In Sufi mysticism, two key spiritual principles—Faqr (spiritual poverty) and Tawakkul (trust in Allah)—are deeply interconnected. Together, they form the foundation of the Sufi path toward attaining closeness to Allah. Faqr represents the inner state of renouncing worldly attachments, while Tawakkul signifies placing complete trust in Allah for all matters, whether worldly or spiritual. In the teachings of Sufi masters, these concepts complement each other, leading the seeker to spiritual enlightenment and union with the Divine.
Faqr: The Essence of Spiritual Poverty
Faqr, or spiritual poverty, is not merely the absence of material wealth but the realization that everything in existence belongs to Allah and that the self is utterly dependent on Him. A person who embraces Faqr sees themselves as a “poor” being before the absolute richness of Allah. In this state, one renounces their ego, desires, and any sense of self-sufficiency. The seeker acknowledges that worldly possessions, status, and even personal will have no true value in the face of Allah’s grandeur.
As the great Sufi saint, Hazrat Ali (R.A.), stated:
“Poverty is my pride.”
This highlights the Sufi belief that the greatest form of richness lies in spiritual poverty. By letting go of worldly attachments and relying solely on Allah, the seeker achieves true wealth in the form of Divine love and closeness.
Tawakkul: Complete Trust in Allah
Tawakkul, or trust in Allah, is the act of complete reliance on God for all matters in life, both seen and unseen. It is the unwavering belief that Allah alone controls the outcomes of all situations and that His wisdom is beyond human comprehension. For a Sufi, Tawakkul means placing one’s hopes, concerns, and anxieties in the hands of Allah, knowing that He will provide what is best for them.
The Quran emphasizes the importance of Tawakkul:
“And whosoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect. And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him.”
(Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)
This verse embodies the Sufi belief that Allah is the ultimate provider, and those who trust Him completely will find peace and guidance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Interconnection of Faqr and Tawakkul
In Sufi teachings, Faqr and Tawakkul are inseparable. The state of Faqr requires that the seeker give up reliance on worldly means and instead place all their trust in Allah, which is the essence of Tawakkul. Similarly, Tawakkul is not complete unless the individual has embraced Faqr, realizing their utter dependence on Allah for all things.
1. Renunciation of Worldly Attachments (Faqr) and Trusting Allah’s Plan (Tawakkul):
Faqr demands that the seeker renounce their attachment to material possessions, desires, and ego. However, this renunciation is not rooted in despair but in the profound understanding that Allah alone provides. Through Tawakkul, the seeker trusts that Allah will take care of their needs, even if they relinquish control over their material circumstances. This act of surrender is the key to spiritual freedom in Sufism.
The renowned Sufi saint Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani said:
“Faqr is the removal of the heart’s reliance on anything other than Allah, and Tawakkul is the trust that Allah is enough for the heart to rely upon.”
In this sense, Faqr is the preparation, and Tawakkul is the action that completes the process of spiritual reliance on Allah.
2. Self-Annihilation (Fana) and Trust in the Divine Will:
In Sufism, one of the ultimate goals is to achieve Fana, or annihilation of the ego. Faqr is the pathway to Fana because it teaches the seeker to empty themselves of self-centeredness and worldly attachments. Tawakkul reinforces this by encouraging the seeker to surrender their will to the Divine Will. Once the ego is annihilated through Faqr, the seeker reaches a state where they fully trust that Allah’s will is supreme and perfect.
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, He would provide for you just as He provides for the birds: they go out in the morning hungry and return full.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This hadith reflects the intimate connection between Faqr and Tawakkul. Just as the birds leave their nests with no guarantee of food but trust in Allah’s provision, a Sufi in the state of Faqr abandons self-reliance and trusts in Allah’s generosity and care.
3. Spiritual Richness in Poverty:
Faqr teaches that true richness is not in material wealth but in one’s closeness to Allah. In this state of spiritual poverty, the heart becomes enriched by the Divine presence. Tawakkul amplifies this richness by encouraging the seeker to place their full confidence in Allah’s wisdom and mercy. The more a seeker surrenders to Allah through Faqr, the more they find themselves spiritually sustained by their trust in Allah.
The great Sufi poet Rumi wrote:
**“Do not be satisfied with the stories that come before you. Unfold your own myth, without complicated explanations, so everyone will understand the passage, We have opened you.”
This line reflects the idea that the journey of Faqr and Tawakkul is a personal one, where trust in Allah’s plan unfolds the seeker’s spiritual potential and leads them to the ultimate Divine truth.
4. Tawakkul as the Fruit of Faqr:
Faqr creates the perfect conditions for Tawakkul to flourish. Once the seeker has detached from their reliance on worldly means through Faqr, their heart becomes free to rely fully on Allah through Tawakkul. Without Faqr, Tawakkul would be incomplete because the seeker might still harbor hidden attachments to material outcomes. But with Faqr, the seeker’s only attachment becomes Allah, and they trust Him to provide for every need, both spiritual and material.
As Imam Al-Ghazali said:
“Whoever surrenders his heart to Allah and cuts off the ties to the world, will find that Allah fills his heart with satisfaction and tranquility.”
This satisfaction is the reward of both Faqr and Tawakkul, where the seeker finds peace in complete reliance on Allah.
Examples from Sufi Saints
Many Sufi saints have exemplified the unity of Faqr and Tawakkul in their lives.
- Hazrat Ali (R.A.), the epitome of Faqr, demonstrated complete trust in Allah during the most trying times, always placing Allah’s will above personal gain or safety. His famous saying, “Poverty is my pride,” encapsulates the Sufi notion that the true wealth lies in one’s trust in Allah.
- Hazrat Shaikh Abdul Qadir Jilani, founder of the Qadiri Sufi order, taught that Faqr is the highest spiritual state, where the seeker’s heart is completely surrendered to Allah. He emphasized that only through Tawakkul can one navigate the trials of Faqr, trusting that Allah will provide what is needed at every stage of the spiritual journey.
- Sultan Bahoo, another great Sufi saint, emphasized the importance of Faqr and Tawakkul, teaching that spiritual poverty is the greatest wealth, and complete reliance on Allah brings true contentment.