Jasmine replied, "Taqwa and tawakkul are two fundamental concepts in Islam that are intricately connected, each playing a crucial role in the life of a believer. Understanding their relationship helps clarify how Muslims navigate their faith and reliance on Allah. Taqwa refers to a heightened consciousness of Allah, encompassing piety, fear of Allah, and a commitment to obey His commands. It is often described as being mindful of Allah in all actions, leading to righteous behaviour and moral integrity. Taqwa motivates believers to avoid sin and strive for goodness, acting as a protective measure against wrongdoing. Tawakkul translates to placing one’s trust in Allah, relying on Him alone for guidance and support in all matters. It embodies the concept of surrendering one's affairs to Allah after making efforts (ikhtiar) to achieve one's goals. Tawakkul reflects a deep faith that acknowledges Allah's control over all aspects of life.
Tawakkul, an essential concept in Islam, refers to the act of placing complete trust and reliance on Allah (God). This concept is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, emphasizing both faith and action. The term tawakkul (تَوَكُّل) is derived from the Arabic verb tawakkala, which means "to rely" or "to put trust." It signifies a believer's confidence in Allah's plan and His ability to manage their affairs. Tawakkul embodies the idea of trusting in God's wisdom while actively engaging in the necessary actions to achieve one's goals.
In Islam, tawakkul is considered a vital aspect of faith (iman). It is not merely passive reliance; rather, it involves:
- Sincerity: A genuine belief that all benefits and harms are ultimately in Allah's hands.
- Effort: Actively striving to fulfill one's responsibilities while trusting Allah for the outcomes. This dual approach is often illustrated by the hadith where the Prophet (ﷺ) advised a man to tie his camel before relying on Allah, emphasizing that one must take practical steps alongside their faith.
The Quran highlights tawakkul in various verses, reinforcing its importance. Allah says
وَمَنْ يَّتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللّٰهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهٗ
"... And whoever relies upon Allah - then He is sufficient for him...." [QS. At-Talaq (65):3]
This verse illustrates that true believers exhibit tawakkul as part of their faith, showing reliance on Allah while fulfilling their duties.
In practice, tawakkul encourages Muslims to:
- Take Precautions: Engage in necessary actions to safeguard their interests, such as working hard for sustenance or seeking medical help when ill.
- Leave Results to Allah: After doing their best, believers should place their trust in Allah for the results, accepting whatever comes as part of His divine decree (qadr).
This balanced approach helps prevent misconceptions about tawakkul being mere wishful thinking or passivity. Instead, it emphasizes an active engagement with life while maintaining faith in Allah's ultimate control over all matters.
The story related to Prophet Musa (Moses, alayhissalam) in Surah Al-Maidah (Surah 5) specifically highlights the episode of the Israelites’ hesitation and disobedience regarding entering the Holy Land, which Allah had decreed (at that time and later revoked) for them. The story is told in verses 20–26 and contains significant lessons about faith, reliance on Allah, and consequences of defiance.
Prophet Musa reminds his people of Allah’s blessings, encouraging them to be grateful and fulfil the command to enter the Holy Land. He recounts how Allah saved them from the tyranny of Pharaoh, parted the Red Sea for them, and sent them guidance and provision.
Musa conveys Allah's command to the Israelites to enter the Holy Land, which was promised to them. However, the people show hesitation and fear. They say that powerful and intimidating people inhabit the land, making them reluctant to proceed.
