Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Highlights Values: Hope, Trust In Allah (Tawakkul) Views: 143301
143301
Tawakkul (Trust in God)
"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]
Do you truly have full trust in Allah (SWT)? There are some of us who strive our utmost to prepare for things wherein no certainty exists, whilst others fail to prepare for certain things wherein lies no doubt. And let us not forget those that believe their destiny is completely in their own hands, whilst their counterparts hold, in what can only be described as 'bravery', that they have full trust in Allah (SWT), thus granting themselves the ticket to do nothing at all.
Tawakkul is a light for our hearts and a means for us to seek nearness towards Allah (SWT) in a manner that absolutely nothing else can achieve. The essence of this quality of the heart is built upon two very important pillars: dependence upon Allah and trust in Allah.
We may often trust a person, without necessarily depending upon them, and likewise we may depend upon a person without fully trusting them. However when it comes to Our Lord (SWT), both exist simultaneously in perfection. So why are we so ready to trust others, but so quick to question Allah (SWT)? I'm sure we can all recall at least one incident in our lives when we experienced the rahma of Allah (SWT) in disguise. What did we do? What did we say? When one of the innumerable blessings we failed to count and thank our Lord for was unexpectedly taken from us, what thoughts rushed to our minds? What regrettable words came from our mouths? Why has this happened? What did I do wrong? Why has my blessing been taken away from me? Such spur of the moment questions, tainted by our false comprehension that the blessings bestowed upon us belonged to us, in an instant, shakes our building of tawakkul, sometimes causing it to collapse, consequently opening up a door for our enemy -Shaytaan and closing a door for us to Our Beloved (SWT).
Sisters, why do we become so devastated at the onset of calamity? Why do we lose all hope? Why do we not simply trust in Allah (SWT)? For every goodness and blessing we own has only been by His Rahma (Mercy). The amaanah (trusts) within our possessions are only ours for a temporary period of time; they belong to Allah and one day we'll have to return them to Him (SWT). When something is taken away from us or we are faced with a calamity, always remember that Allah is testing our Eemaan (faith) and He (SWT) knows that we are strong enough to deal with it, otherwise it would never have come to us in the first place, for Allah (SWT) never burdens a soul with more than it can bear.
Have full Tawakkul (trust) in Allah (SWT) and never belittle that trust. For the trust we have in Allah is a path to success and a means to achieving victory. Never lose hope and always remember that the situation of a true believer is always one of goodness: For when they are granted a blessing from Allah (SWT) they praise Him and due to that they are rewarded and their blessings increase and when a calamity strikes they patiently persevere, and as a result of which they are rewarded and granted something better than what they lost.
Put your trust in Allah. Allah loves those that trust [in Him].
[Surah al-Imran 3: 159]
Know that Allah (SWT) is pleased with those servants who persevere and He (SWT) loves those that trust in Him. Build a strong foundation of trust and allow for it to accompany you in all that you do. For it is a quality that will remain sufficient for you in the matters of this world, your deen (religion) and in the Aakhira (hereafter) insha'Allah. A beautiful example that never fails to touch my heart is that of our mother: Umm Salamah (RA), when her husband Abu Salamah (RA) passed away and she remained steadfast, uttering the best statement at the time of any calamity: 'Inna Lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji'oon -Surely to Allah we belong and surely to Him we will return'. And she received exactly as Allah (SWT) promises: blessings and mercy:
'And give good news to those who persevere, those who say, when a misfortune strikes them, Surely to Allah we belong, and surely to Him we will return, these are the ones on whom blessings from their Lord descend, and mercy, and these are the ones who are rightly guided'.
[Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 155-157]
For who could be better as a husband than Rasoolullah (SAW) -A gift to our mother, Umm Salamah (RA) for her tawakkul in Allah (SWT).
It may seem difficult to imagine, and I don't make out that it's always the easiest of things to do. However, with complete conviction, as I too have witnessed such a great blessing from Allah (SWT) after a calamity had befallen me, that if you truly trust in your Lord, with every atom's weight of your heart, Allah will provide for you in ways you could never have imagined.
Let us take a moment to ponder over one ayah in the Qur'an, yes, just one ayah. If I asked you to guess which ayah it is, what would you say? Would it even cross your mind that you read this ayah without fail in every single rakat (standing) of your salah?
