Bismillâhi Tevekkeltü ‘alellâhi wa lâ havle wa lâ kuvvete illa billah’ Dua
The “Bismillâhi tevekkeltü ‘alellâhi wa lâ havle wa lâ kuvvete illa billah.” prayer, which we often resort to in our daily lives and is recited when leaving the house, is important both for knowing its Arabic and understanding its meaning. This dua is one of the most beautiful expressions of seeking refuge in Allah and trusting Him.
Arabic
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ
Turkish Recitation
“Bismillâhi tevekkeltü ‘alellâhi wa lâ havle wa lâ kuvvete illa billah.”
Meaning
This prayer, meaning ‘I begin in the name of Allah, I trust in Allah. There is no power and strength except with Allah,’ is a guide for us in every area of our lives.
Anes b. Malik -may Allah be pleased with him- narrated: The Messenger of Allah -peace and blessings be upon him- said:
“Whoever, when leaving his home,
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ
is responded to with ‘You have been guided to the truth, your needs have been met, and you have been protected from your enemies.’ And Satan departs from him.” (Abu Dawud, Adab, 103, 112; Tirmidhi, Da’awat, 34)
Bismillâhi Tevekkeltü Alellah: The Secret of Trust and Protection
The Messenger of Allah -peace and blessings be upon him- said:
“Whoever, when leaving his home,
بِسْمِ اللّٰهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللّٰهِ وَلَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللّٰهِ
‘I begin in the name of Allah, I trust in Allah. To be able to protect oneself from sins and find strength for obedience is only with the guidance and help of Allah,’ then he will be responded to with:
‘You have been guided to the truth, your needs have been met, and you have been protected from your enemies,’ Satan departs from him.” (Abu Dawud, Adab 103; Tirmidhi, Da’awat 34)
The additional narration in Abu Dawud’s report is quite striking: Satan says to the other, “What can you do with a person who has been guided, whose needs have been met, and protected?” This clearly demonstrates the power of trust in Allah.
Explanation of the Dua
This hadith narrates that the one who recites “bismillah, tevekkeltü alellah wa lâ havle wa lâ kuvvete illâ billah” when leaving his home, renewing his trust in Allah, tying his affairs, protection from error, and success in obedience to Allah’s help, will attain what he hopes for. It also informs that Satan will lose hope of misleading him and depart.
Knowing how to have trust means having complete assurance. When a servant shows trust in Allah, Satan warns, “Don’t bother, he is insured,” which highlights the power of trust.
Lessons Learned from the Hadith
- Trusting and seeking refuge in Allah means taking shelter in the most secure abode.
- It is recommended to recite these sentences from the hadith when leaving home. It is important to make this beautiful intention a habit and teach it to children. (Riyazüs Salihin, Erkam Publishing)