tawakkul

Tawakkul is an Islamic concept describing trust in God (Allah) and reliance on Him for the outcomes of events. The term comes from the Arabic root wakala, meaning to entrust or rely, with the ta- prefix signaling emphasis or completeness. In practice, tawakkul blends a firm belief that God controls all matters with the expectation that a person should take appropriate means.

In the Qur’an and Sunnah, tawakkul is connected to tawhid, the affirmation of God’s oneness. It involves directing the heart toward God, seeking His help, and trusting Him while also recognizing human effort and limitation. It does not oppose planning or using legitimate causes; rather, it reflects the proper stance after taking action, trusting that God ultimately determines the outcome.

Practically, Muslims are encouraged to seek good counsel, work, and utilize available resources, while keeping the ultimate matter in God’s hands. The Prophet Muhammad’s life is often cited as an example of balancing action with tawakkul. A widely known saying describes how reliance on God should be wholehearted, suggesting that God provides for the faithful as He provides for birds; though its exact chain of transmission is debated, the idea is commonly invoked to illustrate the principle.

Across Sunni and Shia thought, tawakkul is regarded as a virtuous attribute. Scholars emphasize that it should accompany rational effort, patience, and humility. In ethical and jurisprudential works, tawakkul is presented as a guiding stance for personal conduct, crisis, and decision-making, reinforcing trust in God without neglecting responsible action.