Trust in The-God

October 26^th 2007 – Shawwal 14^th 1428

Introduction:

Trust in The-God means Tawakkal Ala Alloh or Theca Bil Alloh. In the English language, such a trust could also refer to the confidence in The-God and such a trust could lead to self confidence where the self-action is purely for the pleasure of Almighty Alloh but benefits to self and humanity are immense. The power of Almighty Alloh is which comes to you as a hope when all material means in your possessions are exhausted and you have nothing to hope on except your Creator-Lord.

As Muslims we should have unshakable confidence that Almighty Alloh has Ultimate Sovereignty over this Universe. Almighty Alloh has Ultimate Wisdom and it is not always the case that we grasp the wisdom. But we are sure that Almighty Alloh is The Most Merciful, we are certain that what ever happens is for our benefit. We must have firm belief in Almighty Alloh's Sovereignty and Ability. In trying to understand Almighty Alloh, it is utmost necessary to avoid the pitfalls into which humans and nations have fallen at various times; we must take into our prime consideration, the-guidance from Almighty Alloh. That guidance from Almighty Alloh comes from the book of Alloh: The-Qur’an.

Tawakkal Ala Alloh is not an excuse for idleness. The word used in The-Qur'an is "Tawakkal" which is derived from "Tawakkul".  "Tawakkul" means that you should bind the camel with its rope, and then say that you have trust in Alloh that He will protect your camel.  You should not have confidence in the rope only, because many camels have been stolen together with their ropes; and, likewise, you should not neglect the rope, because binding with the rope is a part of "Tawakkul". So this is the spirit of Tawakkul.  We are to try our best; and then we should have trust in Almighty Alloh that He will make our work succeed. It is a sheer lack of sense to sit idle and say that Almighty Alloh will do all our work for us.

Standard of Tawakkul:

A high standard of Tawakkul was set when Ali Bin Abe Talib (RTA) asked some idle persons who they were.  They replied "We are those who have confidence in Alloh".  Ali (RTA) asked: "How are you confident in Alloh?"  They said: "We eat when we get food; and we have patience when we do not get it."  Ali retorted: "Yes!  That is the very nature of a dog".  Stunned, they asked him to explain the true meaning of Tawakkul in contrast to their own belief.  Ali (RTA) said:

"When we get (we use what is utmost necessity then) we give to others; when we do not get (we strive and) we thank Alloh".

It means that you are to try your best to improve your condition; but you should not trust your own power and wisdom rather keep confidence in Alloh.  The persistence in Confidence that He will make your efforts fruitful - Then, if you succeed, try to help your fellow brethren with the fruits of your labor; and if you fail; then still be thankful to Alloh. But why should you thank Alloh even when you do not succeed?  Because failure is not your responsibility - You were expected to do result oriented best - and you did it.  Be thankful to Alloh that you were able to perform what was expected from you.  It is your efforts which matter; rest is not your domain.

A pinnacle of Tawakkal was documented when Moses (PBUH) fled with the Children of Israel from Egypt and they found themselves in front of the Red Sea with the Pharaoh's army behind them and there was no way out, what happened? The Children of Israel said, "We are sure to be overtaken" {The Qur’an – Surah Ash Sho’ara (Chapter: The Poets) 26:61}.

But Moses (PBUH) was certain that Almighty Alloh has power over all things and could get them out of this situation, with confidence:

"He (Moses) said: "By no means! My Lord is with me! Soon will He guide me"? {The Qur’an – Surah Ash Sho’ara (Chapter: The Poets) 26:62}.

He didn't know "how" Alloh will help him, but he was sure that Almighty Alloh "will" help him. So Almighty Alloh ordered him to hit the water with his staff and the sea split open making a path between two mountains of water. Alloh, The Creator, changed the properties of water, He is the One that decreed them in the first place and He is One that could change them if He wishes.

Take another example. When Abraham (PBUH) was thrown by a catapult towards a huge bonfire and while flying in the air, Gabriel (PBUH) came to him asking, "Need any help?" Abraham replied, "From you? No thanks". Abraham was confident, totally confident that Alloh Sees and Hears what's happening and that if Almighty Alloh wants to save him, He will. And that's what happened; Abraham was saved. Alloh changed the properties of fire and ordered it to be cool and safe for Abraham. Why did Almighty Alloh do this? One reason is so that people would know that Almighty Alloh is in control of everything and to strengthen their faith in His Ability. It was so that we Muslims in the 21st century realize that we worship The King of this whole universe and that nothing happens without His permission and that He has the ability to do anything He wills.

"Alloh strengthens those who believe with the proven word, in this life and in the Hereafter. And Alloh sends the transgressors astray. Everything is in accordance with Alloh's will" {The Qur’an – Surah Al Ibrahim (The Chapter: The Abraham) 14:27}.

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