Al Salam Alaikum 🌱 

Entrepreneurship often involves uncertainty and risks. We may work countless hours and develop detailed plans, yet the outcome of our efforts is never guaranteed.

In these moments of uncertainty, the principle of Tawakul becomes incredibly valuable.

Let me share a personal experience with you.

There have been numerous instances in my entrepreneurial journey where my need for certainty made the unknown aspects of entrepreneurship seem incredibly daunting.

I distinctly remember feeling lost and hopeless, sensing a lack of direction in my work. Operating the business was challenging, reminding me that my success as an entrepreneur depended on trusting the process and embracing the unknown.

Trusting in Allah similarly involves trusting His process. Tawakul, an Arabic term for ‘trust in’, is fundamentally about acknowledging that Allah has ultimate control.

I grappled with this concept in difficult life and business situations and often sought alternative explanations.

When I realized that my entrepreneurial success also hinged on my ability to trust an unseen process and tolerate uncertainty, I began to appreciate the power of Tawakul.

I saw another link between business and Islamic wisdom and teachings.

Introducing Tawakul into my business has been one of the most unexpected benefits. It enhanced my relationships with my team and customers and empowered me to maintain a 'trust in' mindset when navigating life's challenges.

That's when I truly embraced the principle of Tawakkul.

While I did my utmost, I understood that the outcomes were ultimately in Allah's hands. I began to pray for guidance and success while also striving to identify areas for improvement. It was a challenging period, but practicing Tawakul brought me peace. I knew I had done my part; the rest was in Allah's hands.

Tawakul teaches us to do our best, make our plans, take prudent action, and then leave the outcome to Allah (SWT). Tawakul operates in a three-stage format:

1. Relying on Allah does not contradict taking action and striving.

2. Even if your efforts seem weak, continue to act and strive.

3. While you make efforts, no matter how weak, place your full reliance on Allah.

It reminds us that while we are responsible for our actions, the results are ultimately in Allah’s hands. This principle can bring us immense peace and resilience in uncertainty and challenges.

Knowing that we’ve done our part and that Allah (SWT) is overseeing the results can help mitigate stress and anxiety, enabling us to focus on what we can control- our efforts.

Consider the following verse from the Noble Quran:

This verse doesn’t tell us to sit back and do nothing; rather, it instructs us to make our decisions, put in the effort, and then trust in Allah for the outcome.

A hadith from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further highlights this point.

A Bedouin man once asked the Prophet about the importance of taking necessary precautions. He 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 be upon him) replied, “Tie her and trust in Allah” (narrated by Al Tirmidhi).

This hadith teaches us the balance between taking action and trusting Allah. It emphasizes the importance of doing our part while also putting out trust in Allah (SWT).

So, how can we practice Tawakkul in our businesses?

1. Plan and Act: Do your market research, develop your business plan, create your products and services. Take all the necessary steps you need to set your business up for success.

2. Make Dua: Ask Allah (SWT) for guidance, success, and ease in your business. Dua is a powerful tool that helps us maintain a strong connection with Allah and aligns our business with our spiritual goals.

3. Trust in Allah: Once you’ve done your part, trust Allah will take care of the rest. Whether you face success or challenges, know that it is all part of Allah’s plan for you.

   Remember: Tawakul is not about abandoning effort but about contemplating your efforts with trust in Allah. It’s about doing your best and leaving the rest to Allah.

This week, take five minutes to reflect on an aspect of your business where you can fully embrace Tawakul. Write down in a journal the steps you’ve taken in this area, how you’ve made dua, and how you’ve put your trust in Allah. This small daily reflection can help reinforce the practice of Tawakul in your life and business.

🤲 Closing Dua

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from worry and grief. I seek refuge in You from incapability and laziness, from cowardice and stinginess, and from being heavily in debt and being overpowered by others.”

Ameen.

(Bukhari)