Tawakkaltu Alallah

Tawakkaltu Alallah, (تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ) is an Islamic term. It is an Arabic phrase that comprises two parts, Tawakkal (تَوَكُّل) and Alallah (عَلَى اللَّهِ). Tawakkal can be translated as "to have trust," whereas Alallah means "On Allah." Tawakkal is sometimes also translated as "to rely upon" or "to depend on." In this context, the term Tawakkaltu Alallah means to have full trust and complete reliance on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It is an unconditional trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, practically for everything in the life in this world and the life hereafter. It is the confidence of a person that everything comes from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and He is the One Who provides relief in every hardship. In a sense, it is also an essential part of Tawheed (تَوْحِيد) and faith.    

Pronunciation Guide for Tawakkaltu Alallah

It may be a bit difficult for a non-Arabic person to correctly pronounce the tern Tawakkaltu Alallah.  To better understand and correctly pronounce this very important Islamic term, you may follow the guidelines given below.

The phonetic spellings of Tawakkaltu Alallah are "tawakkal-tu-Al-Allah."

• Tawakkal can be pronounced with a slight pause and stress on k. To better understand we can divide this phrase into two parts, tawak and kal. Give a slight pause on k and then continue with it to complete the word tawak'kal.
• Tu is more like to and should be pronounced somewhere in between u and o.
• Al is the shorter form of the Arabic word عَلَى, al'a. It can be pronounced like all but without giving stress on l and with a slight emphasis on "a" after Al.
• Allah (للَّهِ) is the most popular word and can be pronounced easily by everyone as we pronounce it on several occasions a day. It can be pronounced as Al-lah, giving stress without any pause on l and ending with a touch of h.  

So, the correct pronunciation of Tawakkaltu Alallah tawakkal-tu-Al-Allah. For correct pronunciation of Tawakkaltu Alallah, you can listen to this audio.

Tips for Pronunciation

• Emphasis: The primary emphasis is on the first syllable, "Tawakkal."
• Flow: Maintain a smooth flow throughout the syllables. Avoid pauses between them.
• Practice: Start with repeating the phrase slowly and steadily. Once you get hold of the word, you can increase the speed. It is always advisable to maintain a reasonable and smooth speed.

Understanding Tawakkaltu Alallah - Context and Usage

Tawakkaltu Alallah is a very common phrase in Muslim society. It is used on various occasions, especially in the event of a difficult time or hardship. By saying Tawakkaltu Alallah, one puts his unconditional and firm trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It is, in fact, a matter of belief, which a Muslim has in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Reciting this phrase is a re-assurance by him that everything is from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, may that be a hard time or a happy moment. Tawakkaltu Alallah is also an important part of a very popular Dua, specifically recited by Muslims while leaving home for any purpose.

Arabic Text of Dua - بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ لاَ حَوْلَ وَلاَ قُوَّةَ إِلاَّ بِاللَّهِ

Translation - In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah; there is no might and no power but in Allah

It is believed that when a person leaves his home for any good deed and recites this dua, he remains protected from the evils of Satan and is blessed with the guidance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Significance of Tawakkaltu Alallah in Light of the Quran and Hadith

Qur'anic References

The term Tawakkaltu Alallah is mentioned several times in the Quran under various contexts. Given below are a few instances:

The 3rd verse of Surah At-Talaq

Translation - And provide for him from where he does not reckon. God is sufficient for him who places his trust in Him. Certainly, God fulfills His purpose. God has indeed fixed a measure of everything.

The 23rd verse of Surah Al-Maida

Translation - Then two of the men who feared (God), and to whom God was gracious, said to them: "Charge and rush the gate. If you enter, you will surely be victorious. And place your trust in God if you truly believe."

The 12th Verse of Surah Ibraheem

Translation - And why should we not repose our trust in God when He has shown us our paths of duty to Him? We shall bear with fortitude the hardships you inflict upon us. The trusting place their trust in God."

Hadith References

Tawakkaltu Alallah is specifically mentioned in the Hadith, advising the famous Dua while leaving home.

Hadith 5095 of Sunan Abi Dawud

Translation - Narrated by Anas ibn Malik:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: When a man goes out of his house and says: "In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah; there is no might and no power but in Allah," the following will be said to him at that time: "You are guided, defended and protected." The devils will go far from him, and another devil will say: How can you deal with a man who has been guided, defended, and protected?

Hadith 2517 of At-Tirmidhi narrates the significance of Tawakkaltu Alallah in another context, giving an example of tying a camel.

Translation - Anas bin Malik narrated that a man said:

"O Messenger of Allah! Shall I tie it and rely (upon Allah), or leave it loose and rely (upon Allah)?" He said: "Tie it and rely (upon Allah)."

Practice Tawakkaltu Alallah with Muslim and Quran

The Islamic term "Tawakkaltu Alallah" is the most significant way of re-affirmation of one's faith and trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. Trust in Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the base of Islamic theology. It is also a part of the first pillar of Islam, Tauheed. Having complete and unshaken trust and dependence on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى keeps us free of fears and worries of all kinds. Relying on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى also keeps us protected from the evils of Satan, so we can keep progressing on the righteous way of an Islamic life with the Will of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. But the reliance on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى does not mean that one should sit idle and wait for the result to come his way automatically. The essence of Tawakkaltu Alallah is that first, a person must do whatever is in capacity then leave the outcome on Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, while firmly believing that everything comes from Him, both in this world and the life hereafter.

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