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The Immense Benefits of Having Tawakkul in Allāh

Imām ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Saʿdī

Striving against one’s self, having tawakkal of Allāh, how to dissipate stress.

Shaykh ʿAbd al-Raḥmān al-Saʿdī said:

“The one who is safe [from the sickness of worry] is only the one Allāh chooses to cure from this sickness; the one whom Allāh guides to constantly strive against his own self. For this allows one to achieve the beneficial path that leads to the strengthening of his heart, protecting him from being in a state of constant stress. Allāh said:

 وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ‎
‘And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him.’
[Al-Ṭalāq, 65:3]

Meaning, [Allāh] is a sufficient disposer of everything that concerns him, whether that be a matter that pertains to this worldly life or his dīn. Truly, the person who relies solely on Allāh possesses a strengthened heart. Thus, he is not overtly affected by worry, nor is he annoyed by hardship. For he knows that such things result from a weak soul, cowardice, and baseless fear. He knows that Allāh has taken complete responsibility for the ones who put their trust in Him. Consequently, he puts his trust in Allāh, and is comfortable in the fact that He will fulfil His promise. His worry and stress dissipate, hardship turns to ease, sadness turns to happiness, and fear turns to safety. So, we ask Allāh to cure us [from the sickness of worry], and to bless us with strong, steadfast hearts, and complete, true reliance in Him. For He is the one who has taken responsibility for those who rely on Him. He guides them to goodness and protects them from all calamities and harm.”

Source: Al-Wasāʾil al-Mufīdah li-al-Hayāt al-Saʿīdah: 44
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī

Published: February 11, 2022
Edited: February 4, 2023