does not equate to helplessness or idleness but involves actively striving while placing ultimate trust in Allah Almighty.
Definition of Tawakkul
Question: What is the reality of Tawakkul upon Allah?Answer:
The literal meaning of Tawakkul is: for a person to turn to another entity for accomplishing a task they are incapable of fulfilling themselves. The phrase “Tawakkul bil-Amr” is used when the entity (upon which reliance is placed) guarantees to accomplish the task on behalf of the individual.
In Islamic terminology, Tawakkul means entrusting all matters to Allah Almighty, fully relying on Him from the heart, and being content with Him as the sole arranger and caretaker of all affairs. It is one of the acts of worship related to the heart, and believers are frequently commanded to practice it. Those who implement it have been praised, as highlighted in the Quran:
“So worship Him and place your trust in Him.”
(Surah Hud: 123)
Allah also states:
“Then rely upon Him if you are Muslims.”
(Surah Yunus: 84)
And in another verse:
“And take Him as your Disposer of Affairs.”
(Surah Al-Muzzammil: 9)
Similarly, Allah says:
“And upon their Lord, they rely.”
(Surah Al-Anfal: 2)
This means they entrust all their affairs to Allah, the One without partners, while placing complete faith and trust in Him alone. They harbor no hopes in anyone besides Him, rely on none other than Him, and turn solely to Him. Allah, therefore, suffices for them, as mentioned in the Quran:
“And whoever relies upon Allah, He is sufficient for him.”
(Surah At-Talaq: 3)
Tawakkul and Taking Means
Tawakkul does not negate the necessity of adopting outward means. Allah Almighty says:“So worship Him and place your trust in Him.”
(Surah Hud: 123)
And He commands:
“Fear Allah, and upon Allah let the believers rely.”
(Surah Al-Maidah: 11)
In these verses, Allah instructs both worship and Taqwa (fear of Allah), which involve adopting lawful means and safeguarding oneself from prohibited actions.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:
“If you were to rely upon Allah as He deserves, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds; they set out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.”
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 1, Hadith 205)
This Hadith is deemed authentic by Shaykh Ahmad Shakir, and it is also reported in Sunan al-Tirmidhi under the chapter of Zuhd (Hadith 2344).
This Hadith illustrates that birds adopt means by leaving their nests in search of sustenance. Similarly, the one who truly relies upon Allah is the believer who seeks both worldly and spiritual means of success and salvation. They strive to earn their livelihood through permissible means, acknowledging that Allah is the ultimate Creator of causes and effects. Without His will, trees would bear no fruit, merchants would gain no profit, and animals would not survive. When a person places full reliance upon Allah while adopting lawful means, Allah provides for them from unexpected sources.
Warning Against Misuse of Tawakkul
It is narrated that Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once saw some individuals sitting idly in the mosque, claiming they were relying upon Allah. Umar instructed them to engage in earning their livelihood and remarked that they were consuming the wealth of others unjustly.Thus, a person must not use Tawakkul as an excuse for laziness or inaction. Tawakkul does not equate to helplessness or idleness but involves actively striving while placing ultimate trust in Allah Almighty.