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Spirituality
What Is Tawakkul In Islam?
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Lily Syahirah
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06 Apr 2025
Have you ever find yourself feeling anxious about uncertainty? Perhaps things aren’t going your way or that you have an irrational fear of things you can’t control?
If you resonate with those scenarios, this article is for you.
If you’re a beginner in learning Islam, or would simply like to explore essential topics that touch on the fundamentals of Islamic belief, understanding the tawakkul meaning might give you a clear path on how to approach these issues.
In this article, we will touch on the meaning of tawakkul, tawakkul in the Qur’an and Hadith, its significance, the levels of tawakkul in Islam, and last but certainly not least, the ways to apply tawakkul in your life.
What does Tawakkul mean?
So first of all, let’s explore the tawakkul meaning.
According to the Islamic terminology, Tawakkul means to completely surrender oneself, to rely on Allah’s Divine Plan and Wisdom, especially when it comes to the Qada’ (Divine Judgement) and Qadr (Predestination) of Allah Almighty.
However, it is important to note that totally relying on Allah Almighty does not disregard our actionable steps to achieve our own dreams and wants. If we truly have a goal, we should still work for it whilst relying on Allah Almighty on the outcome itself.
In other words, there should be a delicate balance between trusting in Divine Decree and taking appropriate actions to achieve one's goals.
Tawakkul in the Quran & Hadith
There are various mentions of tawakkul in Quran nad hadith, that further explains the meaning and its significance to enhance your spirituality. Here are the following:
وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا
“And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He alone is sufficient for them. Certainly, Allah achieves His Will. Allah has already set a destiny for everything.” (Qur'an 65:3)
ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
“So when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Qur'an 3:159)
وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَتَوَكَّلُوٓا۟ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ
Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:23): "...And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers."
إِن يَنصُرْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ فَلَا غَالِبَ لَكُمْ ۖ وَإِن يَخْذُلْكُمْ فَمَن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يَنصُرُكُم مِّنۢ بَعْدِهِۦ ۗ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ
"If Allah helps you, none can overcome you; but if He forsakes you, who is there that can help you after Him? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust." (Qur’an 3:160)
وَمَا لَنَآ أَلَّا نَتَوَكَّلَ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ وَقَدْ هَدَىٰنَا سُبُلَنَا ۚ وَلَنَصْبِرَنَّ عَلَىٰ مَآ ءَاذَيْتُمُونَا ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلُونَ
"And why should we not rely upon Allah while He has guided us to our good ways? And we will surely be patient against whatever harm you should cause us. And upon Allah let those who would rely [indeed] rely." (Qur’an 14:12)
Umar said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
Anas bin Malik narrated that a man said:
"O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely(upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely(upon Allah)?" He said: "Tie it and rely(upon Allah)." [Jami’ At-Tirmidhi]
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The Levels of Tawakkul in Islam
In Islamic spirituality, tawakkul is considered a pivotal station, or maqam, on the path to spiritual development. Understanding the meaning of tawakkul is incomplete without acknowledging the layers or levels of tawakkul.
Muslims scholars and devoted mystics categorised the levels of tawakkul into three, each embodying the depth, total reliance, and sincere relationship one has with Allah Almighty.
The Three Levels of Tawakkul:
Trust of the Believers:
This foundational level involves living each day with trust in Allah's Divine Plan, without anxious concern for the future or uncertainty. Believers at this stage maintain faith that Allah Almighty will provide and Care for them, truly highlighting their ability to focus on the present moment without anxiety about what tomorrow may bring.
Trust of the Select:
On the second level of tawakkul, devoted Muslims place their complete reliance and trust in Allah Almighty without personal motives or desires in this world. They omit personal wants in its entirety, aligning their will entirely with Allah's, and accepting whatever comes their way as part of His Divine Plan and Wisdom.
Trust of the Select of the Select:
Last but not least, the third level, which is the highest level of tawakkul signifies complete submission to Allah Almighty, where an individual's desires are fully integrated with Allah's Divine Will. At this stage, one's personal inclinations are so aligned with the Divine that there is no distinction between their own desires and what Allah Almighty has Decreed.
Why is Tawakkul Important
Tawakkul is a fundamental concept in Islam that nurtures a believer’s relationship with Allah Almighty.
It is a spiritual quality that brings peace, resilience, and unwavering faith in life’s uncertainties.
Understanding the meaning of tawakkul allows us to recognize that everything happens according to Allah’s Divine Wisdom and that no event in our lives is random or meaningless.
1. Strengthening One’s Iman (Faith)
Tawakkul directly enhances a Muslim’s faith by fostering a deep reliance on Allah Almighty. A true believer acknowledges that sustenance, success, and well-being are solely in Allah’s Hands. This conviction strengthens their Iman, ensuring that their hearts remain steadfast regardless of external challenges.
2. Inner Peace and Reduced Anxiety
A lack of tawakkul often leads to excessive worry, stress, and fear of the unknown. However, when a believer puts their trust in Allah Almighty, they experience a profound sense of inner peace, knowing that Allah’s Divine Plan is always the best.
3. Increased Contentment and Patience (Sabr)
Tawakkul is closely linked to patience. When a believer trusts in Allah’s Divine Decree, they develop patience and contentment with whatever comes their way. They recognize that trials and difficulties are a means of purification, forgiveness of sins, elevation of rank and overall spiritual growth, rather than mere obstacles.
