In all cases, Muslims need to remember that while they plan, only Allah can determine the outcome, and that outcome is the best for the person at that given moment.

So when you have made your decision, then put your trust in Allah. (3:159)

Instead of asking Allah for a certain plan to work, a believing Muslim – full of tawakkul – should ask for Allah to grant him or her an outcome that is best for him or her.

And even if it may seem that the reward is meager, Allah has promised Paradise to those who are patient – and there really is nothing that can contend with the returns in Paradise.

Live for the Moment Because Each Moment Will Pass

So hold that which I have given you and be of the grateful. (7:144)

Trusting in Allah also involves taking care of one’s self.

A Muslim should surround him or herself with positive company, preferably those who have a strong personal relationship with Allah.

A Muslim in search of a higher level of tawakkul should also indulge in activities that he or she enjoys the most, as long as they do not contradict the teachings of Islam.

Reliance on Allah at Odds with Self-Confidence?

This promotes happiness and positive energy in a person, providing a healthy distraction from the problem.

It also encourages one to constantly remember and appreciate the blessings of Allah, and feel thankful at all times – even if it is a glass of water, because Allah was the One who provided the same glass of water – rather than nit-pick at the imminent problems in life.

This goes back to one of the fundamentals of the dunya (world): it is a place of passing, a journey that has a limited number of moments for each unique person.

Why waste time feeling sad and depressed, when one can feel blessed, happy and positive for the sake of Allah?

The problem or obstacle will eventually pass, and time and patience will help a person heal – but with the right attitude and ultimately the feeling of tawakkul in tow – even the heaviest burden becomes lightweight and even challenging in a positive light.

Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things. (66:3)

There are many ways to live for the moment, fully believing that Allah will help a person who helps him or herself.

One could spend time giving charity and appreciate those who are less fortunate.

One could seek advice from those who have faced similar situations and learn from their mistakes.

A good Muslim should smile aplenty to ward off sadness and doubt. And a believer could spend some time alone reflecting on how to become closer to Allah.

Complete Surrender to Allah

Whoever is in the heavens and on earth begs of Him. Every day He has a matter to bring forth (such as giving honor to some, disgrace to some, life to some, death to some. (55:29)

Every human being comes to earth by the decree of Allah with a pre-ordained plan that balances the nature of the temporary abode with good and evil, blessings and hardships, rewards and punishments and death and life.

Because this pre-ordainment is so important, tawakkul has been described as the head of human body, with the human body representing the entire religion.

Without tawakkul, one does not embody the religion of Islam.

With tawakkul comes humility, sadness with reflection, planning with wisdom and happiness for the sake of Allah.

Those with tawakkul are often reminded of the world being a temporary abode, one that is a paved path that will ultimately lead to the Hereafter.

Thus how they reflect, react and respond to hardships presented by Allah will affect their goal of achieving Allah’s pleasure, and ultimately, Paradise.

And they think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): ‘O Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You!’ (3:191)

Without tawakkul, the kalimah of la-ilaha-ill-Allah will cease to carry meaning, and that is part of the shahadah that encompasses the fundamental belief of a Muslim.

(From Discovering Islam archive)