Tawakkul
Etymology and Translation
Tawakkul (Arabic: تَوَكُّل) is a term derived from the Arabic root word وَكَلَ (wakala), which means “to entrust” or “to rely.” In Turkish, it is similarly rendered as Tevekkül.
Definition
Tawakkul, in the context of Sufism, signifies the profound practice of complete self-abandonment in God’s will, implying total reliance on God to fulfill daily needs. Tawakkul fosters an unwavering trust in God, leading to a state of peace, tranquility, and spiritual illumination.
The Sufi Perspective
Sufis emphasize that achieving tawakkul necessitates intensive spiritual training and guidance. The vital components in this journey include submission to the shaykh (spiritual guide) of the order, the practice of dhikr (remembrance of God), and the musical and devotional experience of sama.
- Dhikr: Regular devotional practices reciting the names of God to reinforce God’s omnipresence.
- Sama: A Sufi practice involving music and dance to achieve spiritual states of heightened awareness.
The ultimate aim is to reach a state where one is ’like a corpse in the hands of Allah,’ utterly devoid of resistance to divine will. This profound level of submission ultimately yields inner tranquility followed by a deeper sense of contentment and illumination.
The Spiritual Path
For a Sufi, tawakkul is not a passive act but an active stance embedded in the rigorous pursuit of surrendering and trusting God’s will. This trust is cultivated through:
- Spiritual Training: Systematic exercises aimed at aligning the self with divine will.
- Guidance: Thoughtful mentoring by a recognized shaykh leading towards spiritual maturity.
- Submission: Yielding to God’s will in both trivial and momentous aspects of life, building an inherent reliance on divine providence.
Takeaways
- Tawakkul entails an absolute reliance on God’s provisions and plans, dismissing personal control.
- Sufficient spiritual discipline and dedication can embolden an individual to imbibe this profound trust, deepening one’s journey towards spiritual awakening.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- “The Book of Assistance” by Imam al-Haddad
- “Al-Hikam” (The Book of Wisdom) by Ibn ‘Ata Allah al-Iskandari
- “Mishkat al-Anwar” (The Niche of Lights) by Abu Hamid al-Ghazali
- “The Sufi Path of Love” by William C. Chittick
Conclusion
Tawakkul can be regarded as the epitome of faith and trust in Islam, capturing the essence of reliance on God. It mirrors the profound integration of spiritual practices with the ultimate objective of achieving a tranquil, content, and illuminated soul journey towards Allah. The concept, deeply embedded in Sufi practice, offers a divinely guided path framework for contemporary and future seekers.
Ultimately, tawakkul is not merely about relinquishing control but gaining an abundant, divine reliance that shapes the soul’s journey towards true spiritual enlightenment.