4. Success in Both Worldly and Spiritual Matters
Tawakkul does not mean passivity; rather, it ensures that we take the necessary steps toward our goals while entrusting the outcomes to Allah Almighty. This balance leads to both material success and spiritual fulfillment, as we strive for our ambitions without being consumed by fear of failure.
Applying Tawakkul in Daily Life
Tawakkul is not just a theoretical concept; it has practical applications in every aspect of life. Here’s how you can integrate trust in Allah into your daily experiences:
1. Tawakkul in Decision-Making
Life is full of choices, and sometimes we find ourselves stuck in indecision, fearing the consequences of our choices. Tawakkul teaches us to make informed decisions, seek guidance through Istikhara prayer, and ultimately leave the results to Allah Almighty.
2. Tawakkul in Hardships and Difficulties
Trials and tribulations are inevitable in life. Whether it is health problems, loss, or emotional distress, placing one’s trust in Allah allows believers to remain hopeful and resilient. As Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدْرًۭا
"And whoever puts their trust in Allah, then He alone is sufficient for them..." (Qur’an 65:3)
3. Tawakkul in Financial and Career Matters
Sustenance is one of the major concerns in life, but tawakkul reminds us that Allah is Ar-Razzaq (The Provider). While we are encouraged to work hard and seek halal income, excessive worry about provision contradicts true reliance on Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
"If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance due to Him, He would provide for you just as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return full." (Tirmidhi)
4. Tawakkul in Relationships and Marriage
Many people struggle with worries about finding the right spouse, maintaining a happy marriage, or handling family issues. Tawakkul reassures us that Allah’s Divine Plan is perfect and that He will guide us to what is best for us. Having tawakkul in marriage fosters trust, patience, and emotional strength in navigating relationships.
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The Balance Between Tawakkul & Taking Action (‘Tying Your Camel’)
Some Muslims believe that tawakkul means to just leave it all to Allah Almighty.
Although that is not completely false, that is just a half-truth. Having tawakkul is not just about leaving everything to Allah without making any effort.
Islam encourages both reliance on Allah Almighty and taking proactive measures towards achieving your goals in life. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) beautifully illustrated this balance in the following hadith:
"Tie your camel and then put your trust in Allah." (Tirmidhi)
This means that while we trust Allah, we must also take the necessary steps to ensure our success, whether in education, career, health, or personal life.
Benefits of Tawakkul
Embracing tawakkul brings numerous benefits, both spiritually and emotionally. Here are some of the benefits you may reap with tawakkul.
Inner peace and reduced anxiety
When you let go, you will feel at peace. Tawakkul means to completely rely on Allah’s Divine Wisdom and Plan, no matter what the outcome may be for you.
Strengthening one’s faith (Iman)
Just like you would trust someone completely when you love them, tawakkul means it would enhance your Iman, deepening your relationship with Allah Almighty and reinforcing reliance on Him alone.
Increased contentment and patience (Sabr)
When you achieve tawakkul, you are developing a sense of acceptance and resilience amidst hardship. No matter how bad things get, things will work out in the end.
Success in both worldly and spiritual matters
When you understand the true meaning of tawakkul, which means to try your best and leave it all to Him, you will be able to achieve your goals with confidence while maintaining a strong connection with Allah Almighty.
How to Strengthen Tawakkul in Allah
Increase your knowledge of Allah’s Names and Attributes
Understanding that Allah is Al-Wakeel (The Trustee) and Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful) reinforces trust in Him. It helps that you recite dhikr as well.
Make sincere du’a
Du’a is worship. Ask Allah Almighty to increase your reliance on Him and remove doubts from your heart, whether its from your own anxiety or from the whispers of Shaytaan.
Perform Istikhara prayer
If you are torn between decisions that could change or alter the course of your life, seek Allah’s Divine Guidance through Istikhara prayer.
Reflect on past experiences
Remember how Allah has always been there for you, guiding you through difficulties.
Avoid excessive worrying
Recognize that overthinking, anxiety and fear do not change outcomes, nor does it benefit you in any way. The only thing that helps is to trust in Allah Almighty.
Final thoughts on Tawakkul In islam
Tawakkul is an essential component of Islamic faith that brings immense spiritual and emotional benefits. It empowers believers to trust in Allah while taking proactive steps in their lives. By integrating tawakkul into daily routines, decision-making, hardships, finances, and relationships, we can navigate life with resilience, contentment, and unshakable faith.
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FAQs
Which Surah Talks About Tawakkul?
Surah At-Talaq (65:3) and Surah Ali-Imran (3:159-160) are among the many verses in the Qur’an that emphasize tawakkul.
What Are the Conditions of Tawakkul?
The conditions include having sincere faith and trust in Allah Almighty, taking necessary actions, trying one’s absolute best, and remaining content with Allah’s Divine Decree.
What is the Difference Between Iman and Tawakkul?
Iman is faith in Allah Almighty, while tawakkul is the act of putting trust in Him in all matters of life, trusting in His Divine Wisdom and Plan.
What is the Lack of Tawakkul?
A lack of tawakkul leads to excessive worry, anxiety, impatience, and dissatisfaction with life’s outcomes. It reflects weak faith and an unwillingness to surrender to Allah’s Divine Will. By implementing tawakkul, we achieve both worldly success and eternal contentment in the Hereafter. May Allah strengthen our reliance on Him and grant us unwavering faith. Ameen.
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