Tawakkul is an essential part of the Muslim faith, and correctly understanding and implementing it is what helps them navigate and get through life. It represents the Islamic concept of completely trusting in Almighty Allah’s plan. Regarding the heart, Tawakkul is established through an affirmation in believer’s heart that all creations and their affairs are under the control of Almighty Allah. No one could bring benefit or cause harm except with His will; No one could overcome the person who Almighty Allah helps, and no could help the one who He has forsaken (Quran). Hence, whenever one is to ask or seek help, it should be from Almighty Allah alone. This certifies a believer to be among the Mutawakkilun (those who put their trust in Almighty Allah) upon whom Almighty Allah promises to take charge of their affairs (Quran): …And whoever put his trust in Almighty Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Almighty Allah will accomplish his purpose. Almighty Allah makes Tawakkul (reliance on Almighty Allah) as a condition of complete faith, and He promises victory to the believers over their enemies (Quran). However, this does not mean that a believer always gets his purpose by the above mental activities without any physical attempt. Almighty Allah did not order His Prophet to put his trust on Him till after He enjoins him to be cautious and do all that is within his power (Quran). For instance, Almighty Allah commands believers to take precautions against their enemies, by guarding their territory, being fully equipped with the necessary weapons and supplies, and by increasing the number of troops for fighting in His cause (Quran). A man was reported to ask the Prophet (SAW) whether to tie his beast and rely (upon Almighty Allah), or leave it loose and rely on Almighty Allah (to protect it for him)? He (SAW) said: “Tie it and rely (upon Almighty Allah)” (Tirmidhi), meaning that the man has to do his best (by tying it) and then trust it to Almighty Allah to whom its absolute safety is. Also, the following Hadith elaborates more about the correct mode of Tawakkul: “If you were to rely upon Almighty Allah with the required reliance, then He would provide for you just as the bird is provided for, it goes out in the morning empty, and returns full” (Tirmidhi). The above Hadith proves physical acts as a prior condition of Tawakkul. This is because, a bird does not remain in its nest to get provision nor does it beg or depend on its peers; instead, it goes out to search for it, by its efforts, with full conviction that it will get to it.
“Tawakkul entails that a believer should exert necessary effort to achieve what Almighty Allah commands or permits and have faith that the result is in the hands of Almighty Allah alone; hence, one should detach his heart from anything other than Him. By that, Almighty Allah would definitely undertake their affairs and guide them to success.”
Thus, Almighty Allah’s promise to take charge of the affairs of those who rely on Him doesn’t mean that believers should abandon any attempt to seek for livelihood (e.g. going to market), by relying on Him to send them daily bread from the sky. To the contrary, Almighty Allah approves “hardship and seeking livelihood” (Ibn Kathir) as the true nature of man and also the norm of all His Messengers in the following words: And We never sent before you any of the Messengers but verily, they ate food and walked in the markets. And We have made some of you as a trial for others; will you have patience And your Lord is Ever All-Seer (Quran). The relevance of using physical effort is not restricted only to material pursuits, but also extends to spiritual endeavors’. Entering Paradise is subject to the acceptance of the religion of Islam plus righteous deeds. Whoever wants to enter Paradise he has to believe (by heart) and act righteously (with his limbs). The following verse portrays this point: And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it, with the necessary effort due for it while he is a believer, then such are the ones whose striving shall be appreciated (Quran). Thus, Tawakkul entails that a believer should exert necessary effort to achieve what Almighty Allah commands or permits and have faith that the result is in the hands of Almighty Allah alone; hence, one should detach his heart from anything other than Him. By that, Almighty Allah would definitely undertake their affairs and guide them to success.
