Tawakkul-ala-Allah: The Key to Victory

[Maiwand]

Tawakkul-ala-Allah: The Key to Victory

A new law in Afghanistan has received international criticism, which may affect the assistance and support it receives from Western Nations. Reliance on other than Allah (swt) always comes with consequences both in this life and the hereafter. It is not permissible for Muslims to place their trust in other than Allah (swt). The Ummah does not need to depend on other nations for aid and development, but instead should place Tawakkul (reliance) in Allah (swt) by implementing the Hukm Shar’i without compromise – regardless of the perceived outcome. The Muslim rulers have stolen authority from the Ummah and therefore we must reclaim this authority by appointing a Khalifah Rashid in the Muslim lands according to the method of RasulAllah (saw).

In this month, the media reported on a new Afghan law that was drafted in February of this year. The Associated Free Press was able to obtain a draft copy of the bill which states, “It is the responsibility of the wife to prepare for sexual satisfaction of her husband and not leave the house without permission, unless there is the need or difficulty.” Canada’s foreign minister, Lawrence Cannon said about the law, “If the media reports are true, this is extremely alarming and it's troublesome for a lot of the allies.” His statement followed NATO’s Secretary General, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer who said, “I have a problem to explain and President Karzai knows this, because I discussed it with him. I have a problem to explain to a critical public audience in Europe.”

Regardless of whether one agrees with the law or not, the issue of concern is why this new law has received international criticism after it was reviewed and passed by the Afghan Parliament – an institution that was established and recognized by the US and her allies.

Strings are always attached
The issue of Afghanistan illustrates how seeking assistance and support from other than Allah (swt) comes at a price: Afghanistan, while appearing to be independent, must subordinate its affairs to Canada, Europe and the United States. Conditional assistance is not a new phenomenon but a recurring trend:

• Last month, Canadian Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Jason Kenney, decided that he will not renew the $2.1 million contract with the Canadian Arab Federation (CAF). According to the CAF the cut of funding is not due to their service evaluation but because the CAF, “holds political opinions contrary to those held by him and endorsed by his government at the Federal level”.
• When the US and Britain invaded Iraq in 2003, they justified the war with a number of reasons, including spreading democracy. However, in 2004, Director of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance, Paul Bremer, refused to approve a constitution that would be based on Islamic Law – despite the Muslims in Iraq demanding it.

Reliance on the Non-Muslims
It is clearly stated in the Quran and in the Sunnah that we cannot rely on other than Allah (swt):

“Let not the believers take the disbelievers as Auliya (supporters, helpers) instead of the believers, and whoever does that will never be helped by Allah in any way, except if you indeed fear a danger from them. And Allah warns you against Himself (His Punishment), and to Allah is the final return.”
[TMQ 3:28]


“Oh you who believe! Do not take the Jews and the Christians for Auliya (friends, protectors, helpers, etc.); they are Auliya of each other; and whoever amongst you takes them for Auliya, then surely he is one of them.”
[TMQ 5:51]

Regarding verse 28 of Surah Al-e-Imran, Ibn 'Abbas said: “This verse was revealed about 'Ubadah ibn al-Samit who was among those who took part in Badr and a trusted man. He had allies from among the Jews. And when the Prophet (saw), marched to the Battle of the Confederates, 'Ubadah said: 'O Prophet of Allah! I have with me five hundred men from the Jews, and I am of the opinion to take them with me to impress the enemy. Because of this, Allah (swt) revealed (Let not the believers take disbelievers as Auliya instead of the believers).'”

In the Battle of Al-Ahzab (Confederates) the 3,000 Muslims were in a desperate situation with only a trench standing between them and 10,000 soldiers, from the allied forces of the Quraysh and Ghattafan in front of them. Furthermore, within the borders of the Islamic State the Jewish tribe of Banu Quraida broke their treaty with RasulAllah (saw) and joined the alliance headed by the Quraysh. Even in a time of dire need Allah (swt) ordered RasulAllah (saw) not to take the 500 Jews who ‘Ubadadh ibn al-Samit (ra) could have called upon to support the Muslims. Rather, they were ordered to put their trust in Allah (swt), seek His assistance and rely only on each other (i.e. the Muslims).