'You Alone we worship and You Alone we ask for help'
[Surah al-Faatihah: 5] "The Opening"
This ayah clearly establishes the tawakkul of the believer. Some of the Salaf (early believers) have said, "Al-Faatihah is the secret of the Qur'an, while these words are the secret of Al-Faatihah." So how can we stand before Allah day in and day out, uttering such perfect words of tawakkul, and yet not sincerely mean them? For belief, undoubtedly, must be followed by action.
Our Lord (SWT) With His Hikmah, Love and Rahmah knows exactly what is good for us, so let us not be amongst the sinful servants of Allah (SWT) who suspect Him of wrongdoing. So the next time you stand before Allah (SWT) and consult Him in your affairs, don't think He'll give you what is good for you; know with certainty that He (SWT) will:
| 'Say: "Nothing will befall us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is our Protector. In Allah let the believers put their trust."
[Surah At-Tawbah: 51] |
Umm Thameenah is a contributing writer to Sisters Magazine.
Category: Faith & Spirituality, Featured, Highlights Values: Hope, Trust In Allah (Tawakkul)
Views: 143301
Views: 143301
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Older Comments:
DIANA ABDEL-RAHMAN FROM AUSTRALIA said:
Assalam alakum Sister Umm Thameenah
This piece is just what I needed to read and thank you so much for the reminder as it has given me so much peace in my heart as we have gone through a traumatic time.
God bless you.
Diana
This piece is just what I needed to read and thank you so much for the reminder as it has given me so much peace in my heart as we have gone through a traumatic time.
God bless you.
Diana
2012-05-12
SALEH HUSSEIN FROM KENYA said:
Alhamdulillahi ladhi jaalana min ummati muhammad s.a.w. Firstly being a muslim is the biggest gift for a human being.Secondly, is having guidance from allah s.w. which in turn leads us to tawakul. so we should pray to allah to give us guidance and also we make effort by ourselves in polishing our iman so that we can attain what is required of us.
2011-11-01
UBAX ALI FROM USA said:
I agree with our sister, Allah (SWT)Blass her soul, it is good to remember Allah all the time the sad time and happy time and Allah will remember us when we are in need of Him.
2009-10-22
FAHD FROM USA said:
I do agree with the article but I must say before we develop this trust with Allah (Swt), we must gain our taqwa and Iman for him and after La illaha Illah is imbedded in our hearts, trust becomes second nature.. Sahabah were different from us, their taqwa was of high quality due to the presence of Rasullah (Pbuh) around them and in today's world situation is different. We have fitnah all around us and situation is different in the world today.
Our Iman is constantly fluctuating due to the society we live in and we have a hard time with Zikhr of Allah which is the fuel of taqwa. Due to these influences, our tawakkul is not there and muslims should not blame other muslims who complain about misfortunes or anything, as people used to complain to Rasullah (Pbuh) even at their time, and Rasullah(Pbuh) would not admonish them.
The society we live is full of fitnah, especially here in the west. Whether it be from people or financial, like the current recession where people who had financial security are getting layed off, we must try our best to have Tawakkul in Allah (swt) because He is our Sustainer and Protecter.
Our Iman is constantly fluctuating due to the society we live in and we have a hard time with Zikhr of Allah which is the fuel of taqwa. Due to these influences, our tawakkul is not there and muslims should not blame other muslims who complain about misfortunes or anything, as people used to complain to Rasullah (Pbuh) even at their time, and Rasullah(Pbuh) would not admonish them.
The society we live is full of fitnah, especially here in the west. Whether it be from people or financial, like the current recession where people who had financial security are getting layed off, we must try our best to have Tawakkul in Allah (swt) because He is our Sustainer and Protecter.
