Tawakkul is an Arabic word that describes the Islamic concept of complete reliance on God or trust in God's plan for all affairs. It means reliance upon Him, who is Almighty, capable, sufficient, and all knowing. The Quran considers trust in God as a requirement of faith. In fact, the Qur'an speaks of the fact that success is only achieved when trust is in God and the believer is steadfast and obeys God's commands.
“So, worship Him (Allah), and put your trust in Him. Your Lord is not unaware of what you do” 11:23
“He (Allah) is the Most Gracious, in Him we believe, and in Him we put our trust.” 67-29.
The virtue of relying on God is mentioned and highly praised in many Quranic verses and what is mentioned frequently in the Qur’an is of profound significance and takes high priority. Hence, Tawakkul is also an act of submission to the Lord Master. It is the foundation and perfection of our belief and worship in the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid) by not relying on anyone else. Tawakkul is the means by which one can choose right course and stay on it.
“And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine. And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him.” 65:3
And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Allah often provides a solution in the most unexpected ways or from the most unexpected quarters; e.g., the worst enemies may be reconciled, or the cry or the smile of an infant baby may heal seemingly irreparable injuries or unite hearts seemingly alienated forever.
It is a means to Allah's pleasure and reward.
Taking the means and causes as part of relying on God and relying on God necessities having recourse to the means and the causes of achieving goals. When Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) wanted to give an example of relying on God, he said to his companions:
“If you were able to rely on God as true reliance on Him requires, He would provide you as He provides birds that leave their nests hungry in the morning and return full in the evening”
(Al-Ghazzali, 2001)
Whenever we face any difficult situation, we remember Allah Subhanhu more and do as much as we can to change the situation. As pointed out in the Qur’an, God will not change the
favorable condition of the people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves.
“Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change what is within themselves.” 13:11
Tawakkul does not mean expecting Allah to take care of everything without the person putting forth any effort. We show Allah our trust by taking action toward what we are trying to accomplish. In other words, we must do our part first with sincerity, patience and staying steadfast in actions. And accept whatever He decrees for us is the best, even if it is apparently the opposite of what we expect. we should be content with the decrees of God.
According to al-Naraqi Jami the sign of Tawakkul is that one's internal state of being content with God, does not change when losing or gaining benefits or possessions.
“Tawakkul encourages us to be dependent on God” (Basri, 2008).
Thus, He helps whom He wills, so we must ask Him often and trust in Him alone.
Reliance on Allah has been considered an important stage of complete faith in God. Teachings of faith in God, help people heal from sustained pain and hurt. Tawakkul is acquired by contemplating bounties of God through physical, mental and psychological aspects.
Allah, the most high says:
“So put your trust in God [and rely on Him] alone if you are indeed believers.”5:23
A believer who places his trust in God is actually saved from anxiety, stress, and depression and other physical and psychological illnesses because of his hope in God provides him strong support even under most difficult moments of his life and gives him strength. The righteous man will find Allah enough for all the protection he needs, all the rest and peace he craves for, and all the happiness he can imagine.