Tawakkul in Allah: Replacing “What Ifs” with Unshakeable Trust

“What ifs” can feel endless. But for the believer, there is a place of serenity where fear is softened and the unknown becomes peaceful. It’s tawakkul in Allah... placing our full trust in the One who never makes mistakes.

What Is Tawakkul in Islam?

Tawakkul comes from the Arabic root w-k-l, which means to entrust or to rely on.

Tawakkul in Islam is not passive waiting.

It’s not “doing nothing and leaving it to Allah.”

Tawakkul in Islam is about doing our part, making du’a... and then leaving the results to Allah, knowing that His plan is better than ours, even when we don’t understand it yet.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 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.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah 4164)

Birds don’t sit in their nests all day. They fly. They search. And they trust.

Tawakkul in Action: Stories from the Prophets

Sometimes the best way to teach tawakkul to our children—and remind ourselves—is through the stories of those who walked before us.

Musa (AS): Between the Sea and the Pharaoh

With the Red Sea ahead and the Pharaoh’s army behind, the Bani Israel panicked. They thought it was the end.

But Musa (AS) said:

“Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.”

He didn’t have a plan. He had tawakkul in Allah—and the sea split.

Hajar (RA): Alone in the Desert

Running between Safa and Marwa, thirsty, desperate for her baby Isma'il—Hajar didn’t give up. She didn’t wait for water to fall from the sky.

She ran. Back and forth. Again and again.

And Allah sent Zamzam.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: In the Cave

In the darkness of Cave Thawr, with Quraysh’s footsteps outside, Abu Bakr was worried.

The Prophet ﷺ reassured him:

“Do not be sad. Indeed, Allah is with us.”

Replacing “What Ifs” with “Even Ifs”

Tawakkul doesn’t mean life will be perfect.

But it means we start saying things like:

“Even if my plans fail, I trust Allah’s plan.”

“Even if I don’t understand now, I know He is Wise.”

“Even if I’m afraid, I’ll take the next step with Him beside me.”

Final Reflection

When plans fall through or you’re unsure, say aloud:

“Alhamdulillah. I don’t know why this happened, but I trust Allah.”  

Maybe today, you needed this reminder too.

Tawakkul in Allah turns “what if” into “I know Allah is with me.”

So, the next time your heart whispers fear, whisper back with trust:

Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal wakeel

Allah is sufficient for us.