2009-10-20
HENDON ALIAS FROM MALAYSIA said:
To Mike,
there is always hardship and suffering in life. But those does not come for nothing. My mum is bedridden for years now, can't move without help can't do anything on her own but tawakkal makes her strong everyday. Never once she put unhappy face,her husband died years ago, children have all moved out, what is left is only my down syndrom sister and a maid.she prays, she recites the quran and she fasts. If you don't understand what tawakal is and you think that all this is unfair to you,then all I can say that you have lost your battle. Fight for it and put all your trust in Allah. He knows what He is doing. What doesn't kill you will always make you stronger
there is always hardship and suffering in life. But those does not come for nothing. My mum is bedridden for years now, can't move without help can't do anything on her own but tawakkal makes her strong everyday. Never once she put unhappy face,her husband died years ago, children have all moved out, what is left is only my down syndrom sister and a maid.she prays, she recites the quran and she fasts. If you don't understand what tawakal is and you think that all this is unfair to you,then all I can say that you have lost your battle. Fight for it and put all your trust in Allah. He knows what He is doing. What doesn't kill you will always make you stronger
2008-03-10
HENDON ALIAS FROM MALAYSIA said:
assalmualaikum
dearest leslie and all,
be it drugs or anything, you still have to face it. Every single little things that Allah posed to you as problem is always a reminder that you a very humble being that you need Him most at any time. And no matter how trying it can be to you tawwakal will always make you feel protected and free. It frees you of your worries because you are certain that He is always there watching you and protecting you as long as you hang onto Him. Even if you don't He still does.He who has so many good servants protects you as if you are the only creation that He has. Put tawakkal in everything, believe in Him and hang your dear life to Him then you will have peace within yourself.
Wassalam
dearest leslie and all,
be it drugs or anything, you still have to face it. Every single little things that Allah posed to you as problem is always a reminder that you a very humble being that you need Him most at any time. And no matter how trying it can be to you tawwakal will always make you feel protected and free. It frees you of your worries because you are certain that He is always there watching you and protecting you as long as you hang onto Him. Even if you don't He still does.He who has so many good servants protects you as if you are the only creation that He has. Put tawakkal in everything, believe in Him and hang your dear life to Him then you will have peace within yourself.
Wassalam
2008-03-10
MUSLIMAH FROM USA said:
Leslie, I too was addidted to drugs, but know now that with all my heart and soul I depend on and worship Allah alone.
2008-03-07
AJ FROM IRELAND said:
To Brother Leslie,
We are all human beings and as humans we commit mistakes, we often do wrong things. I have done wrong in my life as well. But I have also learned that evil can be defeated by fortifying ourselves against it by means of building characters through (Islamic) spiritual purification. Yes, tawakkul plays a big part in it combined with the other concept of ethics according to the teachings and practices of the Islamic perspective such as tawbah, sabr, khawf and mahabbah.
In terms of tawakkul we must first have a firm conviction that we alone are incapable of freeing ourselves from addiction without Allah's permission. It is all due to Allah's help that we manage to get rid of ourselves off addiction. Allah is the One who gives us the inspiration, hidayah and strength; To believe that all these are from Allah, combined with prayers and efforts thus it becomes tawakkul.
Choosing the right companions is also essential for preserving our right behaviour. Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is a necessary means for staying on the Straight Path.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith (or character) of his friend, so look whom you befriend." [reported by Abu Dawood & Tirmidhee].
We are all human beings and as humans we commit mistakes, we often do wrong things. I have done wrong in my life as well. But I have also learned that evil can be defeated by fortifying ourselves against it by means of building characters through (Islamic) spiritual purification. Yes, tawakkul plays a big part in it combined with the other concept of ethics according to the teachings and practices of the Islamic perspective such as tawbah, sabr, khawf and mahabbah.
In terms of tawakkul we must first have a firm conviction that we alone are incapable of freeing ourselves from addiction without Allah's permission. It is all due to Allah's help that we manage to get rid of ourselves off addiction. Allah is the One who gives us the inspiration, hidayah and strength; To believe that all these are from Allah, combined with prayers and efforts thus it becomes tawakkul.
Choosing the right companions is also essential for preserving our right behaviour. Befriending righteous and virtuous Muslims is a necessary means for staying on the Straight Path.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A person is likely to follow the faith (or character) of his friend, so look whom you befriend." [reported by Abu Dawood & Tirmidhee].
2008-03-07
ANT FROM UK said:
Salam, brother Mike,
I read your story and I must say that I admire your steadfastness and your total reliance on Allah (tawakkul). It just proved you have a strong Iman and maybe that with your patience you barely have any more sins on your account because the Prophet (pbuh) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet (pbuh) also beautifully tells us that the people who face the harshest trial (bla') are the prophets, then those next to them (in faith and devotion), and then the next. Everyone will be tried according to his level of faith; one who has strong faith will undergo a harsh trial and one who is of weak faith will receive a weak trial. And the affliction will encompass one until he becomes free of sins altogether. True, life's disasters leave hearts broken and loved ones deprived, but the bright believer knows how turn them into a source of determination and a fountain of strength.
