Ibrahim (Abraham)

12. “And why should we not rely on Allah while He has guided us to our ways (of happiness)? And certainly we will bear patiently whatever hurt you inflict on us; and on Allah (alone) should the reliant rely.”

The Arabic term /tawakkul/ signifies ‘employing a lawyer or an advocate’. Such a person must have four attributes: perspicacity, honesty in keeping other’s deposits, power, and affection. No one but Allah possesses all these attributes fully. Thus we must trust Him.

Imam Rida (as) said:

“The border of the trust is that, by belief in Allah, you be scared of none.”1

Therefore, that Lord Who leads us will also protect us. Thus, we must solely trust Him.

Therefore, providing transparent justifications for the issue of trust, the prophets said as to why must they not trust Him and ask for His help in all circumstances? Why must they be frightened by the straw powers and threats while He has led them through the ways of happiness?

The verse says:

“And why should we not rely on Allah while He has guided us to our ways (of happiness)?…”

Then, they would continue saying that now that they rely solely on Allah, Who is not vulnerable and is supreme over all things definitely, they should stand against all of disbelievers’ tortures and harms.

The verse says:

“…And certainly we will bear patiently whatever hurt you inflict on us…”

Then, finally, they ended up their speech with these words:

“…and on Allah (alone) should the reliant rely.”

The objective of /tawakkul/ is to enable one not to have feelings of inferiority and weakness when facing with the greatness of difficulties, but by relying on the unending vast power of Allah, he should consider himself as conquering and victorious. Thus, surely such a trust is hope-inspiring and strengthening, and can increase our resistance.