How can I trust God when the world is uncertain?

In today's ever-changing world, where we might face unpredictable events at any moment, feelings of uncertainty and anxiety are natural. However, for a believer, the answer to this concern lies deep within the teachings of the Holy Quran: reliance on Almighty God (Tawakkul). Tawakkul is not just a word; it is a philosophy of life, a spiritual state, and a method for facing challenges that brings peace to the heart and frees the mind from distress. The Quran, this heavenly book of guidance, repeatedly calls us to Tawakkul and teaches us its principles, emphasizing that the root of distrust and its solution lie not in complete control over the environment, but in changing one's perspective and strengthening the connection with the Creator of existence. Tawakkul, or trusting God, in a world full of flux, does not mean ignoring realities or abandoning effort. Rather, it means recognizing our true place and the absolute power of God. It implies that as human beings, we are obligated to exert all our efforts, utilize all available material means and causes, and then entrust the outcome to divine wisdom and will. This type of trust stems from a deep faith in the truth that God is All-Knowing, All-Wise, and All-Powerful. He is not only aware of what is in the heavens and on earth, but He is capable of all things, and every event that occurs is based on a profound wisdom and a perfect plan that we may not initially comprehend. This understanding gives a person peace, knowing that even behind the dark curtain of unfortunate events, there is a hidden good that only God knows. This insight removes the heavy burden of trying to control everything from a person's shoulders, enabling them to continue their journey with a confident heart and resilient spirit, despite uncertainties. The Quran teaches us that this world is a place of trial and tribulation. Uncertainties, problems, and challenges are all part of this grand test designed to refine our faith and polish our souls. When a person realizes that everything, good or bad, that befalls them comes from God, and His wisdom lies behind all matters, there is no room left for despair. In such circumstances, Tawakkul becomes not just a choice but a necessity for maintaining mental well-being and faith. Numerous verses in the Quran explicitly address this topic. For example, in Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it states: "وَ مَنْ يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ بَالِغُ أَمْرِهِ ۚ قَدْ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدْرًا" which means, "And whoever relies upon Allah – He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent." This verse is a divine guarantee of sufficiency and help from God for those who trust Him, demonstrating that God is sufficient and adequate for His trusting servant in all circumstances, and He will bring their affairs to completion. To strengthen this trust and reliance in the face of worldly uncertainties, there are several practical approaches derived from Quranic teachings: 1. Adherence to Prayer (Salat) and Remembrance of God (Dhikr): Prayer is the pillar of religion and the believer's ascension. In moments of prayer, a person directly communicates with their Creator, and this connection is a source of profound peace and inner tranquility. The Quran, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, says: "يَاأَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ" meaning, "O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient." The remembrance of God also brings tranquility to hearts, as stated in Surah Ar-Ra'd, verse 28: "أَلَا بِذِكْرِ اللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ الْقُلُوبُ" meaning, "Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." These spiritual acts provide a secure refuge for the soul against the onslaught of anxieties. 2. Patience (Sabr) and Steadfastness: In the face of adversities and difficulties, patience is the key to relief. Patience does not mean passive endurance but active resilience coupled with hope for divine relief. The Quran repeatedly urges believers to be patient and promises immense rewards for the patient. Patience not only grants a person the power to endure but also changes their perspective on problems, seeing them as opportunities for growth and drawing closer to God. 3. Effort and Utilizing Means (Asbab): Tawakkul never means laziness or inaction. As Imam Ali (AS) said: "There is no reliance like earning (and striving)." In Surah Ali-Imran, verse 159, we read: "...فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ" meaning, "...And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]." This verse clearly shows that reliance comes after making a firm decision and striving to accomplish a task. One must exert all their efforts, make the best decisions, and then entrust the outcome to God. 4. Contemplation of Creation and Divine Power: The more a person reflects on the grandeur of creation and God's incomparable management, the more they realize His power and wisdom, and their trust in Him deepens. Observing the order governing the universe, from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies, testifies to divine orchestration that can soothe hearts and strengthen one's sense of assurance in an All-Powerful Creator. 5. Acceptance of Divine Decree (Qada wal-Qadar): Accepting God's will and decree is a high level of reliance. This means surrendering to God's will, whether in favorable or unfavorable conditions. This acceptance helps a person maintain their peace in any situation and frees them from the anxieties caused by the desire to control everything. When a person accepts that God desires good for them, even if they face difficulties outwardly, they experience true peace. Ultimately, trusting God in an uncertain world means understanding that although worldly events may seem uncontrollable, an absolute and compassionate power is always observing and managing affairs. This trust is a strong shield against the arrows of temptation and despair, helping a person navigate life with a calm heart and a confident soul, knowing that whatever happens is ultimately for their good, even if they cannot comprehend it at the moment. This assurance in divine promises not only lifts a significant psychological burden but also grants strength and resilience to face the future with a more positive and hopeful outlook. This Quranic perspective is a guiding light for achieving true peace amidst life's storms and attaining an inner tranquility that no wealth or power can provide. Thus, a believer, while striving diligently, seeks refuge in the safest haven by relying on "Hasbi Allah" (Allah is sufficient for me) and is liberated from undue worries.