Having blind trust is not something that many people feel comfortable with at all. It’s a concept that we generally see only in our closest relationships and often takes years of shared experiences, patience, and consistent reliability to build. Blind trust means placing complete confidence in someone without hesitation or doubt—something that doesn’t come easily in a world where we’re taught to be cautious and self-protective. It requires vulnerability, a willingness to let go of control, and faith that the other person will act in our best interest even when we’re not watching.
In Islam, one of my favorite concepts that captures this idea is تَوَكُّل (tawakkul). Tawakkul is often translated simply as “trust in God,” but its meaning goes far deeper than a simple expression of faith. It’s not simply the full letting go of all of our responsibilities and all of our actions because we have faith that Allah (god) has the best of plans and is the all knowing, this concept also puts some of the onus on us as people as well. It’s a two-sided street, both putting in your best faith effort into whatever it is that you are doing but then also leaving it up to Allah at the end of the day.
There’s a well-known hadith (saying) from the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that perfectly captures this balance. The story tells of a Bedouin who left his camel untied, saying that he trusted Allah to protect it. The Prophet responded, affirming his trust in Allah but reminding him to “tie your camel first.” In other words, faith and action must go hand in hand—true trust in God doesn’t mean neglecting our responsibilities but fulfilling them while believing in divine wisdom.
I think one of the main reasons why this word or this concept sticks with me the most—especially during the current stages of my life—is because it represents a balance I’ve been striving to find. There are many moments where things feel uncertain, where outcomes are out of my hands no matter how much effort I put in. Tawakkul reminds me that while I have a responsibility to work hard, prepare, and make thoughtful decisions, I also have to learn to let go of the anxiety that comes from trying to control everything. It’s a kind of peace that comes from knowing that I’ve done my part and that whatever happens next is in the hands of someone far wiser than I am. In that sense, tawakkul isn’t about passivity—it’s about active trust: taking meaningful action while maintaining inner calm and faith in the process.