Article: Tawakul Ala Allah – Reliance on Allah (swt).

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem

Reliance on Allah (swt) – Make Du’a, Do your best, And leave the Rest To Allah (swt)

Im sure everyone has awareness of this concept – even children understand that God (swt) looks out for us and He (swt) is capable of anything. But then if we know this concept why is it that we fret. Whether its an exam, or money, or safety, or being happy, we always find something to worry about – something to fear. But if we take the simple concepts that….. Allah (swt) is capable of all things…. even to the extent that He (swt) knows where every fish in the sea is right now…. we eventually hit the crux. Everything that you need, want, aspire and pine for is at this very moment and all moments to come in The Hands of Allah (swt). If you need something then it is only He (swt) that can provide it for you. It is only by His will and grace that anything becomes possible.

The first time i became aware of this whole subject was when an Imam gave a Kuthba about it. For some reason it really really inspired me – it was exactly what i needed to hear so, after the Jummah i asked the imam if i could have a written copy of his talk. It turned out that he got it from the net at the following website: http://www.alminbar.com/khutbaheng/2115.htm

I’ve created a simplified version below – just to make it more accesible to me. Anyway feel read both and choose whichever is easiest for you. If your anything like me, you may be reading it several times in the future.

Assalaamu Alaikum

M

 

Tawakul Al-Allah (swt) – Reliance on Allah (swt)

Part 1 – The Imporance of Tawakul Al-Allah (swt)

In Surah number 65 At-Talaaq (DIVORCE) (verse 2) Allah (SWT) has told us the following:

And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to him, he will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And he will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then he will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.

This is such a powerful statement. What more could we ask for?… and all we have to do is follow our religion.

Let me just say a quick word about the first part of the above verse: ‘Whosoever fears Allah and keeps his Duty to him’. When i read this i immediately felt that i wouldn’t be included in such a “cause.” But the inherent blessing in our religion is that it takes into account the fact that we are all imperfect human beings. As such part of doing our duty to Allah (swt) is seeking His (swt) forgiveness for when we fail in doing our Duty.

Another quote regarding the significance of the is subject of Reliance is from a hadith presented by Bukari and Muslim where the Prophet (PBUP) mentioned seventy thousand people who will enter paradise without reckoning. He (Pbuh) said regarding their characteristics

“.… they are those who do not ask for incantation, are not pessimistic (or pecieve ill-omens), or use cauterisation; they rely totally on Allah (swt).

In surah number 3 Aal -‘Imraan verse 173. Allah (swt) tells us with regard to the battle of Uhud.

Those (ie believers) unto whom the (hypocrites) said: “Verily the people (pagans) have gathered against you a great army, therefore, fear them.” But it only increased the believers in Faith, and they said: “Allah (alone) is sufficient for us, and he is the best disposer of affairs for us.”

So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the owner of great bounty.

Subhaan Allah – they – may Allah’s peace be upon them (Allai hum asalaam) – indeed said it best: Allah (swt) sufficeth, and he is the best disposer of affairs.

Finally in the same surah in verse 159 Allah (swt) says to his prophet (pbuh)

….Then, when thou hast Taken a decision put thy trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).

Allah (swt) the creator of the constituents of the atom and the creator of the earth and everthing in it and the whole universe loves those who rely on him. Can there be anything left to be said about the importance or benefits of relying Allah (SWT)

Part 2 – the Method of Tawakul Al-Allah (swt)

As far as I have read there are five pillars on which the reliance on Allah (swt) stands.

• The first is to know Allah (swt) by his qualities and attributes, such as the fact that he is all capable and sufficient to rely on; that he is the sustainer; that he is all–knowing and that things can only happen with his will and decree. Knowing all this achieves the first pillar. The more we know about Allah (swt) the more sound and firm is our reliance on him.

