Trust like the birds

Tawakkul means relying on Allah. It is sometimes taken to mean sitting back and waiting for things to happen. The Quran and the Sunnah describe something more active.

Decide, then rely on Allah#

فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ١٥٩

So by mercy from Allāh, [O Muḥammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them and consult them in the matter. And when you have decided, then rely upon Allāh. Indeed, Allāh loves those who rely [upon Him].

This verse speaks to the Prophet ﷺ about his companions. It tells him to be gentle with them, to consult them, to make a decision, and then to rely on Allah. Thinking, planning and deciding all come before trust. Trust is how you face the outcome.

He is enough#

وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ ۚ وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بَـٰلِغُ أَمْرِهِۦ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدْرًا٣

And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allāh - then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allāh will accomplish His purpose. Allāh has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.

Whoever relies upon Allah, then He is sufficient for him. The same verse says that Allah provides from where a person does not expect, and that He has set a measure for everything.

The birds#

Narrated Umar ibn al-Khattab:

If you were to rely upon Allah as He should be relied upon, you would be provided for as the birds are provided for. They go out in the morning hungry and return in the evening full.

The birds in this hadith do not stay in their nests. They go out every morning to look for food. Their provision comes from Allah, and they still leave to find it.

That is tawakkul: making the effort, and knowing that the result is in Allah's hands.

In everyday life#

Study for the exam, then trust Allah with the result. Look for work, then trust Him with where it leads. Take the medicine, then trust Him with the healing.

Effort is your part. The outcome is His. Knowing this takes a weight off your shoulders, because you are only responsible for what you can actually do.