It's better to be given affliction and have tawakkul than given successes (from a worldly view) but without tawakkul and as in the case when people have become too confident and rely too much on their efforts and capabilities and fail to depend upon the power of Allah Taala. In reality those successes are awarded by Allah to make them more unaware, proud and getting further and further form Allah. Finally will make them to be thrown into the fires of Hell, Wal'iyazubillah (God forbid). This is called "Istidraj".
I read your story and I must say that I admire your steadfastness and your total reliance on Allah (tawakkul). It just proved you have a strong Iman and maybe that with your patience you barely have any more sins on your account because the Prophet (pbuh) said, "No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that" (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
The Prophet (pbuh) also beautifully tells us that the people who face the harshest trial (bla') are the prophets, then those next to them (in faith and devotion), and then the next. Everyone will be tried according to his level of faith; one who has strong faith will undergo a harsh trial and one who is of weak faith will receive a weak trial. And the affliction will encompass one until he becomes free of sins altogether. True, life's disasters leave hearts broken and loved ones deprived, but the bright believer knows how turn them into a source of determination and a fountain of strength.
It's better to be given affliction and have tawakkul than given successes (from a worldly view) but without tawakkul and as in the case when people have become too confident and rely too much on their efforts and capabilities and fail to depend upon the power of Allah Taala. In reality those successes are awarded by Allah to make them more unaware, proud and getting further and further form Allah. Finally will make them to be thrown into the fires of Hell, Wal'iyazubillah (God forbid). This is called "Istidraj".
2008-03-07
LESLIE FROM USA said:
I was addicted to drugs and alcohol before I took shahada three years ago. It has been a great struggle but also very freeing to realize that I cannot put my trust and faith in anything but Allah, every minute, every hour, every day. I was interested in Islam for a long time before I became a muslim. I would like to hear from other muslims who have struggled with addictions in the past. When you grow up in the US, addiction is part of the culture, and when I became addicted, only Tawakkul helps me overcome my struggle, and I still do struggle with temptation over substance abuse. Please respond with your comments about Tawakkul, Islam, and addition. Thanks and May Allah bless you. Leslie
2008-03-07
W FROM USA said:
To Mike,
I see that your Tawakkul lead your life to ruins. Had you believed in yourself, you would have better things in life. Look at the comments of the Muslims, not even one responded to your. Your wife is getting married again and not even one opinion about that.
Good luck Muslims
I hope my response is also published.
I see that your Tawakkul lead your life to ruins. Had you believed in yourself, you would have better things in life. Look at the comments of the Muslims, not even one responded to your. Your wife is getting married again and not even one opinion about that.
Good luck Muslims
I hope my response is also published.
2008-03-06
MYRA FROM USA said:
With all that I encounter day by day all I could do is rely on our sustainer because there is no otherway or person or thing that you could rely on for blessings and grace.
2008-03-05
TAYMULLAH FROM UNITED STATES said:
very beautiful sister, insha-allah, masha-allah everyone takes heed in the article.
2008-03-04
MIKE FROM USA said:
I see my kids few hours every few months and very much with few ruins of this world. I live in pain all day and all night. I do not know who was the pious she or I. I do not know if I was not pious, what would I have done to be one. I thought by memorizing Qur'an, praying, giving my time, advice, and money to help the Muslims and that it was a sign of Iman. I guess I am wrong. All I know is that when I read or listen to Qur'an, I do not understand anything anymore.
That is my story with Tawakkul and Trust of Allah. Of course the story might have a different path in the next few seconds, after all I have a full belief that Allah will not abandon a believer. But till then that is my story and if anything changes I will definitely let you know.
I hope the site will post this comment.
Love
That is my story with Tawakkul and Trust of Allah. Of course the story might have a different path in the next few seconds, after all I have a full belief that Allah will not abandon a believer. But till then that is my story and if anything changes I will definitely let you know.
I hope the site will post this comment.
Love
2008-03-04
MIKE FROM USA said:
I basically have had Tawakkul for a long time. I married a divorced woman with 5 children from previous marriages. She was very pious, very religious and had nothing of the worldly possessions. With Tawakkul I believed that Allah would help the worshipper as long as the worshiper helps another worshiper.
