Tawakkul is one of the most beautiful concepts in Islam. It is often translated as “trust in Allah,” but its meaning goes much deeper. Tawakkul is to place our complete reliance and confidence in Allah while doing everything within our ability to address the circumstances before us. It is the balance between making an effort and surrendering the final outcome to Allah.

Life is filled with situations that are beyond our control. We may make plans, work hard, pray, and do everything we believe is necessary, yet the outcome may still be different from what we expected. This is where tawakkul becomes particularly important. It teaches the believer that although we have responsibilities, we are not ultimately in control of everything.

Allah is.

The Koran says: “And whoever relies upon Allah — then He is sufficient for him.” (65:3). This powerful verse reminds us that when we genuinely place our trust in Allah, we are never without support, even when circumstances appear uncertain.

In Arabic Muslims say “Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel”

Meaning: “Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.”

This beautiful phrase reminds us that Allah is enough for us, and we can place our trust in Him even when life feels difficult or uncertain.

It comes from Surah Ali ‘Imran in the Holy Koran (3:173).

You can say it when you feel afraid, overwhelmed, worried about the future, or when you need to surrender your concerns to Allah.

However, tawakkul does not mean doing nothing. Islam encourages us to take the necessary means. We work to earn a living, seek medical treatment when we are ill, prepare for important matters, seek advice when needed, and make sensible decisions. Having done what we can, we then entrust the result to Allah.

This principle is beautifully illustrated by the well-known teaching about tying one's camel. A person should not simply leave his camel untied and say, “I trust Allah.” Rather, he should tie the camel and trust in Allah too. The lesson is clear: take the means, but place your heart's reliance upon Allah.

Tawakkul also gives us strength when things do not go according to plan. Sometimes a door closes that we desperately wanted to remain open. Sometimes a relationship ends, an opportunity disappears, or a plan fails despite our best efforts. Tawakkul teaches us that disappointment does not necessarily mean that Allah has abandoned us. What we see as a loss may contain wisdom that we cannot yet understand.

This does not mean that a believer will never feel sadness, fear, or disappointment. Tawakkul does not remove our humanity. Rather, it gives us somewhere to place those emotions. Instead of allowing fear to control us, we turn to Allah. Instead of allowing uncertainty to consume us, we remind ourselves that Allah knows what we do not know.

True tawakkul therefore changes the way we face life. We work without believing that our efforts alone guarantee success. We plan without believing that our plans control the future. We hope without becoming dependent upon a particular outcome.

Ultimately, tawakkul is about trusting the One who knows the beginning, the middle and the end of our journey. We may not understand what Allah is doing, but we can trust who Allah is.

The lesson is this: do what you can, and leave what you cannot control in Allah’s hands.

Hasbunallahu wa ni‘mal wakeel — Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best Disposer of affairs.

One of Allah's beautiful names is Al-‘Alīm — meaning that Allah knows everything — what is apparent and what is hidden, what has happened, what is happening, and what is yet to come. He knows what is in our hearts, even what we cannot put into words.

Allah says in the Koran: “Indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things.” (2:282)

Take the means. Make the effort. Make du’a (pray). Then leave the outcome to Allah.

That is tawakkul — placing complete and unwavering trust in Allah, knowing that we have done our part and entrusting the rest to Him.

Bermuda keep the faith and have a blessed week.

As always — As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam