Understanding Tawakkul: How to Rely on Allah and Not on the Causes
In our fast-paced, results-driven world, it is easy for us to become attached to the causes and means through which we expect outcomes. We rely on what we see as the pathways to our goals: wealth, social connections, knowledge, or even our own strength and abilities. However, Islam teaches a far deeper and more profound reliance: that we should direct our hearts and minds not to the causes themselves, but to Allah, the ultimate Causer of all things. This distinction between attachment to causes and attachment to Allah is a critical aspect of faith that has been emphasized by scholars and prophets alike.
The Heart of True Reliance
In the Quran, Allah calls upon the believer to rely on Him in every circumstance, whether in times of prosperity or adversity. Allah says:
“And whosoever fears Allah… He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty), and He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine.”
(Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
This verse underlines that the believer’s ultimate reliance should be on Allah, for He is the One who creates the causes and determines their outcomes. Everything we experience in life, from sustenance to success, is ultimately governed by His will. If we rely on the causes alone, we are ignoring the reality that Allah’s will transcends all means.
The idea that reliance on causes is a form of attachment to the means, rather than to the Creator, is crucial to understanding the deeper wisdom in many Islamic teachings. When we are attached to the causes alone, we often forget that it is Allah alone who has power over everything. In fact, this attachment to causes can become a form of distraction, leading us to forget the Creator who holds all the power.
The Story of Prophet Sulayman: A Lesson in True Reliance
A powerful reminder of the importance of relying solely on Allah comes from the story of Prophet Sulayman (peace be upon him). As narrated in Bukhari and Muslim, Prophet Sulayman once said, “Tonight, I shall sleep with one hundred women, each of whom will conceive a child.” However, he did not add, “if Allah wills,” and as a result, only one woman became pregnant—and even then, she gave birth to a half-child.
This story is not simply about the consequences of forgetting to add “if Allah wills,” but a deep reflection on the human tendency to rely on what seems to be the most certain means—in this case, the powerful plan of the Prophet, who had control over the winds and jinn. Yet even a Prophet, whose relationship with Allah was beyond compare, was reminded that ultimate power and control lie with Allah alone. Even the best-laid plans can go awry if Allah’s will is different.
This serves as a reminder that no matter how much control we think we have over circumstances, the true source of all outcomes is Allah. Whether in our personal, social, or professional lives, we must never forget that our reliance should not be on the external causes—our efforts, the people around us, or the material world—but on Allah alone, who controls everything.
Reflecting on the Causes vs. the Creator: The Real Test of Faith
There may be times when the world seems to present clear paths, and we may feel confident in our ability to navigate them. Perhaps we have achieved success in a particular endeavor, or we are working diligently toward a goal. In such times, it becomes even more essential to remind ourselves that the true power lies with Allah. We must ask ourselves: Do I trust in the means I have, or do I trust in Allah, who created those means?
A real test of faith occurs when we encounter challenges or difficulties. Often, in these moments of vulnerability, we may feel the temptation to rely solely on the apparent causes, such as our own strength, resources, or strategies. However, the Quran reminds us of the peril in relying on anyone or anything other than Allah.
One such verse is:
“And do not incline toward those who do wrong, lest you be touched by the Fire, and you would not have other than Allah any protectors; then you would not be helped.”
(Surah Hud, 11:113)
The verse emphasizes that when we lean towards those who are unjust, or rely on their power, we are only jeopardizing our position with Allah. It also serves as a reminder that ultimate protection and support come from Allah alone, not from the means or the worldly figures we may think are in control. The verse warns us against being drawn into a false sense of security by relying on the wrong sources, especially when they involve injustice or oppression. True support, victory, and success come from none other than Allah.
The Role of Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah)
The Islamic concept of Tawakkul—placing trust in Allah while taking the necessary steps—is central to understanding the balance between relying on Allah and utilizing the means He has provided. Tawakkul does not mean neglecting the means or ignoring the effort required to achieve our goals. Rather, it means that after we have done our part, we leave the outcome to Allah. We acknowledge that while we are responsible for our actions, Allah alone controls the results.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He deserves, you would be provided for as the birds are provided for: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.”
(Tirmidhi)
This Hadith reflects the balance of taking action while placing our trust in Allah. Just as the birds take flight and trust that their provision will be provided, we too must act while remembering that the ultimate outcome is in Allah’s hands.
Conclusion: True Success Lies in Relying on Allah
When we detach ourselves from the worldly causes and place our reliance solely on Allah, we experience a peace that transcends the limitations of the material world. We learn to surrender to the will of Allah, knowing that He is the best of planners. Our hearts are not bound by the whims of circumstances or the outcomes of our efforts. Instead, we trust that Allah’s plan is far greater than anything we could envision.
Ultimately, the lesson is clear: we should not be attached to the causes and means themselves, for they are merely tools in the hands of Allah. True reliance is on Him alone—the One who is the origin of all causes and the Creator of every outcome. Let us strive to live our lives with this awareness, seeking victory not in the means, but in the One who holds the keys to all success and victory.