Among the Israelites, two God-fearing men, who were blessed with insight and courage, urge the people to have faith. They encourage the others to enter the land, reminding them that if they rely on Allah, they will overcome any obstacles. Allah says,
قَالَ رَجُلَانِ مِنَ الَّذِيْنَ يَخَافُوْنَ اَنْعَمَ اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِمَا ادْخُلُوْا عَلَيْهِمُ الْبَابَۚ فَاِذَا دَخَلْتُمُوْهُ فَاِنَّكُمْ غٰلِبُوْنَ ەۙ وَعَلَى اللّٰهِ فَتَوَكَّلُوْٓا اِنْ كُنْتُمْ مُّؤْمِنِيْنَ
"Said two men from those who feared [to disobey] upon whom Allāh had bestowed favour, "Enter upon them through the gate, for when you have entered it, you will be predominant [i.e., If you obey the command of Allah trusting in Him, He will fulfil His promise to you]. And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers." [QS. Al-Ma'idah (5):23]
Despite this encouragement, the Israelites rejected the command out of fear and even told Musa that they would not enter as long as the mighty people were there. They defiantly tell him,
يٰمُوْسٰٓى اِنَّا لَنْ نَّدْخُلَهَآ اَبَدًا مَّا دَامُوْا فِيْهَا ۖفَاذْهَبْ اَنْتَ وَرَبُّكَ فَقَاتِلَآ اِنَّا هٰهُنَا قٰعِدُوْنَ
"O Moses, indeed we will not enter it, ever, as long as they are within it; so go, you and your Lord, and fight. Indeed, we are remaining right here." [QS. Al-Ma'idah (5):24]
Deeply frustrated and saddened by their defiance, Musa prays to Allah, expressing his helplessness over their disobedience. He asks Allah to judge between him and the rebellious people, as he no longer has the ability to guide them. In response to their disobedience, Allah decrees that the Israelites would wander in the wilderness for forty years, unable to enter the Holy Land. This punishment served as both a consequence for their lack of faith and a period of renewal for the coming generation.
The story is profoundly connected to the concept of tawakkul (reliance on Allah), and this connection is evident in several aspects of the story. Tawakkul involves trusting Allah entirely while taking necessary actions and believing in His wisdom and power to bring about what is best.
Prophet Musa (alayhissalam) calls on the Israelites to enter the Holy Land, a command directly from Allah. Despite the challenges and fears involved , they are assured of divine support if they act with faith. This illustrates that tawakkul is not about avoiding effort or sitting back in passivity; rather, it requires taking action, even when the outcome seems daunting. Allah expects them to trust in Him while they physically go forth, embodying tawakkul through obedience and effort.
The two righteous men in the story exemplify true tawakkul by urging the people to act courageously and with faith. Their call to "rely on Allah" reflects a deep, confident tawakkul, where they believe that Allah’s support is guaranteed if the Israelites follow His command. Sunni scholars often emphasize that tawakkul involves an unwavering conviction in Allah’s help, even in situations where human strength alone may seem insufficient. Their advice serves as a reminder that trust in Allah is strengthened through His commands and can overcome any worldly obstacle.
The Israelites’ refusal to enter the land due to their fear of the powerful inhabitants shows a lack of tawakkul (and indeed such as the nature of these stiff-necked people: cowards), which ultimately led to their punishment. Sunni scholars view this as a lesson that failing to place trust in Allah, especially when He has given clear guidance, not only leads to spiritual detriment but can also result in worldly difficulties. Their punishment of wandering in the wilderness for forty years serves as a reminder that disobedience and lack of trust in Allah’s wisdom can prevent individuals from reaching the success they desire.
Prophet Musa’s response highlights tawakkul. He does his utmost to encourage his people, reminding them of Allah’s favours and power. When he is met with resistance, he turns to Allah in dua, seeking His judgment and placing his trust in Allah’s decision. Musa’s reliance on Allah, despite the rejection from his people, is a powerful example of tawakkul for believers. Sunni scholars note that this form of reliance is a complete surrender to Allah’s wisdom, particularly when faced with challenges beyond one’s control.
Tawakkul is rooted in two principles:
- Reliance with Action: True reliance on Allah does not imply abandoning practical steps. Instead, believers should take necessary actions and trust Allah for the outcome, as seen with the two believers encouraging the Israelites to take action.
- Trust in Allah’s Wisdom: Tawakkul is also about accepting Allah’s decree, even when it seems harsh. The Israelites’ punishment for their lack of trust reflects the importance of accepting Allah’s wisdom in His commands. Musa’s response further reinforces that even in the face of disappointment, turning to Allah for guidance and placing one’s trust in His plan is essential.
Common misconceptions about tawakkul, or reliance on Allah, often lead to misunderstandings of this vital concept in Sunni Islam. Here are some prevalent misconceptions:
