Jasmine replied, "Tawakkul and Tawhid are both fundamental concepts in Islam, but they serve distinct purposes and embody different aspects of a Muslim's faith. Understanding their differences is essential for grasping the broader Islamic worldview. Tawhid refers to the oneness and uniqueness of Allah. It is the foundational belief in Islam that asserts there is no god but Allah, emphasizing His singularity in essence, attributes, and worship. Tawhid is central to a Muslim's faith and is often considered the most crucial aspect of Islamic theology. It encompasses three categories: Tawhid al-Rububiyyah (Oneness of Lordship); Tawhid al-Uluhiyyah (Oneness of Worship); Tawhid al-Asma wa-Sifat (Oneness of Names and Attributes).
In contrast, tawakkul refers to placing complete trust and reliance on Allah after making an effort to achieve one's goals. It signifies a believer's attitude of surrendering to Allah's will while actively engaging in their responsibilities. Tawakkul emphasizes the balance between human effort and divine control over outcomes.
The primary purpose of tawhid is to establish a clear understanding of monotheism, which is the essence of the Islamic faith. It serves as the foundation for all acts of worship and ethical behaviour within Islam. Believing in tawhid shapes a Muslim's entire religious practice, guiding them to worship Allah alone and reject any form of polytheism (shirk).
Tawakkul provides psychological and spiritual benefits by encouraging believers to maintain faith in Allah's wisdom while navigating life's challenges. It fosters resilience, peace of mind, and emotional stability during trials, allowing individuals to act decisively while trusting in Allah for the results.
While tawhid itself does not directly involve human effort, it necessitates that Muslims engage in acts of worship sincerely directed towards Allah alone. The acknowledgement of tawhid requires believers to act according to Islamic teachings, which includes performing prayers, giving charity, and other acts of devotion.
Tawakkul explicitly involves human effort combined with trust in Allah. It teaches that while individuals should strive diligently toward their goals—whether through work, education, or personal development—they must ultimately leave the outcomes in Allah's hands. This duality highlights that both action and reliance on divine will are integral to a believer's life.
Tawhid is rooted deeply in Islamic theology as it defines the nature of God and establishes the parameters for worship. It shapes a Muslim’s understanding of their relationship with Allah and underscores the importance of monotheism as a non-negotiable aspect of faith.
Tawakkul reflects a believer's understanding of Allah’s omnipotence and mercy. It emphasizes that while humans have agency through their actions, they must recognize that ultimate control lies with Allah. This understanding fosters humility and gratitude among believers."
"Why was Allah's assignment of the Holyland to the Children of Israel revoked? Do they lack tawakkul?" asked Anthurium.
Ashoka replied, "The appointment of the Holy Land for Bani Israel was revoked due to several factors related to disobedience, moral and spiritual transgressions, and the breaking of covenants. This perspective is derived from verses in the Qur'an and commentary from scholars, who often point to instances in the history of Bani Israel that reflect these themes.
The Qur'an recounts that Bani Israel was repeatedly given commands and covenants by Allah, but they often failed to uphold these agreements. For example, in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:12-13), Allah reminds Bani Israel of the covenant they took to worship only Him, establish prayer, give zakah, and believe in the messengers. However, their repeated failures to adhere to these divine commands and their mistreatment of prophets were seen as grounds for the revocation of divine favour, including their hold over the Holy Land. Allah says,
فَبِمَا نَقْضِهِمْ مِّيْثَاقَهُمْ لَعَنّٰهُمْ وَجَعَلْنَا قُلُوْبَهُمْ قٰسِيَةً ۚ يُحَرِّفُوْنَ الْكَلِمَ عَنْ مَّوَاضِعِهٖۙ وَنَسُوْا حَظًّا مِّمَّا ذُكِّرُوْا بِهٖۚ وَلَا تَزَالُ تَطَّلِعُ عَلٰى خَاۤىِٕنَةٍ مِّنْهُمْ اِلَّا قَلِيْلًا مِّنْهُمْ ۖ فَاعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَاصْفَحْ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِيْنَ
"So for their breaking of the covenant We cursed them and made their hearts hardened. They distort words from their [proper] places [i.e., usages] and have forgotten a portion of that of which they were reminded [in the Torah concerning the coming of Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ)]. And you will still observe deceit among them, except a few of them. But pardon them and overlook [their misdeeds]. Indeed, Allāh loves the doers of good." [QS. Al-Ma'idah (5):13]
The Qur'an narrates in Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:20-26) that Moses directed Bani Israel to enter the Holy Land that Allah had appointed for them. However, due to fear and unwillingness to face the challenges involved, they disobeyed and refused to enter. This event, according to scholars, represented a critical rejection of Allah's directive and led to their wandering in the wilderness for 40 years as a punishment.
