How do I know my decision was made with reliance on God (Tawakkul)?

Tawakkul, or reliance on God, is one of the most profound and beautiful concepts in Islamic teachings. It signifies placing complete trust in Allah after exerting all possible effort and utilizing all available means. This concept does not imply passivity or absolute resignation; rather, it is a wise blend of relentless striving coupled with the complete surrender of outcomes to the infinite power of the Divine. To understand whether a decision we have made is truly accompanied by genuine Tawakkul, we can observe several key signs, derived from Quranic teachings and the prophetic tradition, which manifest in our hearts and actions. These signs help us distinguish between constructive reliance and destructive indolence, leading us to true inner peace. 1. Thorough and Rational Utilization of Means: The first and perhaps most crucial sign of true Tawakkul is that, before making any decision, a person meticulously examines all aspects, conducts necessary research, consults with experts and knowledgeable individuals (the concept of 'Shura' emphasized in the Quran), and employs all intellectual and physical capabilities to achieve their goal. Allah states in the Holy Quran: "And consult them in the matter. Then when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely [upon Him]" (Al-Imran, 3:159). This verse explicitly indicates that Tawakkul should follow consultation and a firm resolve (i.e., a definitive decision after careful consideration). Tawakkul is not an escape from responsibility; rather, it is a completion of one's duty to oneself and to Allah, signaling, 'I have done everything within my power.' A farmer who does not plough the land, sow seeds, or irrigate cannot expect a harvest, and his reliance would be meaningless. Instead, he must prepare all prerequisites and then trust in God for growth and yield. Therefore, any decision made with disregard for information, lack of consultation, or insufficient effort cannot be a sign of true Tawakkul; it is rather a form of imprudence that might be mistakenly interpreted as fatalism. A believer, through Tawakkul, moves beyond a passive state and actively embraces destiny through effort and diligence. 2. Inner Peace and Tranquility After Decision: After completing all stages of foresight and effort and making the final decision, a person who has acted with Tawakkul will not experience intense anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or excessive worries about the outcome. Indeed, one of the sweet fruits of Tawakkul is the profound mental and emotional peace that an individual experiences. They know that they have fulfilled their responsibility and entrusted the outcome to the All-Wise. The Quran states: "And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him" (At-Talaq, 65:3). This divine sufficiency manifests as spiritual tranquility and inner certainty. A person who relies on God is like a traveler who, after packing their bags and choosing their route, sets off with peace of mind, knowing that a trustworthy and powerful driver accompanies them. This serenity allows them to seek solutions with a clearer mind and more ease, even if unforeseen problems and obstacles arise, protecting them from the mental exhaustion caused by pointless worries. 3. Absence of Excessive Regret and Self-Blame in Case of Apparent Failure: In life's journey, sometimes the outcomes of our decisions do not materialize as expected. A person who has made a decision with Tawakkul does not experience excessive regret or endlessly blame themselves in such situations. They understand that they have put forth their best effort, and the outcome was ultimately in God's hands. This perspective helps them to learn from the experience and plan for the future, rather than dwelling on the past. The Quran states: "Say, 'Nothing will ever befall us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely" (At-Tawbah, 9:51). This verse indicates that whatever happens is ultimately under divine will, and there is a hidden good in it that may not be immediately discernible to us. Tawakkul provides a person with insight to see beyond appearances and understand the divine wisdom behind every event. 4. Contentment with Divine Decree (Qada' and Qadar): One of the peaks of Tawakkul is the heartfelt acceptance of divine decree. The true 'Mutawakkil' (one who relies on God) firmly believes that every event, even if seemingly undesirable, is part of God's larger, wise plan for their life. They are submissive to divine will and accept every outcome with heartfelt contentment. This state of contentment empowers them to remain steadfast in the face of calamities and to express gratitude for divine blessings. This does not mean they do not strive to change an undesirable situation, but rather that their mind and heart are freed from grappling with the 'why' of destiny, focusing instead on 'how' to deal with it. Tawakkul helps a person feel God's support in all circumstances, never feeling alone or abandoned. This certainty in divine grace and wisdom provides immense strength to continue living and facing challenges. 5. Continuous Effort and Perseverance with Reliance on God: Tawakkul does not mean ceasing activity and waiting for a miracle; rather, it means continuous effort with a confident heart. A person who relies on God, even after a significant decision and entrusting the outcome to Allah, does not stop moving forward. They continue their path with greater energy and motivation, knowing they have a powerful backing. If they encounter a new obstacle on the way to their goal, instead of despair, they seek new solutions and again place their trust in God. This steadfastness and perseverance are signs of a deep connection with Allah and drawing energy from the infinite divine source. This state is particularly evident during critical and difficult times, where individuals without Tawakkul might give up and surrender, but the one who relies on God continues to advance. 6. Feeling of Divine Presence and Support: Finally, one of the strongest indicators of Tawakkul is a deep sense of God's presence at all times and an unwavering certainty of His continuous support. This feeling provides the individual with security and peace, ensuring they never feel alone or helpless. When a decision is made with Tawakkul, it is as if God's hand smooths the path and removes obstacles. This inner feeling not only empowers a person but also makes them resilient against temptations and despair. In summary, true Tawakkul in decision-making signifies a delicate balance between persistent human effort and heartfelt trust in divine providence. It is a combination of pragmatism and spirituality that ultimately leads to tranquility, acceptance, and strength in facing life's challenges. These signs guide us towards understanding the reality that our decision stems not only from reason and deliberation but also from the depths of faith and trust in the Creator of existence.