Introduction:

The month of Ramadan is a blessed month; its days are great and its blessings are abundant. It is the most blessed time of this worldly life. The Messenger of Allaah (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) gave great importance to this blessed month. In this month of fasting, one will either come out as a winner or as a loser, having or not having his sins forgiven. It is indeed, a great opportunity in this life. Therefore, we need to have true Tawakkul on Allaah in order that He helps us to fast Ramadan in the way that is pleasing to Him.

What is Tawakkul in brief?

Ibn Rajab (Rahimahullaah) said: “It is true reliance of the heart on Allaah in attaining one’s objectives, and it repels harm in one’s worldly and religious affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.”

This means, observing the fast in Ramadan and establishing its nights with Qiyam are considered objectives which cannot be attained except with true reliance on Allaah. True reliance on Allaah is not setting up a program for oneself in Ramadan or before Ramadan and relying on it and saying: “I have enough time to do this and that. In the morning I can do this, in the afternoon I can do this, etc.” Rather, one should repel these feelings of reliance on oneself because even if there is no time, the Barakah is from Allaah.

The first thing one should do is implore Allaah to make it easy, to help him to fast, recite the Qur’an, pray, etc. He should repel all means of tranquillity that he has when he relies on other than Allaah, i.e. repel all inclinations that are attached to a means.

One may say: “Last Ramadan I tried to recite the Qur’an and I could not finish, it did not work, etc.” We say: “Implore Allaah, ask help from Him, and He will help you.”

In order for one’s Tawakkul to be truthful:

1) One should free himself from his own might and strength and everyone else’s, i.e. adhere to “La Hawl wa La Quwwata Illa Billaah” (There is no might for me or anyone, nor strength in attaining good, no matter how small or big except by Allaah).

2) One should believe that all matters are in Allaah’s Hands and He is the only One Who is Able to fulfil one’s requests. Allaah (Ta’ala) says in Surat Hud [11:123]:

وَلِلَّهِ غَيْبُ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَإِلَيْهِ يُرْجَعُ الْأَمْرُ كُلُّهُ فَاعْبُدْهُ وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَيْهِ ۚ وَمَا رَبُّكَ بِغَافِلٍ عَمَّا تَعْمَلُونَ 

“And to Allaah belongs the Ghaib (unseen) of the heavens and the earth, and to Him return all affairs (for decision). So worship Him [O Muhammad (Salla-Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam)] and put your trust in Him. And your Lord is not unaware of what you (people) do.”