Tawakkul from Prophet Musa (AS)

Tawakkul (توكلت) refers to placing complete trust and reliance on Allah, recognizing that while human effort is necessary, the ultimate outcome lies in His will. The life of Prophet Musa (AS) is a remarkable example of Tawakkul, as he displayed unwavering faith in Allah throughout the many trials he faced. From being saved as an infant from Pharaoh’s massacre, to confronting Pharaoh’s tyranny, and leading the Israelites through the Red Sea, Musa (AS) exemplified perfect reliance on Allah in the face of adversity.

Allah says in the Quran:

وَتَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَىٰ اللَّهِ رَبِّى وَرَبِّكُمْ ۖ مَا مِن دَابَّةٍ إِلَّا هُوَٓ أَمِدُهَآ
“And I have relied upon Allah, my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature but that He holds it by its forelock.”
(Surah Hud 11:56)

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of Tawakkul in his teachings:

“لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ تَوَكَّلْتُمْ عَلَىٰ اللَّهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ لَرَزَقَكُمْ كَمَا يَرْزُقُ الطَّيْرَ تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا.”

“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be provided for as the birds are provided for; they go out hungry in the morning and return full at dusk.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2344)

Through the story of Musa (AS), we learn that Tawakkul is a balance of trust in Allah while actively striving to achieve righteousness and fulfill His commands.

Tawakkul (Trust in Allah) from Prophet Musa (AS)

Tawakkul, or placing trust in Allah, is one of the core tenets of Islam. It is the complete reliance on Allah’s wisdom and power, while also taking the necessary steps to achieve one’s goals. The concept of Tawakkul is vividly demonstrated in the life of Prophet Musa (AS), who faced numerous challenges and adversities throughout his mission to guide the Children of Israel. Despite the overwhelming odds, Prophet Musa (AS) remained steadfast in his trust in Allah, showing us that true success lies in combining effort with trust in Allah’s will.

The life of Prophet Musa (AS) is filled with moments of intense trials, yet each of these moments presents profound lessons about Tawakkul. From his birth in an era when Pharaoh sought to kill every male child of the Israelites, to his confrontation with Pharaoh and his eventual deliverance of the Israelites, Prophet Musa’s (AS) life is a testament to the strength that comes from placing trust in Allah. His story provides invaluable lessons in how to maintain faith and reliance on Allah even when faced with overwhelming difficulties.

The Early Struggles and Trust in Allah

The story of Prophet Musa (AS) begins in a time of oppression and fear. Pharaoh, the tyrannical ruler of Egypt, had decreed that all male children born to the Israelites should be killed, in an attempt to weaken their strength. During this dark time, Allah had a different plan for Musa (AS).

Allah instructed Musa’s (AS) mother to place him in a basket and set him afloat on the river Nile:

وَأَوْحَيْنَآ إِلَىٰٓ أُمِّ مُوسَىٰٓ أَنْ أَرْضِعِيهِ فَإِذَا خِفْتِ عَلَيْهِ فَٱلْقِيهِ فِى ٱلْيَمِّ وَلَا تَخَافِى وَلَا تَحْزَنِىٓ إِنَّا رَٰدُّوهُ إِلَيْكِ وَجَاعِلُوهُ مِنَ ٱلْمُرْسَلِينَ
“And We inspired to the mother of Musa, ‘Suckle him, and when you fear for him, cast him into the river, and do not fear and do not grieve. Indeed, We will return him to you and will make him [one] of the messengers.'”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:7)

This moment of putting her child in a basket and trusting that Allah would protect him is a profound example of Tawakkul. Despite the danger and uncertainty, Musa’s mother relied on Allah’s command and submitted her will to Him.

Lesson: Tawakkul begins with trusting in Allah’s plan, even when the outcome seems uncertain. The mother of Musa (AS) did not hesitate to follow the divine command, and Allah’s mercy was upon her.

