What is the basic definition of Tawakkul? To put your trust in something, or to lean on someone. By definition it is something that only happens when you are in a place of vulnerability, uncertainty, fear, or sadness; when your own methods and practices aren’t enough to help carry you through something. It is when we experience some form of hardship, test, or difficulty that we engage in and have the opportunity to develop our Tawakkul.
What’s interesting is that, as Allah’s creation, we are constantly in a state of reliance on Allah SWT, but Allah SWT has granted us a certain amount of control over ourselves that sometimes gives us the illusion that we are in full control; which is why we get so flustered, frustrated, confused, devastated, etc. when it feels like our control is slipping.
With hardships like the current ongoing genocide in Gaza, I’m sure many of those feelings mentioned above resonate, and each of us feels a sense of powerlessness at what is happening, and in our powerlessness we turn to Allah SWT. One fundamental piece that I feel we tend to forget is: we were never in control, only Allah SWT was, is, and will always be in full control. Before the war broke out, Allah SWT was in full control, after the war started, He was still in full control, even when Israel was first created, Allah SWT was still in full control.
When any good happens, as well as when any atrocities are committed, there is a purpose to it all and there is good in it, and it only happens by His divine permission, we may not always understand or be able to accept this in every circumstance but this is the Truth and as Muslims we must try our best to submit to His will and infinite wisdom that is far beyond our own capacities.
The mindset we need to adopt, in order to come to terms with this worldview and help us foster a sense of optimism around it, must incorporate the concept of the Aakhirah. One hadith that beautifully illustrates how inconsequential this life is compared to the next is found in the Sunan of Ibn Majah, it is narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “On the Day of Resurrection the disbeliever who lived the most luxurious life will be brought, and it will be said: ‘Dip him once in Hell.’ So he will be dipped in it, then it will be said to him: ‘O so-and-so, have you ever enjoyed any pleasure?’ He will say: ‘No, I have never enjoyed any pleasure.’ Then the believer who suffered the most hardship and trouble will be brought and it will be said: ‘Dip him once in Paradise.’ So he will be dipped in it and it will be said to him: ‘O so-and-so, have you ever suffered any hardship or trouble?’ He will say: ‘I have never suffered any hardship or trouble.'” remember Allah knows best and only allows things to happen that will lead to that best outcome, but that outcome may not be present in this life.
Letting go of control is the key, we need to understand and accept every situation for what it is, then think about what is in OUR control. Focus on making the small, everyday changes we can and should, and stay the course. Hard times like these are the ones that bring us closer to Allah SWT, and that is how they are also a blessing for us, but that doesn’t mean it’ll always be easy. The purpose of this life is to be a test where we constantly strive to be better, Allah SWT doesn’t want perfection from us, in fact, He is the only being who rewards us fully for our efforts, not for the worldly results of our actions. That is the ultimate good news for the believer that should make us hopeful in Allah’s will.
Sarah Murad, LSW is the Clinical Counselor at ICNA Relief’s Chicago office where she strives to provide Islamically integrated psychotherapy. Sarah pursued a career in social work because she wanted to work proactively, meeting the unique needs of American Muslims, especially those who have experienced trauma, hardship and suffering. Her passion lies in one-on-one therapy and connecting with others, she hopes to make an impact on the wider American-Muslim Community through her work.
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