Tawakkul-ala-Allah (Reliance on Allah)
The meaning of tawakkul is expressed by the term taukeel, which means to make or appoint a representative or wakeel (agent). When one lacks the understanding and ability for something then another is appointed to execute the task. The appointment of such an agent to act on one’s behalf is the meaning of taukeel. Tawakkul then is to act in accordance with the commands and prohibitions of Allah (swt), and to resign one’s self unto Him. Thus, as Muslims, we ensure every act or task is within the limits of shariah, while trusting and relying completely on Him (swt). Allah (swt) revealed:

“If Allah helps you, none can overcome you. If He forsakes you, who is there, after that, that can help you? In Allah, then, let believers put their trust.”
[TMQ 3:160]

The Prophet (saw) said:

“If you ask in prayer, ask only Allah, and if you seek help, seek it only from Allah.”
[Tirmidhi]

There are many examples of how the believers when faced with adversity did not turn to anyone but Allah (swt):

• Battle against Jalut (Goliath): During the time of Bani Israel, King Talut marched with 80,000 soldiers to defeat the tyrant Jalut. They were tested at a river whereby Allah (swt) commanded them to only drink a handful of water. After crossing the river only 4,000 obeyed. Out of these 4,000, most of them lost their resolve and questioned their chance of victory. Only a small number of soldiers (about 300) remained steadfast and – after placing their trust in Allah (swt) – they continued with King Talut to fight and defeat, by Allah’s (swt) Will, Jalut.
• Battle of Badr: In the second year of the Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (saw) set out with 305 of his Sahabah. They headed towards a caravan led by Abu Sufyan. As they marched on, the news reached them that the Quraysh had set out from Makkah to protect their caravan. The Muslims were not prepared for a full-scale battle but when they were confronted with the enemies of Islam, they put their trust in Allah (swt) and stood fast.
• Liberation of Spain: During the Khilafat of Al-Walid ibn Abd Al-Malik, Tariq bin Ziyad led an army to liberate Spain from the tyranny of King Roderick. Upon his arrival, a formidable force stood before them. Tariq burned the boats in which he and his soldiers arrived and motivated the soldiers by reminding them of the Akhirah and their purpose for being in Spain. The army did not disband but put their trust in Allah (swt) and continued with their mission.

Victory and defeat are both from Allah (swt) and it is only when we do our duties and put our trust in Him completely that we experience true success in both this life and the hereafter.

Cut the Strings and Hold Fast to the Rope of Allah (swt)
After eight decades of misery, it’s time for the Ummah to reject Muslim rulers who place their trust in colonial powers and their man-made solutions. The Khalifah has been replaced by Muslim rulers who do not work to please Allah (swt). Instead they seek to please the US and her allies, who themselves have no power to harm or benefit except that which Allah (swt) has given them. This misplaced servitude has resulted in failure both in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet (saw) said:

"Whoever seeks Allah's pleasure at the expense of men's displeasure, will win Allah's pleasure and Allah will cause men to be pleased with him. And whoever seeks to please men at the expense of Allah's displeasure, will win the displeasure of Allah and Allah will cause men to be displeased with him."
[Ibn Hibban]

The Ummah needs to apply the commands of Allah (swt) without compromise and rely on Him regardless of the perceived consequences of applying the hukm shar’i. With the realization that there is no source of help and assistance other than Allah (swt) – and placing complete trust in Him (swt) – Allah (swt) will find a way out of every difficulty we face either in this world or in the hereafter. Allah (swt) has revealed:

“…And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him. Verily, Allah will accomplish his purpose. Indeed Allah has set a measure for all things.”
[TMQ 65:2-3]

The current Muslim rulers have stolen authority from the Ummah and we must reclaim this authority by appointing a Khalifah Rashid in the Muslim lands according to the method of RasulAllah (saw) who will implement Islam without compromise. With complete trust in Allah (swt) there is no need to turn to others to resolve the problems of this Ummah.

May Allah (swt) allow us to align our actions with Islam and may He make it easy for us to exhaust our efforts in the way He has prescribed.

“To Allah do belong the unseen (secrets) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him goes back every affair (for decision). So worship him, and put your trust on Him. And your lord is not unmindful of what you do.”
[TMQ 11:123]