Trust in Allah

Tawakkul is the union of extreme effort and complete submission. It is the heart's reliance on Allah alone for all outcomes.

Introduction

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening." (Tirmidhi).

Reliance vs. Laziness

Tawakkul is not "leaving everything to Allah" without effort. It is exemplified by the Hadith: "Tie your camel and then trust in Allah." (Tirmidhi). You do 100% of your part and trust Allah for 100% of the result.

The Fruit of Tawakkul

The primary result of true Tawakkul is peace of mind. Anxiety is the result of trying to control what is not in our hands.

"Your striving for what has already been guaranteed to you (provision), and your neglect of what has been demanded from you (worship), is a sign of your blindness."

Ibn Ata Allah Al-Iskandari

Modern Applications

Combat anxiety about the future by focusing on today's duties and trusting Allah for tomorrow.
Put in the "maximum effort" for your exams or projects, then sleep peacefully knowing the result is with Allah.
Use the phrase "Hasbunallahu wa ni'mal wakil" (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs) in moments of fear.

Critical Reflection

Am I an "over-planner" who tries to control every detail of the future?
Do I feel despair when things don't go as I planned?
Do I really believe that everything that happens is for my ultimate good?

Weekly Protocol

Steps to learn this lesson.

1Identify one thing you are currently worried about and verbally say: "O Allah, I leave this matter to You."

2Make a list of the "effort" you need to put in for a specific goal, and then make a Dua for the outcome.

3Read the story of the Prophet Ibrahim (as) and his Tawakkul when thrown into the fire.

Internalize the knowledge to progress

Islamic Spirituality - Tazkiyah & Ihsan • Lesson 2.6

Curriculum Breakdown