tawakkul: an encore
In my latest episode, I shared what my experience in my first year as a muslimah has been like. At the time of recording, I was just trying to get started and didn’t put as much thought into all the points and situations concerning tawakkul that I wanted to present and this is where this “encore” of sorts comes into place.
So what is tawakkul?
Tawakkul is the deep understanding that no matter where you are in life, on top, in the pit, in the darkness, in the light, in love or heartache, in the good, in the bad or even the ugly, that no matter what is happening, has happened or will happen is all the the will of Allah, swt. They always know what’s best for us and the periods of ease and happiness or trial and sufferings have all been divinely decreed and are a part of a much greater plan than we have for ourselves.
Our Holy Text, the Qur’an, makes multiple references to tawakkul. Many of the most common ones, I’m posting below.
“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever places his trust in Allah, Sufficient is He for him, for Allah will surely accomplish His Purpose: For verily, Allah has appointed for all things a due proportion.” (Quran, 65:3)
“…And put your trust in Allah if you are believers indeed” (Quran, 5: 23)
“The Believers Are Only Those Who, When Allah Is Mentioned, Feel a Fear in Their Hearts and When His Verses Are Recited to Them, They Increase Their Faith; And They Put Their Trust In Their Lord.” (Quran, Surah Al-Anfal)
“And put thy trust in Allah, and enough is Allah as a Disposer of Affairs.” (Surah Al Ahzab 3)
“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely on Him.”
“And put your trust (O Muhammad) in the Ever Living who dies not and glorify His praises, and He is sufficient as the All Knower of the sins of his servants.” (Al - Furqan 25:58)
And so many more.
Though, I haven’t been around or studying for that along. I feel this is the most important skill or concept for us as Muslimahs to cultivate, strengthen and embody. This is something that my fellow Palestinian Muslim Brothers and Sisters are exuding every day in the media. Hence why there are so many people in the West now reading the Qur’an, turning to Islam and ultimately taking shahada.
This dunya is filled with so many trials, challenges, hurdles and pitfalls, that it’s easy for us to grab hold of the “good” and only remember Allah, swt, during the trials. This may possibly be the very reason why we experience so many. But the trick is remembering and relying on Allah, swt, always no matter what is happening in our lives, especially in times of extreme “good” and extreme “bad.”
Here is where I feel the Buddhist core principle of non-attachment is present in Islam. Much in the same way that Siddhartha Gautama advised for his disciples to maintain an equilibrial attitude throughout life. Tawakkul requires the same of us. As I’m writing this, I’m realizing it’s much more than trusting and relying upon Allah, swt, but rather viewing each and every event, conversation, “mistake,” action, thought or occurrence knowing that is neither good nor bad, but rather another step towards nearness to Allah. Every loss is lesson to help us grow. Every triumph a reminder of Allah’s grace. Every heartache a call from Allah that he wants us nearer. Every moment of joy, an example of Allah’s love.
Tawakkul, our deepest and unwavering reliance on Allah is the foundation to entering paradise, right here, right now. How are you choosing to cultivate and strengthen your tawakkul in your life?
