Tawakkul is often translated as “reliance on Allah,” but it is more nuanced than passive resignation.
Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali defines tawakkul as:
“The heart’s dependence on Allah for bringing about what benefits and repelling what harms, in matters of both this world and the next.”
True tawakkul consists of two pillars:
1)Taking the means (al-akhdu bil-asbab),
2) Leaving the outcome to Allah (tafweedh)
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully illustrated this balance in the famous hadith:
“If you were to rely upon Allah as He should be relied upon, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.” (Tirmidhi)
The bird does not sit in the nest waiting for rizq. It flies, searches, strives. This is the essence of tawakkul.
