The Concept of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) – Letting go of worries and relying on Him.

The Concept of Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) – Letting go of worries and relying on Him.

Tawakkul is defined as wholly, and actively putting your complete trust in Allah (SWT). It stems from the understanding that everything in the universe occurs by the will of Allah (SWT), and no amount of planning and effort can undo what He has planned, so we should pray to Allah (SWT) and rely on Him. However, to think that if Allah (SWT)  controls everything, this means that we don't need to take action in our own lives would be erroneous. This trust does not negate taking action; rather, it exists alongside it. The Prophet ﷺ clarified this when he told a man, 

“Tie your camel and then put your trust in Allah (SWT)” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2517]. 

This statement captures the essence of tawakkul—acting responsibly while knowing that ultimate control lies with Allah (SWT) alone.

Throughout the Quran, tawakkul is repeatedly emphasized as a defining trait of believers. Allah (SWT) says, 

“And upon Allah let the believers rely” [3:122]. 

This command is not limited to times of distress or uncertainty but extends to times of ease as well. 

The lives of Prophets, from whom all believers learn, are peppered with great examples of unwavering trust and reliance in Allah (SWT), despite immense challenges. When Prophet Musa (AS) stood with his people before the Red Sea, pursued by Pharaoh’s army, all worldly means seemed to suggest that escape was impossible. Yet his response was one of complete trust: 

“No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me” [26:62]. 

His belief that Allah (SWT) is with him, and will support him, bore a miracle, one that is remembered to this day. Allah (SWT) in all His glory commanded the Prophet to strike the Red Sea with his staff, splitting it and allowing him to escape impending doom. Prophet Musa (AS) took action and put his trust in his Lord, and Allah (SWT) supported him, which is the crux of tawakkul. 

Similarly, the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is filled with similar exemplary moments. When he and Abu Bakr (RA) were hiding in the cave during their migration to Madinah, the Quraysh were so close that Abu Bakr feared they would be discovered. In that moment, the Prophet ﷺ reassured him with the words:

 “Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us” [9:40]. 

His trust was not in the concealment of the cave, nor in their own ability to escape, but solely in Allah’s protection.

Tawakkul extends to matters such as livelihood, health or personal struggles. True reliance on Allah (SWT) means understanding that outcomes do not always align with our desires, yet they always unfold with divine wisdom. The Prophet ﷺ said,

 “If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: they go out in the morning hungry and return full” [Sunan Ibn Majah 4164].

This hadith encapsulates the perfect balance of effort and trust. The birds do not remain in their nests, expecting sustenance to come to them; they go out in search of it, yet their provision is ultimately from Allah (SWT).

Along with sustenance, livelihood consists of wealth. The constant worry over financial stability or one’s career, can consume a person, yet Allah reassures in the Quran, 

“And whoever relies upon Allah—then He is sufficient for him” [65:3] 

This verse, when applied to wealth, means that you will reach the career heights that you're meant to reach, and have the money that is meant for you, and thus it's best to not worry or be ashamed of your socioeconomic status, regardless. 

Tawakkul also brings clarity in moments of uncertainty. Many times, people find themselves torn between endless choices or possibilities that all seem equally good. The practice of Istikhara, utilizes tawakkul, seeking Allah’s guidance while accepting that whatever the decision is, will be for the best. The Prophet ﷺ taught this prayer as a means for believers to entrust their decisions to Allah (SWT). 

One of the most profound aspects of tawakkul is the peace it brings. A heart that truly relies on Allah (SWT) is not consumed by anxiety over the future, nor is it shattered by disappointments of the past. Instead it believes in the teachings of the Prophet ﷺ when he said,

“Know that what has passed you by was never going to befall you, and what has befallen you was never going to pass you by” [Sunan Abi Dawood 4699].

This understanding does not eliminate hardship, but it removes the turmoil that often accompanies it.

On that note, it is important to recognize that tawakkul does not mean one will never experience fear, sadness, or hardship. Even the Prophets felt the weight of their trials, but their trust in Allah never faltered. When Prophet Ya’qub (AS) was faced with the loss of his son, Yusuf (AS), at the hands of his other sons, he did not despair, nor did he lose faith in Allah’s plan. Instead, he said, 

“I complain of my suffering and my grief only to Allah” [12:86]. 

This shows that it's completely normal to feel grief, and that during times of tribulation and loss, we can rely on Allah (SWT) for comfort and mercy. However, despite our sadness, we can still be grateful and have trust in Allah (SWT). 

Ultimately, tawakkul is a source of strength. It allows a person to walk through life with the conviction that no effort goes to waste, and no hardship is without purpose. It shifts the perspective from focusing on immediate outcomes to submitting to Allah’s greater plan. The Prophet ﷺ said,

“How wonderful is the affair of the believer! All his affairs are good for him, and this is for no one except the believer. If something good happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him” [Sahih Muslim 2999]. 

This hadith encapsulates the essence of tawakkul—whether in ease or hardship, a believer remains steadfast, knowing that every situation is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah (SWT). We are not alone, Allah is with us, so we should try to have unwavering faith and diligently work without fear. Accept whatever comes from the work without resentment, and hope that another door will open if one closes. Ultimately everything and everyone belongs to Allah (SWT) alone and His will reigns supreme for all matters.