Tawakkul (The Trust In Allah)

Difference between Tawakkul and Tawākul

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Peace and blessings of Allah be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), all his blessed descendants and noble companions. Ameen.
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فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

Meaning: And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely (upon Him).
[Surah Al Imran, Verse 159]

Allah has given you and I a capacity, physical ability to do certain things and we can try to do that by using this abilities. We say Bismillah, in the name of Allah and we set off to do something which is beneficial for us. But at a certain point we know it's Allah who is in total control. We have to leave it in the hands of Allah, we have to trust Him to let the rest happen.

For example, I lock my door, I seal my vehicle, I would perhaps even arm the vehicle with an alarm and at the end of the day if something wrong is going to happen we all know that it's in the hand of Allah. I tried my best, I did what Allah has given me in terms of capacity and the rest of it, I lay my trust in Allah. May Allah help us to lay our trust in Him for He says, “I love those who trust me correctly.”

Do you know what is the meaning of correct trust?
Do not insult Allah by not playing your role. For example, a person wants a job and he says I trust Allah that I will get a job. But he sleeps whole day, he doesn't make any effort, he doesn't want to go out and then he says, "I trust Allah. And weren't we taught Allah love those who trust him?"

Allah says that is not Tawakkul, that is Tawākul (false trust in Allah).

Scholars have made an important distinction between Tawakkul (توكل) and Tawākul (تواكل).

Tawakkul is trust in Allah after having done what he has given you in terms of capacity and fulfilling whatever you can. Who give you the energy to get up in the morning and go to hunt for the job? It was Allah. So you used it and then you said, “Oh Allah I used what you gave me  and and for the rest I lay my trust in You.” That is proper Tawakkul.

The meaning of Tawākul, on the other hand, comprises elements of laziness, inability, a resigned, careless attitude. It indicates refusal to strive in accordance with the laws and ways which Allah has laid down for humankind.

If you say I have left my door open, I have left my car open, I have put my money on the front seat and I have full trust in Allah that the money won't be stolen, then you have insulted Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala. Because you did not play your role. That's calls Tawākul. Don't ever confused the two. Many people out of piety thinks that to sit back and lay and relax and still think Allah is going to who provide for you, a part of Tawakkul. In fact, it was written that you would be foolish, you would insult Allah and you would not get anything.

The negative attitude of Tawākul contradicts every aspect of the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and his Companions – their jihād, the efforts they expended in accordance with natural laws, their planning and their way of thinking.
For example, when migrating to Madinah, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took all the precautions that were humanly possible. He planned the journey secretly, leaving when least expected, telling ‘Ali to sleep in his bed, selecting a hiding place, arranging for provisions, arranging for a faithful guide, etc. However, once he had done whatever was humanly possible, he had such trust in Allah that he was never worried about the consequences. That is Tawakkul.

It was reported that when a Bedouin who had confused Tawakkul for Tawākul came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked about the matter, he (ﷺ) explained that it was to take the appropriate action and then trust in Allah. He asked, “Should I tie my camel and rely upon Allah, or should I leave her untied and rely upon Allah?” The Messenger (ﷺ) replied, “Tie her and then rely upon Allah.”  
[Narrated by at-Tirmidhi from Anas bin Mālik]
Although the scholars have stated that this hadith is weak, it's meaning is correct as both the Qur’an and Sunnah advocate the application of appropriate means along with reliance on Allah. [Dar al-Iftā, KSA]

The following hadith is significant, and is most quoted to explain the concept of Tawakkul:

‘Umar bin al-Khattāb heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, “If you trusted Allah with due Tawakkul, He would provide you sustenance as He provides for the birds; they go out in the morning with empty stomachs and come back in the evening with full stomachs.”
[Narrated by at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Mājah – Saheeh]

A bird sitting in its nest and praising Allah will not have its stomach filled. It has to go out and work hard to find food from morning to evening.

Obedience is the key to Tawakkul. The praiseworthy are those who have actualized [Allah’s words], “It is You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help” and “So worship Him and rely upon Him.” They sought assistance from Him by obeying Him, confirming that He is their Lord and that He must be worshipped alone through obedience to Him and to His Messenger (ﷺ). [Majmooʽ al-Fataawa, vol. 10, p. 32]

So remember, you want to earn the love of Allah? Do what Allah has given you in terms of capacity and for the rest, trust Allah.
May Allah never make us of those who don't understand the difference between Tawakkul and Tawākul.
Ameen.
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Source: YouTube, Mufti Ismail Menk's lecture, www.muslimink.com