Islamic Economics Islamic Finance Muslim Lifestyle

Tawakkal in Islam: When Surrender Meets Hard Work

Devin Halim Wijaya18 September 2024

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Tawakkul is a crucial concept in Islam, referring to the act of completely surrendering oneself to Allah Ta’ala after making the best possible effort. Tawakkul is often misunderstood as passive submission without any effort, but in Islam, it is about finding a balance between hard work and trust in Allah Ta’ala. This article explores the deeper meaning of tawakkul, its application in various aspects of life, and how the balance between effort and tawakkul plays a central role in a Muslim’s life.

The Meaning of Tawakkul in Islam

Linguistically, tawakkul comes from the Arabic word “وَكَّلَ” (wakala), which means to entrust or delegate matters to another. Spiritually, tawakkul means entrusting all affairs to Allah Ta’ala after making all possible efforts. This concept is reflected in the Qur’an, where Allah Ta’ala says:

وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا
“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.” (Surah At-Talaq: 3)

This verse emphasizes that Allah Ta’ala is sufficient for those who put their trust in Him. However, tawakkul is not an excuse to avoid action or effort. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said in a hadith narrated by Imam Tirmidhi:

اعْقِلْهَا وَتَوَكَّلْ
“Tie your camel, and then trust in Allah.”

This hadith teaches that tawakkul must be accompanied by practical effort. A Muslim must take action and then leave the results to Allah Ta’ala.

Also read:Tawakkal in Business Fundraising

Tawakkul in Every Situation

Tawakkul applies in both challenging and easy circumstances. The life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ serves as a prime example of how he always made maximum effort in every situation but still fully trusted in Allah Ta’ala. During the Battle of Badr, the Prophet ﷺ carefully prepared his army and developed a strategy for the battle. However, after all the preparations were made, he turned to Allah in prayer, entrusting the outcome to Him. In his prayer, he said:

اللهم إن تهلك هذه العصابة من أهل الإسلام لا تعبد في الأرض
“O Allah, if this group (the Muslims) is destroyed, You will no longer be worshiped on the earth.”
(Narrated by Muslim)

This supplication demonstrates the Prophet’s ﷺ complete reliance on Allah Ta’ala after making all the necessary preparations. Tawakkul teaches us to remain optimistic and confident that Allah Ta’ala will provide the best outcome, even if it differs from our expectations.

Also read:Can Faith (Iman) Really Increase and Decrease?

The Relationship Between Tawakkul and Effort

One of the most important aspects of tawakkul is balancing effort and trust in Allah Ta’ala. Islam never encourages its followers to passively wait for results without working towards them. Rather, effort and striving are integral parts of tawakkul.

In the Qur’an, Allah Ta’ala says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُوا مَا بِأَنفُسِهِمْ
“Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d: 11)

This verse makes it clear that a person’s circumstances will only change when they make the effort to improve themselves. Tawakkul should never be an excuse for laziness or avoidance of responsibility.

A well-known example of the relationship between effort and tawakkul can be seen in the story of Prophet Musa alaihissalam when he was commanded to strike the sea with his staff so that it would part, allowing the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh’s army. Although this command seemed illogical, Prophet Musa alaihissalam obeyed with full trust in Allah Ta’ala, and Allah miraculously parted the sea to save them.

Also read:Faith, Knowledge, and Deeds: The Three Foundations of Act in Islam

The Benefits of Tawakkul in Life

Tawakkul brings numerous benefits to a person’s life, both spiritually and emotionally. Some of these include:

Inner Peace: Those who trust in Allah Ta’ala experience greater inner peace, as they understand that He controls everything. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ
“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d: 28)
Avoiding Arrogance: Tawakkul helps a person avoid arrogance, as they realize that all success and wealth come from Allah Ta’ala’s decree. This awareness prevents pride, as one recognizes that any achievement is due to Allah’s assistance, not solely personal ability.
Strengthening Faith: Tawakkul deepens a person’s awareness of Allah Ta’ala’s power and wisdom. This enhances their faith, as they come to understand that every situation in life, whether challenging or easy, is part of Allah’s divine plan, which always contains wisdom.
Increased Motivation to Work: A person who practices tawakkul is more motivated to work hard, knowing that Allah Ta’ala rewards sincere effort. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:احرص على ما ينفعك واستعن بالله ولا تعجز
“Be keen on what benefits you, seek help from Allah, and do not give up.”
(Narrated by Muslim)

This hadith reminds us that being proactive and striving for what benefits us is part of faith, and tawakkul should never lead to passivity.

Also read:Khilafatul Ardh: Bridging Faith and Finance

Conclusion

Tawakkul is a core Islamic concept that teaches a balance between human effort and reliance on Allah Ta’ala. Tawakkul does not mean giving up without trying, but rather making maximum effort and then entrusting the results to Allah. Through tawakkul, a Muslim attains inner peace, strengthened faith, and increased motivation to work. This teaching affirms that whatever happens in life is for the best according to Allah Ta’ala’s wisdom, and we must always strive to do our best while entrusting all outcomes to Him.