التوكل على الله
al-tawakkul 'ala Allah
The English phrase 'trust in God' is translated into Arabic as التوكل على الله (al-tawakkul 'ala Allah).
The phrase refers to the act of relying on God's will and providence for one's needs and future. A common way to express this personal reliance, especially when a person is about to begin a difficult task, is to say توكلت على الله, which means 'I have placed my trust in God'.
How do you pronounce it?
al-tawakkul 'ala Allah
Did you know?
- In Arabic, there is a subtle but important distinction between توكل (trusting God after effort) and تواكل (blindly relying on fate without doing anything). The latter is often used as a criticism of laziness.
- While التوكل على الله implies trust, it is often paired with the concept of الأخذ بالأسباب, which means 'taking the necessary means'. Together they form a cultural balance: one must work hard and prepare as if everything depends on them, then trust God for the result.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, saying توكلت على الله is not just a religious statement but a common verbal ritual performed right before stepping into a car, starting a journey, or entering an exam.
Examples in context
- ضَع ثِقَتَكَ بِٱللَّهِ وستجد الحلول المناسبةPut your trust in God, and you will find suitable solutions.
- علينا التوكل على الله في كل أمر.alayna al-tawakkul 'ala Allah fi kull amr.We must trust in God in every matter.
- التوكل على الله يمنح القلب راحة.al-tawakkul 'ala Allah yamnah al-qalb raha.Trust in God gives the heart peace.
Example conversation
Ahmed is worried about his upcoming job interview.
- سارة Saraلا تقلق يا أحمد، فقط توكل على الله.la taqlaq ya Ahmad, faqat tawakkal 'ala Allah.Don't worry Ahmed, just trust in God.
- أحمد Ahmedأحاول ذلك، لكنني أشعر بالتوتر.ahawil dhalika, lakinni ash'ur bi-al-tawattur.I am trying, but I feel nervous.
- سارة Saraالتوكل على الله سيجعلك تشعر بتحسن.al-tawakkul 'ala Allah sayaj'aluka tash'ur bi-tahassun.Trust in God will make you feel better.
- أحمد Ahmedشكراً لكِ يا سارة على نصيحتكِ.shukran laki ya Sarah 'ala nasihatiki.Thank you Sarah for your advice.