Bani Israel’s prophets frequently called them to higher moral standards, warning against corruption, materialism, and injustice. However, due to their repeated lapses, especially in relation to justice and monotheism, their privileges were gradually taken away. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:61) highlights instances of ingratitude and turning away from divine guidance as contributing factors in Allah’s judgment against them. Allah says,
وَاِذْ قُلْتُمْ يٰمُوْسٰى لَنْ نَّصْبِرَ عَلٰى طَعَامٍ وَّاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنْۢبِتُ الْاَرْضُ مِنْۢ بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّاۤىِٕهَا وَفُوْمِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا ۗ قَالَ اَتَسْتَبْدِلُوْنَ الَّذِيْ هُوَ اَدْنٰى بِالَّذِيْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ ۗ اِهْبِطُوْا مِصْرًا فَاِنَّ لَكُمْ مَّا سَاَلْتُمْ ۗ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاۤءُوْ بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللّٰهِ ۗ ذٰلِكَ بِاَنَّهُمْ كَانُوْا يَكْفُرُوْنَ بِاٰيٰتِ اللّٰهِ وَيَقْتُلُوْنَ النَّبِيّٖنَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْا وَّكَانُوْا يَعْتَدُوْنَ ࣖ
"And [recall] when you said, "O Moses, we can never endure one [kind of] food. So call upon your Lord to bring forth for us from the earth its green herbs and its cucumbers and its garlic and its lentils and its onions." [Moses] said, "Would you exchange what is better for what is less? Go into [any] settlement and indeed, you will have what you have asked." And they were covered with humiliation and poverty and returned with anger from Allāh [upon them]. That was because they [repeatedly] disbelieved in the signs of Allāh and killed the prophets without right. That was because they disobeyed and were [habitually] transgressing." [QS. Al-Baqarah (2):61]
Islamic teachings hold that Allah’s favour can be transferred from one community to another if the former fails to uphold their responsibilities. As referenced in Surah Muhammad (47:38),
هٰٓاَنْتُمْ هٰٓؤُلَاۤءِ تُدْعَوْنَ لِتُنْفِقُوْا فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِۚ فَمِنْكُمْ مَّنْ يَّبْخَلُ ۚوَمَنْ يَّبْخَلْ فَاِنَّمَا يَبْخَلُ عَنْ نَّفْسِهٖ ۗوَاللّٰهُ الْغَنِيُّ وَاَنْتُمُ الْفُقَرَاۤءُ ۗوَاِنْ تَتَوَلَّوْا يَسْتَبْدِلْ قَوْمًا غَيْرَكُمْۙ ثُمَّ لَا يَكُوْنُوْٓا اَمْثَالَكُمْ ࣖ
"Here you are - those invited to spend in the cause of Allāh - but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allāh is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away [i.e., refuse], He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you."
Allah warns that He may replace one group with another if they neglect their religious duties. This concept is echoed in the interpretation that Allah's favour and the leadership role once held by Bani Israel was ultimately passed to the Muslim ummah, who was given the role of guiding humanity.
Scholars often view the revocation as part of Allah’s wisdom and justice, serving as both a punishment for disobedience and a means of guiding others. The transition from Bani Israel’s appointment over the Holy Land to other communities is seen as a warning and a reminder of the importance of upholding divine commandments and living righteously.
Islamic scholars point to a combination of covenant-breaking, disobedience, and spiritual failure as reasons for the revocation of Bani Israel’s appointment over the Holy Land. This perspective emphasizes that divine favour is conditional and serves as a reminder of accountability and the importance of maintaining one's commitment to Allah."
