Tawakkul means placing complete trust in Allah while taking appropriate actions. Here are some of the most specific and commonly referenced authentic hadiths on this topic:
- The Hadith of the Birds
Narrated by Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, He would provide for you just as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return full.”
- Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhi (2344); also in Sunan Ibn Majah (4164) and Musnad Ahmad.
- Grade: Hasan Sahih (authentic/good) according to Imam al-Tirmidhi and others.
- Explanation: This emphasizes true tawakkul leads to provision from Allah, but note that birds actively seek food—they do not stay idle. It teaches balancing effort with trust.
- The Hadith of Tying the Camel
Narrated by Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him):
A man said: “O Messenger of Allah, should I tie my camel and trust in Allah, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allah?”
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied:
“Tie her and trust in Allah.”
- Source: Jami’ al-Tirmidhi (2517); also in Sahih Ibn Hibban.
- Grade: Hasan (fair/good) according to scholars like al-Albani.
- Explanation: Tawakkul is not laziness or neglecting means (asbab). You must take practical steps (like tying the camel to prevent it from wandering) and then rely fully on Allah for the outcome.
- Hearts Like Birds Entering Paradise
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him):
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
“A group of people (both men and women) whose hearts will be like the hearts of birds will enter Paradise.”
- Source: Sahih Muslim.
- Explanation: Scholars interpret “hearts like birds” as those who have complete tawakkul in Allah for their sustenance, just as birds trust Allah while seeking food. This highlights the reward for true reliance.
These hadiths are among the most direct and frequently cited on tawakkul. They show it involves effort + sincere trust, not passivity. For deeper study, refer to collections like Sunan al-Tirmidhi or Sahih Muslim on sites like sunnah.com. May Allah grant us true tawakkul. Ameen.