Musa’s (AS) Life in Pharaoh’s Palace

Musa (AS) was rescued from the river by the family of Pharaoh, who had no knowledge of his true identity. Allah guided the family to keep him, and he was raised in the palace of the very man who sought to destroy the Israelites. Allah says:

فَٱلْتَقَطَهُۥٓ ءَالُ فِرْعَوْنَ لِيَكُونَ لَهُمْ عَدُوّٖا وَحَزَنًآ ۚ إِنَّ فِرْعَوْنَ وَهَٰمَٰنَ وَجُنُودَهُمَا كَانُوا۟ خَٰطِئِينَ
“And the family of Pharaoh picked him up, that he would become for them an enemy and a cause of grief. Indeed, Pharaoh, Haman, and their soldiers were sinners.”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:8)

Musa (AS) grew up in Pharaoh’s palace, yet the irony of his circumstances does not escape the believer. The very place that was meant to nurture him was the same place from which the oppression against his people was coming. Yet, Musa (AS) did not forget his roots and always knew that his true allegiance was to Allah alone.

The crucial moment of trust came when Musa (AS), as an adult, saw the oppression of an Egyptian who was striking an Israelite. In an attempt to stop the oppression, Musa (AS) unintentionally killed the Egyptian. Fearing the wrath of Pharaoh, Musa (AS) fled to the land of Madyan.

فَفَارَّ مِنْهَا فِى ظُلُمَٰتٍۢ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَآ أَتَىٰٓ أَرْضَ مَدْيَنَ وَفَجَّرَ لَهُۥٓ ٱلۡمَرْجُ
“So he fled from it, fearing. When he came to the land of Madyan, he found there a group of people watering [their flocks].”
(Surah Al-Qasas 28:20)

At this point, Musa (AS) had nothing but his faith in Allah. He placed his complete trust in Allah, knowing that his fate lay in His hands.

Lesson: Tawakkul in times of fear and uncertainty is essential. Musa (AS) sought refuge in Allah and left the situation to Him, knowing that his circumstances were in Allah’s control.

The Encounter with Allah at the Burning Bush

Musa (AS) wandered through the desert until he reached the valley of Tuwa, where he encountered a burning bush. From the bush, Allah spoke to him and called him to deliver the message of Tawheed to Pharaoh.

فَفَتَحْنَا لَهُۥٓ أَبْوَابَ ٱلْسَمَـٰٓءِ وَفَتَحْنَا لَهُۥٓ أَبْوَابَ ٱلْأَرْضِ
“And when he saw a fire and approached it, he was called, ‘O Musa! Indeed, I am your Lord, so remove your sandals. Indeed, you are in the sacred valley of Tuwa.'”
(Surah Ta-Ha 20:12)

The moment Musa (AS) received his divine mission, his trust in Allah was put to the ultimate test. The task of confronting Pharaoh, a man regarded as a god by his people, was monumental. Yet, Musa (AS) did not hesitate to carry out the command of Allah, showing absolute Tawakkul.

Lesson: Tawakkul includes responding to Allah’s call, even when the task ahead seems insurmountable. Allah will always provide the means for those who trust in Him.

Confronting Pharaoh and His Arrogance

Musa (AS) was tasked with confronting Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelites. Pharaoh, known for his arrogance and tyranny, rejected the message of Musa (AS). Despite the numerous signs and miracles that Musa (AS) performed—such as his staff turning into a serpent and his hand becoming luminous—Pharaoh remained obstinate.

قَالَ رَبُّ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَآ ۖ إِن كُنتُم مُّوقِنِينَ
“He said, ‘The Lord of the heavens and the earth and whatever is between them, if you should be convinced.'”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:24)

Despite Pharaoh’s rejection and the dangers posed to him, Musa (AS) did not waver in his trust in Allah. He continued to deliver the message, relying on Allah for protection and guidance. This unwavering commitment exemplifies true Tawakkul: the trust that Allah will support His messenger in the face of adversity.

