In Islam, there is a great concept of tawakkul which means to trust and rely on Allah alone. Tawakkul really gives strength to a believer. Also, there is great importance of tawakkul in Islam. By going through the verses of Quran and saying of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) about tawakkul, we can learn about its significance in the religion of Islam and can understand the concept of tawakkul. Moreover, there are different levels of tawakkul which can help us to know more about it.
Before knowing the importance and levels of tawakkul in Islam, it is necessary to know that what actually tawakkul is. As stated earlier, tawakkul is to trust and rely on Allah alone and that too completely. Tawakkul is to accept the outcomes of things as the will of Allah and because of the trust that you have on Allah that He will do the best for you. Tawakkul is trusting Allah in difficult times when all the things are against you. Tawakkul is to trust Allah that He will answer your prayers.
The author of Manazil al-sai’rin states, “Tawakkul means entrusting all the matters to their Master and relying upon His trusteeship.”
There are different levels of tawakkul which can also define it very well. The very first level is related to Tawheed. Tawakkul at first level is to believe firmly that Allah alone is sufficient for you; He is Capable and best Disposer of all the matters. Nothing happens without His will and that everything that will happen to you will be with the will and instructions of Allah Who know what’s best for you as He is All-Knowing.
The second level of tawakkul is to believe fully that everything happens for reason and there is wisdom behind it which Allah knows and we do not. However, it doesn’t mean that we should stop trying and wait for whatever happens as it will be good for us. We should always try our best and give 100 percent while putting our trust on Allah and believing that whatever will happen it will be best for us as it will be the will of Allah.
The third level of tawakkul is to rely on Allah alone and not on anyone else. The fourth level of tawakkul is to depend on Allah totally and wholeheartedly. The highest level of tawakkul is to rely on Allah freely and without feeling forced to do so. Thus, from all these levels of tawakkul we can clearly understand that what actually tawakkul means as before knowing its significance, understanding its meaning was very important.
Islam has attached great importance to tawakkul. This concept of trusting Allah alone gives a believer great strength that he/she doesn’t rely on anyone else. Tawakkul creates a bond between man and his Creator. It strengthens the self respect of a believer and makes him/her believe this that no one can rescue him/her but Allah, therefore, they trust and rely upon Allah only.
Moreover, tawakkul is very important for our relation with Allah. When we trust Allah fully and accept His decisions as we trust Him, it also builds our bond with Allah which is the most important relation. Thus, tawakkul is also very important for having a strong bond with Allah (SWT). Also, when we take some decision, it is necessary to take it as per the teachings of Quran and after taking decision, we must trust and depend on Allah for the good outcomes. Trusting Allah gives peace to our mind and soul and therefore, tawakkul is very significant.
The following translations of the Quranic verses show the importance of tawakkul in the religion of Islam;
“The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely.” (Quran, 8:2)
“Say, “Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.” And upon Allah let the believers rely.” (Quran, 9:51)
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him].” (Quran, 3:159)
“And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” (Quran, 33:3)
“Said two men from those who feared [to disobey] upon whom Allah had bestowed favour, “Enter upon them through the gate, for when you have entered it, you will be predominant. And upon Allah rely, if you should be believers.” (Quran, 5:23)
“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Quran, 65:3)
The following hadith shows the significance of tawakkul in Islam;
“If you had all relied on Allah (SWT) as you should rely on Him, then He would have provided for you as He provides for the birds, who wake up hungry in the morning and return with full stomachs at dusk.” [At-Tirmidhi]
From the above mentioned translations of the verses of Quran and saying of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW), we can know much about the importance of tawakkul in Islam. In Quran, it is clearly stated to rely upon Allah and that Allah is sufficient as Disposer of affairs. Thus, we should always trust and rely on Allah alone that only He can solve our problems and take us out of the hard times; only He can give us what we want and only He can make things better for us. With this trust on Allah, we can do big things.
Thus, there is great significance of tawakkul in Islam and as Muslims, we should know that what is stated in Quran and Hadith about the concept of tawakkul; plus, we should also know that what are its levels. Moreover, there are many benefits of tawakkul which further show its importance. Tawakkul also plays a great role in making the personality and traits of a person as it nourishes the person’s self respect, hence, tawakkul is really important.