"What role does Tawakkul play in overcoming personal challenges?" asked Anthurium. Ashoka replied, "Tawakkul plays a crucial role in overcoming personal challenges. Tawakkul fosters a mindset of acceptance and patience, enabling individuals to bounce back from setbacks. This trust in Allah provides strength during difficult times, helping them navigate challenges with grace and perseverance.
By surrendering control and trusting in Allah's plan, tawakkul alleviates anxiety and stress. Believers find peace in knowing that everything happens according to divine wisdom, which helps them maintain emotional stability.
Tawakkul encourages believers to make informed decisions while also releasing anxiety about outcomes. This balance allows for more confident and decisive actions, knowing that the final results rest with Allah.
Practising tawakkul deepens one’s faith and connection with Allah, reinforcing the belief that He is the ultimate planner. This spiritual bond provides comfort and guidance during life's uncertainties.
Tawakkul promotes mindfulness by encouraging individuals to focus on the present moment, reducing worries about the future or regrets about the past. This practice enhances overall mental well-being.
So, tawakkul empowers individuals to face personal challenges with resilience, peace of mind, and a strengthened faith in Allah's wisdom.
Tawakkul significantly contributes to building emotional resilience in several ways. By surrendering worries to Allah, tawakkul reduces anxiety and stress. This trust fosters a sense of peace, allowing individuals to navigate challenges without being overwhelmed by fear or uncertainty. Tawakkul encourages a perspective where challenges are viewed as tests or opportunities for growth, rather than insurmountable obstacles. This cognitive shift enhances emotional strength and fosters a proactive approach to difficulties.
Trusting in Allah’s wisdom instils confidence and hope, enabling individuals to face adversities with courage. Believers find solace in the understanding that Allah has a plan, which enhances their ability to cope with hardships. Tawakkul nurtures patience, encouraging individuals to remain steadfast during trials. This resilience is rooted in the belief that Allah's timing and wisdom are perfect, helping believers endure difficult times with grace.
Practising tawakkul equips individuals with effective coping mechanisms by emphasizing reliance on divine support. This spiritual connection acts as a stabilizing force during turbulent times, promoting emotional well-being. Tawakkul empowers individuals to build emotional resilience by fostering inner strength, reducing stress, and encouraging a positive mindset towards life's challenges.
Tawakkul can significantly help in overcoming anxiety and depression. Research indicates that strong faith and trust in Allah are negatively linked with anxiety and depression, leading to greater personal contentment. Tawakkul encourages a mindset where individuals believe that everything happens for a reason and is ultimately good, reducing the space for negative thoughts associated with depression. By viewing challenges as tests from Allah, tawakkul fosters patience and acceptance, which are crucial for emotional resilience during tough times.
Trusting in Allah's plan alleviates the burden of stress and anxiety, allowing individuals to focus on their efforts while leaving the outcomes to divine wisdom. Tawakkul serves as an effective coping strategy, enabling individuals to navigate life's uncertainties with a sense of peace and hope, thus mitigating feelings of despair. Integrating tawakkul into therapeutic practices can enhance treatment outcomes for anxiety and depression by reinforcing positive beliefs and encouraging acceptance of Allah’s will.
Tawakkul can act as a protective factor against depressive symptoms. Research indicates that a strong sense of trust in Allah moderates the relationship between anxious attachment to Allah and depression. When individuals possess high levels of tawakkul, they are less likely to experience depressive symptoms, even in the presence of anxiety. This protective effect arises because tawakkul fosters positive beliefs and an acceptance of Allah’s will, which can shield individuals from negative emotional states like sadness and hopelessness. Conversely, low levels of tawakkul may exacerbate feelings of depression, particularly in those with anxious attachments to Allah.
"Is there any relation between barakah, tawakkul and taqwa?" asked Orchid.
Aglaonema replied, "Barakah or blessing, tawakkul, and taqwa are interconnected concepts in Islamic teachings that reflect a believer's relationship with Allah and their approach to life. We will discuss them in the next episode, bi'idhnillah."