• The second pillar is to believe that every matter has a cause or a means in order for it to be materialised. Some people give up utilising these means due to their ignorance and think that this is reliance on Allah (swt). They wait for Allah (swt) to send down their provisions, feed them and take care of their concerns and affairs while they do nothing. This is nothing but laziness which the prophet (saw) referred to in the hadeeth presented in Muslim narrated by Abu Hararah (may Allah (swt) be pleased with him):

“Be keen to do that which would benefit you, rely on Allah and do not be lazy (by not exerting effort) and do not say, when a problem befalls you: ‘If I would have done such and such, then the result would have been such and such’ rather you should say: ‘This was decreed by Allah (swt) and Allah (swt) does what he wills. Saying ‘If” opens the gate for “satan.” (muslim).

• The third pillar is to remain firm in relying on Allah alone. A person’s reliance on Allah cannot be fulfilled until one relies on him alone. Therefore, nobody can claim true reliance on Allah (swt) whilst at the same time believing that a shayk, a pious person, a teacher or professor who can neither harm nor help them.

Support for this pillar comes in the Quran – again in surah number 3 Aal-Imran in verse 160.

If Allah helps you, none can overcome you:
If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you?
In Allah, then, Let believers put their trust.

• The fourth pillar is to depend on Allah (swt) with ones heart completely and feel tranquillity when doing so, to the extent that one does not feel anxious or confused regarding the status of means with which objectives are accomplished. Some people do not feel secure until they utilise these means, and if Allah (swt) decrees that these means are not available they feel overrought. Such people’s reliance on Allah (swt) is incomplete, because true reliance is when a person does not care if means are available or not, beacuase they know that all matters are in the hand of Allah (swt), all he has to do for a matter to occur is say ‘Be and it becomes’

A good example that most of us can relate to is when we are preparing for an exam. Usually we have a bunch of text books, some questions etc. Usually we do our best to read whatever is important first and tackle the less important stuff last. However, some times there just isn’t enough time to cover everything. This can really distress some people and they fall to pieces even before they’ve taken the test. If you are relying on Allah (swt) you would just do your best with whatever resources, mental faculties and time you have available and ask Allah (swt) to help fill in the blanks.

• The fifth pillar is to reliase that the essence of reliance on Allah (swt) is to entrust all matters to him willingly, without feeling forced to do so. This is just like how we would trust our parents when we were younger. We trusted them due to the fact hat we knew they were caring and merciful and sufficient for us and that they would properly manage our affairs better then we could ourselves

Allah mentions this type of entrustment in the Quran in surah number 40 Al-Ghaafir verse 44 when telling us the story of a believing man amuonst the people of pharaoe. This man said the following to his people:

“No doubt you call me to worship one who cannot grant me my request or respond to my invocation In this world or in the hereafter. And our return will be to Allah and the transgressors will be companions of the Fire!

“Soon will ye remember what I say to you (now), My (own) affair I commit to Allah: for Allah (ever) watches over His Servants.”

So Allah saved him from the evils that they plotted against him, while an evil torment ecompassed Pharaohs people.

Part 3 – Conclusion

The one who entrusts Allah (swt) does so in the certainty that what Allah (swt) decrees is best for them, even if it is apparently the opposite of what they believe to be good. Such a person is content with the decrees of Allah as they know whatever is decreed is best for them, whether the benefit is apparent or not.

The main benefit that I have found by maintaining these concepts is the amount of courage and secrutiy it brings to the decisions we make on a daily basis. Not just in the decisions we make but also in the good and bad situations that we find ourselves – whether they are a result of our own carelessness or circumstances beyond our control.

Relying on Allah (swt) in the way outlined can instill and enourmous amount of peace and contentment and courage when needs be. But remember Allah helps whom he wills, so ask him for help often, do your best with patience and certainty and remember the other condition: we must fear Allah (swt) and keep our duty to him.

Insha Allah we and all the muslims in the world will be successful in our religion. May allah forgive me if I have earnt his displeasure in what I’ve written. May everything I have said be correct and may what I have said be of benefit to you and other muslims – Ameen Alhumdullahir Rabbil Alameen