TIE YOUR CAMEL AND TRUST IN ALLĀH

 FAJR REMINDER: TIE YOUR CAMEL AND TRUST IN ALLĀH

By: Umm Affān

Muḥarram 12, 1448 (27-June-2026)

 

When Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ) set out on his migration from Makkah to Madīnah, he demonstrated the importance of careful planning and making use of available means. Since he had never travelled the route before, he hired a highly skilled guide, ‘Abdullāh Ibn Urayqit, who had not yet accepted Islām. Despite his disbelief at the time, he was chosen because of his honesty, reliability, trustworthiness, and exceptional knowledge of the hidden desert routes.

It is worth reflecting on the fact that Allāh had the power to make the journey effortless for His Messenger. He could have sent Angel Jibrīl (‘Alaykum Salām) to guide him directly or inspired him with the exact route to Madīnah. Yet, Allāh chose not to do so. Instead, He taught His Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ummah that genuine reliance upon Him does not eliminate the need for human effort. We are expected to take the necessary steps while placing our complete trust in Allāh. This lesson is beautifully illustrated in the Ḥadīth reported by Anas Ibn Mālik: A man said, “O Messenger of Allāh, should I tie my camel and trust in Allāh, or should I leave her untied and trust in Allāh?” The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Tie her and trust in Allāh.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 2517]

Commenting on that Ḥadīth, Imām Ibn Rajab said, “Its meaning is that a person employs wisdom and strives through permissible means, then places his trust in Allāh after making his effort. All of this indicates that reliance upon Allāh does not contradict adopting worldly means. Rather, combining the two may in fact be better.” [Jāmi’ al-‘Ulūm wal-Ḥikam 2/507]

The Prophet's preparations for the Hijrah reflected this perfect balance between trust and action. He carefully selected Abū Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu 'Anhu) as his companion for the journey, prepared the riding animals, and devised a strategy that would mislead the Quraysh. Instead of taking the direct route to Madīnah immediately, they first sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr for a few days, making it more difficult for their enemies to trace them.

He also made practical arrangements for their daily needs. Although Allāh, Who sent down heavenly banquets for the Children of Israel, was fully capable of providing sustenance for them in the cave without any human assistance, the Prophet (ﷺ) still took the necessary means. Asmā’ Bint Abī Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhuma) courageously climbed the rugged path to the cave, bringing food and essential provisions for them.

The planning extended beyond food supplies. The Prophet (ﷺ) assigned ‘Abdullāh Ibn Abī Bakr (Raḍiyallāhu 'Anhuma) the responsibility of gathering intelligence from Makkah. Known for his intelligence and wisdom, he spent each night with the Prophet (ﷺ) and his father in the cave. Before dawn, he would quietly return to Makkah, mingle with the Quraysh, learn about their discussions and plots, and then return after sunset to report everything he had discovered.

Another key figure in the success of the migration was ‘Āmir Ibn Fuhayrah (Raḍiyallāhu 'Anhu), the freed slave of Abū Bakr, who worked as a shepherd. With remarkable loyalty and dedication, he grazed his flock near the cave each evening, supplying fresh milk for the travellers. In addition, he intentionally led his sheep over the footprints left by ‘Abdullāh Ibn Abī Bakr, effectively erasing the trail and concealing their movements from anyone pursuing them.

These events provide timeless lessons for every Muslim. Success in both our worldly affairs and acts of worship requires thoughtful planning, sincere effort, and complete dependence upon Allāh. As the saying goes, "He who fails to plan is planning to fail." While Allāh's Decree will always come to pass, we are accountable for fulfilling our responsibilities and making the effort expected of us. Neglecting those efforts may expose us to unnecessary hardship. This is precisely where the distinction between Tawakkul and Tawākul becomes clear.

Tawakkul (Active Trust) is the Islāmic principle of relying wholeheartedly upon Allāh while actively pursuing the lawful means to achieve one's objectives. It resembles a bird that leaves its nest every morning in search of its provisions—it exerts effort while trusting that Allāh will provide. Tawākul (Passive Complacency), however, is a misunderstanding of reliance upon Allāh. It manifests as laziness, idleness, and neglect, where a person expects favourable outcomes without taking any practical steps, much like someone remaining seated and hoping success will come without effort.

Therefore, let us always fulfil our responsibilities, strive with excellence, and place our complete trust in Allāh for the results. 

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to grant us beneficial understanding and make us among those who combine sincere effort with true reliance upon Him. Aameen.