Yes, if we were to regard the causes and means to be an...

Yes, if we were to regard the causes and means to be an independent apparatus as opposed to Allah's Will, this would be incompatible with the spirit of tawakkul.

How is it possible to interpret tawakkul in this manner when the Noble Prophet (S), the leader of those who exhibited tawakkul, had never been heedless of utilizing every opportunity, appropriate plan and other exterior means for furthering his aims and objectives; all these only go to prove that the meaning of tawakkul does not have that negative dimension attached to it at all.

“Verily, independence and honour are in (a state of) travel and when they come to the place of 'tawakkul' they take up residence there.”[^4] In this tradition, tawakkul has been presented as being the actual dwelling place of independence and honour.

It has been narrated that the Noble Prophet (S) said: I asked Jibrail: “What is 'tawakkul'?” He replied: “Cognizance (of the fact) that the creation (of Allah) can neither cause harm nor yield benefit; neither can it grant nor withhold (a bounty); (one must) sever all expectations from the creation (of Allah).

He (a.s.) replied: That you do not fear anyone once you have relied on Allah!” [^7] and [^8] [^1]: Relying on Allah (s.w.t.) (Tr.) [^2]: Surat Ale 'Imran (3), Verse 173 [^3]: Suratul Nahl (16), Verse 99 [^4]: al-Kafi, vol. 2, Chapter al-Tafwidh IlAllah (s.w.t.) Wa al-Tawakkul 'Alaihi, no. 3 [^5]: Biharul Anwar, vol. 15, Part 2 Fi al-Akhlaq, pg. 14 (Old Publication) [^6]: Safinatul Bihar, vol. 2, pg.

682 [^7]: For more explanations in connection 'tawakkul' and other such issues, refer the book Angizah-e-Paidaish-e-Madhhab. [^8]: Tafsir-e-Namuna, vol. 10, pg. 295 Previous…