Trust in Allah or Tawakkul is the basis of the Islamic belief. It signifies complete trust and dependance on Allah in every aspect of our lives, acknowleding that He alone is the ultimate provider and sustainer.
One of the greatest example of Tawakkul in history is found in the story of Prophet Musa (AS) and the Red Sea.
The oppressed companions of Prophet Musa (AS) were fleeing and reached the shores of the Red Sea. They saw Firawn and his army approaching and lost hope.
They said:
"We are overtaken for sure."
[Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:61]
But Prophet Musa (AS) remained firm in his Tawakkul, replying:
"Absolutely not! my Lord is certainly with me; He will guide me."
[Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:62]
At that moment, Allah commanded Prophet Musa (AS):
"So We inspired Musa: ‘Strike the sea with your staff,’ and the sea was split, each part was like a huge mountain."
[Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:63]
The sea parted, making way for Prophet Musa (AS) and his companions. Firawn’s army pursued them, but when they reached the middle of the sea, the waters closed and the tyrant and his army drowned.
This inspiring story reminds us that in the most challenging circumstances unwavering Tawakkul opens doors to Allah's help in ways beyond our imagination.
One of the most powerful dua highlighting this belief was taught by the Prophet Muhammad (saw).
The Dua
يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّومُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيثُ أَصْلِحْ لِي شَأْنِي كُلَّهُ وَلَا تَكِلْنِي إِلَى نَفْسِي طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ
Ya Hayyu ya Qayyoomu bi rahmatika astagheesu, aslih li sha'ni kullahu wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn
O Ever-Living, O Self-Sustaining and Supporter of all, by Your mercy I seek help; rectify all my affairs and do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for the blink of an eye
[Narrated by an-Nasai in as-Sunan al-Kubra (6/147) / ‘Amal al-Yawm wa’l-Laylah (no. 46) / al-Mustadrak (1/730) /al-Asma’ was-Sifaat (112)]
Context of the Dua
This Dua was narrated in a Sahih Hadith by Anas ibn Malik (r.a) and it was specifically recommended by the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to his beloved daughter Fatima.
The Prophet (saw) said to Fatima: “What could prevent you from listening to the advice I give you?”
He encouraged her to recite it in the morning and evening, highlighting its immense importance in seeking Allah’s mercy and guidance in every matter of life.
Understanding the Names of Allah in the Dua
Ya Hayyu (The Ever-Living):
This name reminds us that Allah’s existence is eternal, without beginning or end. He is the source of all life.
Ya Qayyum (The Sustainer):
This name reflects Allah’s role in sustaining and managing all creation. He is the one upon whom everything depends.
Essential Objectives of the Dua
Seeking Mercy:
Acknowledging Allah’s mercy as the ultimate relief in times of difficulty.
Complete Reliance:
Entrusting all our affairs to Allah, acknowledging our inability to handle them alone.
Avoiding Self-Reliance:
Recognizing that even for a moment, we cannot succeed without the help of Allah.
Hadith
Umar ibn Khattab (r.a) narrated that Prophet Muhammad (saw) said:
If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.
[Tirmidhi 2344, Sunan Ibn Majah 4164]
This hadith emphasizes that true reliance on Allah brings sustenance and blessings, just like birds go out every day in search of food with unwavering faith in their Creator.
1. Strengthens Tawakkul (Reliance on Allah) and Patience:
It fosters the firm belief that Allah is in control of every aspect of life.
"Say, ‘Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’
And upon Allah let the believers rely."
[Surah Tawbah 9:51]
2. Peace of Mind:
Tawakkul is the key to mental and emotional stability. By entrusting all our matters to Allah, it reduces stress and anxiety.
"And whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him."
[Surah Talaq 65:3]
3. Guides Decision-Making:
Asking Allah for help ensures that our choices are in accordance with His wisdom.
Believing in Allah and following the teachings of the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (saw) enables a person make ethical decisions and live a virtuous life.
And never say of anything, “I will definitely do this tomorrow,” without adding, “if Allah so wills!” But if you forget, then remember your Lord, and say, “I trust my Lord will guide me to what is more right than this.”
[Surah Kahf 18:23-24]
4. Invites Continuous Divine Assistance:
This dua serves as a means of consistently seeking Allah’s guidance, help, and mercy, thereby strengthening faith, developing patience and deepening one's relationship with Him.
"The 'true' believers are only those whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned,
whose faith increases when His verses are recited to them; and upon their Lord they rely."
[Surah Anfal 8:2]
Similar Dua(s)
A similar Dua was narrated by Hazrat Abu Bakrah (r.a), according to which the Prophet (saw) said: The dua for distress is,
Allahumma rahmataka arjoo, falaa takilni ila nafsi tarfata 'ayn aslih li sha’ni kullahu, la ilaaha illa anta
O Allah I hope for Your Mercy, do not entrust me to my own self even for the blink of an eye, correct for me all my matters, there is none worthy of worship except You.
[Ahmad 27898/Abu Dawud 5090]
The most perfect of people is the one who is most perfect in servitude to Allah (ubudiyyah), most aware of his utter need of his Lord, and that he cannot do without his Lord even for a moment.
>> Looking for daily reward that multiplies? Reflect on the Benefits of Surah Hashr (Last Verses), a powerful set of verses for spiritual wealth.
So one of the dua of the Prophet (saw) was:
“..aslih li shani kullahu, wa la takilni ila nafsi tarfata ‘ayn wa la ila ahadin min khalqika ”
Rectify
all my affairs and do not leave me in charge of my affairs even for the
blink of an eye or [leave me] to any of Your creation.
Believing in Allah is more than just verbal acknowledgement and is reflected through our actions and mindset.
"Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds, they will have the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging."
[Surah Kahf 18:107]
This Dua embodies the essence of Tawakkul by guiding us to seek Allah’s mercy, entrust all our affairs to Him, and recognize our dependence on His guidance.
"And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him."
[Surah Ale Imran 159]
Let us make this powerful dua a part of our daily lives, one that we embrace with all our hearts, and one that brings us closer to Allah and strengthen our faith in His infinite wisdom and mercy.