I worked and sustained a modest living; after all, we have Tawakkul. My wife was battling the court system to get her children. I was able to pay her school to be a lawyer. She graduated, she got some of the children back and she started making a lot of money, and that is all because of Tawakkul.
Now my part of the story is that I wanted to go to Al Azhar to study Islamic Studies to continue with Dawah. With Tawakkul, I opened an Islamic school in my locality. My wife started ridiculing the Dawah work saying that it is the job of the losers. But with Tawakkul I continued my best behavior for Allah would not let down those who have Iman and Tawakkul and dependent on him alone.
Any way after more that ten year of Tawakkul, my wife declared me abusive, child abuser, I went to jail many times. But I had Tawakkul and I knew I always would have Allah's help. I spend my days in jail in fasting and the night praying. I would stand for 4-6 hours in night prayers in jail as long as I stayed there. My fard prayer was about 1-2 hours. I got out of jail and started to fight the accusations.
Anyway, my wife took the kids and moved to the southern part of the state, sold some of the houses, talked to many Islamic centers' leader saying that she was divorced (I did not divorce her) and that she needed their help. They are helping her now and she is doing very well Alhamdulilah. She went to Hajj at least 3 times. She is now looking to marry a Hafiz (she only knows the little suras with broken Arabic. She does not know the meaning of most the suras) and I did not divorce her.
I worked and sustained a modest living; after all, we have Tawakkul. My wife was battling the court system to get her children. I was able to pay her school to be a lawyer. She graduated, she got some of the children back and she started making a lot of money, and that is all because of Tawakkul.
Now my part of the story is that I wanted to go to Al Azhar to study Islamic Studies to continue with Dawah. With Tawakkul, I opened an Islamic school in my locality. My wife started ridiculing the Dawah work saying that it is the job of the losers. But with Tawakkul I continued my best behavior for Allah would not let down those who have Iman and Tawakkul and dependent on him alone.
Any way after more that ten year of Tawakkul, my wife declared me abusive, child abuser, I went to jail many times. But I had Tawakkul and I knew I always would have Allah's help. I spend my days in jail in fasting and the night praying. I would stand for 4-6 hours in night prayers in jail as long as I stayed there. My fard prayer was about 1-2 hours. I got out of jail and started to fight the accusations.
Anyway, my wife took the kids and moved to the southern part of the state, sold some of the houses, talked to many Islamic centers' leader saying that she was divorced (I did not divorce her) and that she needed their help. They are helping her now and she is doing very well Alhamdulilah. She went to Hajj at least 3 times. She is now looking to marry a Hafiz (she only knows the little suras with broken Arabic. She does not know the meaning of most the suras) and I did not divorce her.
2008-03-04
MIRIAM FROM MOROCCO/AMERICA said:
Subhanallah sister Thameenah this is a truly uplifting artlicle particularly coming from a female it brings me personally a sense of support and hope in the hard times which we inevitably all face. Thanks again for sharing so elequently the benefits of strong faith in Islam.
Ma3salaama,
Miriam
Ma3salaama,
Miriam
2008-03-03
ADL FROM US said:
Good article to refresh and strengthen our trust in Allah SWT
2008-03-03
SAEED KHAN FROM USA said:
Alhamdulillah.What a beautiful and timely reminder.Islam heals the ills of this world.If we truly believe and trust in Allah,life becomes easier.
2008-03-02
TUKUR LAMIDO FROM NIGERIA said:
JazakillAhu khairan for the article,amin.
2008-03-02
AMINA FROM USA said:
Jazak Allah khair, sister, for this beautiful reminder. It has started my day with a blessing!
2008-03-02
UMM ABDULLAH FROM UNITED STATES said:
JazakAllahu Khair (may Allah reward you) for this wonderful article. It was a good reminder for me. It is very true that often times when experiencing some difficulty in life we tend to look at the difficulty in a negative light instead of trying to see the lesson or the benefit in what we are going through. It certainly does take having a strong Tawakkul in Allah to get through the many trials of life that we may experience.
2008-03-02
UMM ZAKARIYYA FROM SOUTH AFRICA said:
What a beautiful reminder.
2008-03-02
NOSHEEN FROM USA said:
Mashallah Allah Helped me at this time while reading this article. i was so depressed due to same kind of thoughts even tired of not sleeping. May Allah bless u Inshallah for Such a Good Article. Pray for me as well he give me Saber and Patience.
2008-03-02
