TAWAKKUL (Trust in Allah) is the foundational virtue that strengthens a Momin’s Iman (faith).
The Arabic term translates to “reliance on” or “confidence in another.”
In a religious sense, it means trusting in Allah’s plans.
The Quran states that true success is achieved when one has unwavering Tawakkul in Allah and follows His commands.
Shaqiq al-Balkhi (9th century) formalized the concept as a spiritual state (hal) closely linked to zuhd (detachment from worldly desires), making it central to Iman.
The Three Levels of Tawakkul, Scholars categorize Tawakkul into three ranks: Basic Trust: Living day to day without worrying about the future.
Higher Trust: Having no personal motives, focusing solely on trust in Allah.
Complete Surrender: Aligning all desires with Allah’s will, accepting all outcomes as part of His divine wisdom.
The Quran mentions Tawakkul in 38 verses, including: “And whoever puts all his trust in Allah, He will be enough for him. ” (Quran 65:3)
“Put your trust in the living Allah, who never dies.” (Quran 25:58)
“In Allah should the trustful trust.” (Quran 14:12)
A Hadith states: “If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly provide for you as He provides for the birds, who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full bellies at dusk.” (At-Tirmidhi)
Tawakkul and Overcoming Fear: Instilling Tawakkul eliminates worldly fears, which often hinder spiritual growth.
Fear reflects weakness and can block a Momin’s progress.
The Quran reassures: “Indeed, those who believe, do righteous deeds, establish prayer, and pay alms will receive their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” (Quran 2:277)
This verse links righteous deeds with Salat (prayer) and Zakat (charity), strengthening Iman and reinforcing Tawakkul.
Fear and anxiety dissipate when one acknowledges that everything happens according to Allah’s will.
Accepting His decree wholeheartedly leads to inner peace and confidence in life’s challenges.
Tawakkul and Iman: Faith is the foundation of a Momin’s personality.
The Quran highlights virtues necessary for spiritual elevation: “Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35)
This verse differentiates Muslims from Momineen, outlining virtues essential for strengthening Iman.
The rewards for these virtues enhance the sweetness of faith.
A Hadith narrated by al-Abbas bin Abdul-Muttalib states: “Indeed, he who is pleased with Allah as his Lord, Islam as his Deen, and Muhammad as his Messenger has tasted the sweetness of faith (Iman).” A believer who has tasted the sweetness of faith finds solace in Tawakkul and is unwavering in the face of trials.
Tawakkul leads to steadfastness in worship, patience during hardships, and an unshakable trust in divine wisdom.
Love, Tawakkul, and Detachment from Worldly Desires, Islamic scholar Amin Ahsan Islahi describes faith as a type of love: “It does not merely imply the passionate love one naturally has for one’s family but also refers to love based on intellect and principles.
A true believer prioritizes faith above all else, even if it conflicts with personal desires.” (Tazkiyah-i Nafs, 119) Tawakkul nurtures this love, shaping a believer’s personality for both this world and the hereafter.
It helps one detach from material possessions and worldly anxieties, shifting focus toward spiritual fulfilment and Allah’s pleasure.
This detachment does not mean abandoning responsibilities but rather understanding that everything is in Allah’s control.
Tawakkul: The Cornerstone of Faith: Tawakkul builds the conviction that everything—past, present, and future—comes from Allah.
It is an essential part of Iman to accept that both good and bad occur by Allah’s will, and He knows what is best for us.
This belief forms the foundation of Tawakkul: placing complete trust in Allah while making sincere efforts.
Tawakkul is not passivity but an active approach—doing one’s best while trusting that the outcome is in Allah’s hands.
People with Tawakkul do not despair in failure nor become arrogant in success.
Instead, they remain balanced, knowing that their duty is to strive, while the results rest with Allah.
This mindset eliminates stress, increases contentment, and fosters resilience.
The Practical Application of Tawakkul: Tawakkul manifests in everyday life through: Decision-Making: Seeking guidance from Allah (Istikhara) and trusting His plan.
Facing Hardships: Recognizing that trials are a test and an opportunity for spiritual growth.
Livelihood: Working hard while trusting Allah as the ultimate provider.
Health and Well-Being: Taking precautions but accepting divine decree.
Relationships: Trusting Allah’s wisdom in matters of love, marriage, and companionship.
True Tawakkul means striving with sincerity, trusting without doubt, and submitting to Allah’s wisdom, knowing He controls all affairs.
It is about taking action and then relying on Allah with complete faith.
The one who masters Tawakkul attains peace, contentment, and ultimate success in both this life and the Hereafter.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Manchester, UK. (turi555@hotmail.com)
