وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ وَكِيلًا 3
Translations
And rely upon Allāh; and sufficient is Allāh as Disposer of affairs.
Transliteration
Wa tawakkal 'alallah. Wa kafaa billahi wakeel.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to place his complete trust and reliance upon Allah alone, affirming that Allah is a sufficient guardian and trustee of all affairs. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that tawakkul (reliance) is not passivity but rather taking reasonable means while placing ultimate trust in Allah's wisdom and provision. The phrase 'Wa kafaa billahi wakeel' (and Allah is sufficient as a trustee) serves as a powerful reassurance that those who rely on Allah need not fear the plots or power of their enemies.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah Al-Ahzab, revealed during the Medinan period when Muslims faced significant external threats, particularly during the Battle of the Confederates (Ghazwat al-Ahzab). The surah addresses the challenges faced by the Muslim community and emphasizes reliance on Allah during trials, making this command to trust Allah especially relevant to the believers' anxieties about their survival and victory.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Trust in Allah as if you have done everything, but do your duty as if you will live forever.' This hadith, found in various collections, encapsulates the balance between tawakkul and effort. Additionally, the Prophet stated: 'The best trust is in Allah' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi), directly affirming the core message of this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
In times of uncertainty and difficulty, believers are reminded that placing complete trust in Allah provides true peace and security beyond what material means can offer. This ayah teaches that while we must fulfill our responsibilities, our ultimate reliance should be on Allah's infinite wisdom and power, not on our own limited strength or the strength of others.