In the Holy Qur’an, Allah repeatedly emphasises the importance of placing trust in Him. For example, in Surah At-Talaq, Verse 4, He says: “And whoever places his trust in Allah, then Allah is sufficient for him.” This statement is filled with promise and comfort. It clearly conveys that if a person truly turns to Allah with trust, then they need not rely on anyone else. Allah is sufficient for that person; He knows all their needs, all their fears, all their desires, and He can satisfy their heart even when the entire world turns its back on them.
However, Tawakkul does not mean
remaining inactive or lazy. Islam teaches that trust in Allah must be
accompanied by sincere efforts. In Surah Al-Imran, Verse 160, Allah says: “And when you have taken a firm decision, then place your
trust in Allah.” This verse teaches balance: one must plan, act,
seek lawful means, and then leave the outcome in Allah’s hands. This is true Tawakkul:
acting responsibly, while the heart remains attached to the One Who controls
destiny.
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) himself
gave many examples of Tawakkul in his life. During his Hijra, when he
was hiding in the cave (Thawr) with Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), the enemies
were very close. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was afraid, but the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
said to him: “Do not worry; surely Allah is with
us.” This is mentioned in Surah At-Tauba, Verse 40. That moment was
critical, but the calmness of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) rested on a firm trust in
Allah. He knew that if Allah decided to protect him, no one could harm him.
This shows that Tawakkul is not only for easy moments, but especially
for times of crisis.
In a Hadith reported by Tirmidhi, Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh) said: “If you placed your trust in Allah as it ought to be,
He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They leave in the
morning with empty stomachs and return in the evening with full bellies.”
This Hadith is full of wisdom. Birds do not stay in their nests waiting for
food; they go out, fly, and search for their sustenance; but their trust
remains in the One Who provides (Ar-Razzaq). Similarly, a Muslim must
make effort, but their heart must remain calm with the certainty that Allah is
the Provider and will ease their path to provision and be present at every
moment of their life.
In Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 3, Allah describes the
true believers: “The true believers are those who, when Allah’s name is
mentioned, their hearts tremble; and when His signs are recited, their faith
increases; and they place their trust in their Lord.” This verse offers a
spiritual portrait: a heart sensitive to divine presence, faith growing through
Allah’s word, and a trust resting on the greatness of our Lord. These are the
qualities that form an authentic believer.
In Surah Ibrahim, Verse 11, Allah says: “And let those who trust, place their trust in Allah.”
This is a clear call: do not place trust in material means as if they were ends
in themselves. Yes, we must use what Allah has placed at our disposal, for
example, work, knowledge, and relationships, but never let these become
replacements for trust, that dependence which must be upon Allah. The heart
must remain free, not attached to what is temporary, but to what is eternal.
Hazrat Ibrahim (as) gave us an extraordinary
example of Tawakkul. When people decided to burn him in a great fire (as
mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, Surah Al-Anbiya, Verses 69 to 70), he (Hazrat
Ibrahim (as)) said: “Allah is sufficient for us,
and He is the best Protector.” (Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal Wakil).
This is also found in a Hadith of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) reported by Ibn Abbas
(ra) in Bukhari Shareef. And certainly, Allah made that fire become coolness
for him, and also a source of peace.
This shows that when a person places their
trust in Allah, even fire can become a place of tranquillity. This is the
miracle of Tawakkul: it transforms a trial into a blessing.
In a Hadith reported by Imam Bukhari, the Holy
Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Among my community, there are people
who will enter Jannah (Paradise) without any reckoning; they do not practice
sorcery, they do not seek healing through doubtful practices, and they place
their trust in Allah.” This Hadith offers powerful motivation that Tawakkul
is not just a concept; it is a path to paradise. Whoever truly relies on Allah accedes
to a special status, a closeness to Allah.
But there is a subtle danger that must be
avoided: hidden Shirk. Keep in mind that Shirk is not only
worshipping statues; it is also when a person begins to believe that material
means are what bring success. When the heart begins to believe that without
money, without power, without connections, one cannot succeed; that is a form
of Shirk. Therefore, Tawakkul is also a purification of the
heart. It removes unhealthy attachments, cleanses the heart, and restores
spiritual freedom.
In difficult moments, Tawakkul becomes a
source of peace. When a person is ill, or loses their job, or is in a
complicated situation; if they turn to Allah with trust, they gain inner
strength. In Surah An-Nahl, Verse 99, Allah says: “And
Allah is the best to grant protection against Satan.” So even in moments
of temptation, doubt, and fear, Tawakkul protects our heart. It forms an
invisible shield, an inner light, and an emotional stability that guards our
heart and our Iman (faith).
There is also a Duah that the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) used to recite often: “O Allah, You alone are my Master;
there is no one worthy of worship except You; I place my trust in You alone;
You are the Master of the Great Throne.” This Duah can be recited
morning and evening; it is a protection against all harm. It reminds us that
placing trust in Allah is not just in words (on the tongue), but in every
moment of life. It forms a constant bond with Allah, a presence that never
leaves the heart.
In Surah Hud, Verse 124, Allah says: “And worship Him, and place your trust in Him.”
This is a summary of spiritual life: worship and trust. Not just performing
rituals, but living with a heart that rests in divine peace. Tawakkul
transforms our prayers into dialogue, our difficulties into opportunities, and
our entire life into a journey towards Allah.
So, in every moment, remember: Allah is
sufficient for us; He knows everything; He controls everything; and He never
abandons the one who places their trust in Him. Trust in Allah and that
reliance we take, resting upon Him alone, is a fundamental pillar of Islamic
faith. It is not just a theoretical concept; it is a way of living. Whoever
truly understands Tawakkul obtains a peace that the world cannot give;
they gain a strength that surpasses human limits. In every decision, every
difficulty, every joy, the heart must remain attached to the One Who will never
abandon us.
May Allah grant each of us the ability to live with authentic Tawakkul; to strive towards Allah with sincerity; and to let Allah guide our hearts to rest in the peace that He alone bestows. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of