الحمد لله رب العالمين والصلاة والسلام على سيد المرسلين وعلى آله وأصحابه أجمعين
Brothers and sisters! Sometimes we have the opportunity to do good but we do not have the ability. Sometimes we have the ability to do good, but do not have the opportunity. In the end it all comes down to tawfeeq. In ayah 88 of Surat Hud, Prophet Shu’ayb (AS) is reported to have said to his people,
وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ
“My success lies only with Allah. I trust in Him, and always turn to Him.” (Hud, 11:88)
What is tawfeeq? And how does it come to us? Let’s learn about the meaning of tawfeeq and how to apply this ayah in our life in sha Allah! Tawfeeq comes from the root waaw-faa-qaaf, which means to agree or reconcile. Tawfeeq is both the ability and the opportunity to do something and this happens when all the means come together so you can do the good you want, and this is only from Allah (SWT).
The best thing that can happen to you is Allah (SWT) guiding you to what truly benefits you in this life and the next and the best of guidance is when the Lord of the Worlds grants you tawfeeq. The ayah, “My success lies only with Allah” or My tawfeeq is only through Allah” refers to attaining goodness and truth and being correct in one’s affairs.
But how many of us recognize tawfeeq? When Allah gives you tawfeeq your affairs are gathered together and you are able to achieve your goals, however it is extremely important you take the first step. In order for Allah to choose you for this specific form of guidance, you need to actively seek tawfeeq from Him in all your affairs, big or small, in this world or the Hereafter. What are some of the things we can do to gain tawfeeq?
When your intention becomes sincere and when you wish for that which is good and correct, then Allah (SWT) will grant you tawfeeq. That is why scholars mention sincerity to be the most important factor for gaining tawfeeq. Like Shu’ayb (AS) said:
إِنْ أُرِيدُ إِلَّا الْإِصْلَاحَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ وَمَا تَوْفِيقِي إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ
“I only want to put things right as far as I can. My success is with Allah alone.” (Hud, 11:88). So truly wish for the truth and for yourself to attain goodness and correctness in your affairs and keep reminding yourself about the importance of a sincere intention in all you do for Allah (SWT).
Another way to be blessed with tawfeeq is to have yaqeen (certainty) that this tawfeeq can only come from Allah. It is very important to rely on Him and turn to Him in repentance. How many times do people attribute success in their career or having done good deeds to themselves, without even thinking it was only by the tawfeeq of Allah? So have true belief that tawfeeq only comes from Allah.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “Whoever makes the Hereafter his preoccupation, then Allah places freedom from want in his heart, gathers his affairs, and dunya (worldly life) comes to him despite being reluctant to do so. And whoever makes dunya his preoccupation, then Allah places his poverty in front of his eyes, make his affairs scattered, and nothing of the dunya comes to him except that which has been decreed for him.” Allah gives tawfeeq for the slave when he asks for Paradise, so ask for it!
A Bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah whilst he was travelling and he took hold of his camel’s reigns and said: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me of something that will draw me closer to Paradise and distance me away from the Hellfire. The Prophet turned and looked to his companions and said: Indeed he has been granted tawfeeq. Indeed he has been granted tawfeeq. Then he said: What did you say? So he (the Bedouin) repeated and the Prophet said: Worship Allah and associate none with Him; establish prayers, pay the zakah and join ties of family. … Note the Bedouin’s will to attain Paradise as an example of tawfeeq.
Pray the Istikhara prayer. Praying this Sunnah prayer when proceeding with decisions in your life means you are seeking tawfeeq from Allah.
Realize the importance of being granted tawfeeq in the last moments of your life. The Prophet (SAW) said: “If Allah wishes good for a slave, he utilizes him. It was said: How does He utilize him O Messenger of Allah? He said: He grants him tawfeeq to perform righteous deeds before death.” May we be of those who are utilized by Allah, Ameen.
The pious ancestors used to say: If a person is granted tawfeeq, then the biggest blessing that Allah bestows on him is to give him tawfeeq in finding another companion who takes him by the hand and leads him to the truth. So we should ask Allah for tawfeeq in friendships!
Whenever Allah (SWT) enables you to carry out that good deed you wanted to do, thank Him and realize with your heart and soul that you were chosen to be granted tawfeeq. And whoever is grateful, Allah will give him more. So be grateful for any tawfeeq and He will give you more in sha’ Allah.
“O Allah, make us always ask for tawfeeq; make us recognize and acknowledge that tawfeeq is from You alone; make us trust in You. Grant us tawfeeq in all that is good. Utilize us in Your path. Distance us from the Hell fire and all deeds that lead to it. Direct us to Paradise and all deeds that lead to it. Allahumma Ameen.”
أَقُولُ قَوْلِي هَذَا وَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ لِي وَلَكُمْ وَلِسَائِرِ المُسْلِمينَ وَالمُسْلِمَاتْ فَاسْتَغْفِرُوهْ إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ
وَصَلَّ اللهُ عَلَى خيرِ خَلقِهِ مُحمَّدٍ وعَلَى آلِه وأصْحَابِه أجْمَعِين- بِرَحْمَتِكَ يا أرْحَمَ الرَّاحِمِين