Lesson: Tawakkul involves resilience in the face of opposition. When we trust Allah’s power and wisdom, we find the strength to persevere even when others oppose us.

The Escape from Pharaoh and the Parting of the Sea

Perhaps one of the most dramatic moments demonstrating Tawakkul in the life of Prophet Musa (AS) came when he led the Children of Israel out of Egypt. As they reached the Red Sea, they found themselves trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s pursuing army. The Israelites began to despair, but Musa (AS) remained calm and placed his trust in Allah.

قَالَ كَلَّا ۖ إِنَّ مَعِىَ رَبِّىۖ سَيَهْدِينِ
“He said, ‘No! Indeed, with me is my Lord; He will guide me.'”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:62)

At this moment, Musa (AS) demonstrated unwavering Tawakkul. He did not give up; instead, he trusted that Allah would provide a solution. Allah instructed Musa (AS) to strike the sea with his staff, and the sea parted, allowing the Israelites to escape. The Pharaoh and his army, however, were drowned in the sea.

فَفَتَقْنَا ٱلْبَحْرَ فَٱنْفَلَقَ فَكُلُّ فِرْقٍۢ كَٱلْجَبَلِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ
“So We parted the sea, and each part was like a great mountain.”
(Surah Ash-Shu’ara 26:63)

Lesson: Tawakkul involves trusting Allah’s plan, even in the most desperate of situations. Allah’s help comes when we remain patient, persistent, and trust in His wisdom.

Tawakkul in the Face of Trials

Throughout his life, Prophet Musa (AS) encountered numerous trials—being abandoned as a child, growing up in a palace built by his enemies, confronting Pharaoh, and leading his people through difficult circumstances. In each of these situations, Musa (AS) exemplified the virtue of Tawakkul, knowing that Allah’s plan was the ultimate source of success and protection.

In Surah Al-A’raf, Allah reminds us of the patience and trust that Prophet Musa (AS) showed in the face of difficulty:

وَفَجَّرْنَا ٱلۡبَحْرَ فَٱلۡتَقَى ٱلۡمَوْجُ ۚ وَٱلَّذِينَ فَجَّرُوا۟ بِهِۥۤ لَهَآ أَحْسَنُوا۟ۤ فِي إِدْرَكِهِۦۤ إِذَا سَأَلُوا۟ۤ مِنْ
“And We split the sea for them, and they passed through it.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:138)

Lesson: Tawakkul is a comprehensive approach to life, where we rely on Allah at all times, trusting in His decree, and patiently enduring the challenges that come our way.

Conclusion

The life of Prophet Musa (AS) is a powerful reminder of the essence of Tawakkul, which is to place complete trust and reliance on Allah while taking necessary actions. His unwavering faith in Allah’s plan, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, teaches us the importance of patience, perseverance, and confidence in Allah’s wisdom and mercy. From his childhood survival to his leadership of the Israelites, Musa’s (AS) reliance on Allah demonstrates that true success lies in trusting Allah’s decree, no matter how difficult the circumstances.

As Allah says in the Quran:

فَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَتَوَكَّلُوا۟ عَلَيْهِۦۤ وَهُوَ رَبُّ ٱلۡعَرْشِ ٱلْعَظِيمِ
“So fear Allah, and rely upon Him, and He is the Lord of the Mighty Throne.”
(Surah At-Tawbah 9:51)

Additionally, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“مَن تَوَكَّلَ عَلَىٰ اللَّهِ كَفَاهُ.”

“Whoever places his trust in Allah, Allah will suffice him.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 4152)

In the face of difficulties, we must remember that, like Prophet Musa (AS), our ultimate reliance should be on Allah alone. Tawakkul teaches us that while we must take action and work hard, the outcome is ultimately in the hands of Allah, and He is the best of planners. May we learn to embody the perfect trust and reliance that Musa (AS) exemplified throughout his life.