We talk about tawakkul—trusting in God—like it’s something that should come easily. Like if your faith is strong enough, trust will flow naturally. But the truth is, for many of us, especially those who’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, perfectionism, or spiritual guilt, trusting anything, let alone an unseen outcome, can feel impossible.

As a therapist, a Muslim woman, and someone who spends a lot of time reading, learning, and unlearning—I’ve realized tawakkul isn’t just a spiritual concept. It’s something we live through emotionally, mentally, and physically. And when misunderstood, it can either bring us closer to peace—or push us into shame.

What Tawakkul Isn’t

Let’s start here, because I’ve seen this misunderstanding too many times—especially in clients who are trying so hard to be “good Muslims,” but feel like they’re failing.

Tawakkul isn’t:

• Waiting around and calling it faith
• Shaming yourself for worrying or planning
• Believing that if you're anxious, your iman is weak
• Suppressing your emotions and calling it surrender
• Refusing therapy or support because “God will handle it”

So many of us were raised with this rigid, black-and-white idea of what trust in God looks like. But real tawakkul is nuanced. It holds space for movement and stillness. For action and surrender. For doing your part and releasing what isn’t yours to carry.

What Tawakkul Feels Like (When You’re Healing)

If you’re someone who overthinks, needs control to feel safe, or has been through emotional or spiritual invalidation—then trusting can feel like a threat, not a relief.

Real tawakkul might feel like:

• Making the call, sending the application, or setting the boundary—and choosing not to spiral over what happens next
• Getting help and making du’a, instead of feeling like it has to be one or the other
• Having a difficult day, but not tying it to punishment
• Choosing rest without feeling lazy or “weak” in your deen
• Saying: I did what I could. I release the rest. I trust that God sees me.

A Therapy-Informed View of Tawakkul

From a psychological lens, what we often call “letting go” is actually nervous system regulation.
And what we call “trust” is often earned safety—which can take time to build if we’ve learned to equate safety with control.

For high achievers, ADHDers, and people who carry emotional or spiritual trauma, letting go isn't passive—it’s an active, courageous choice. One that the body and brain may resist at first.

Tawakkul isn't bypassing these very real mental patterns—it's learning to bring God into the process of healing them.

Faith and Fear Can Coexist

I used to think that trusting God meant I had to feel 100% calm and confident. But now I understand: tawakkul can sound like a whisper through clenched teeth.
You can be scared, unsure, and still choose trust.

One of my favorite reminders:
The Prophet (ﷺ) tied his camel. Then he trusted.
He took the action that was in his control—and placed trust in God for the rest.

I'll leave you with these reflection questions:

Where in your life are you trying to force certainty?
What would it feel like to do your part—and release the outcome?

With love and faith,
Z