Ten Toes Down
Jummah Mubarak, sis! We all value the friends, spouses, family members, and others in our lives who have our backs without hesitation. They show up for us, and we do the same for them, creating a bond that’s built on trust and mutual support, with both of you standing "ten toes down." But in this new chapter of life, it feels like the support is more like "five toes down"—or maybe even just "two toes down." It can be frustrating when your efforts don’t lead to the results you hope for. The truth is, trusting people is a risky endeavor because, as humans, we are inherently fallible. This is why the core message of every Prophet—the Oneness of God—reminds us not to place our full reliance on others. Recognizing this truth helps us understand that we were created to rely on Allah swt alone, the one constant and infallible source of support.
Surah Ali-’Imran | 3:159
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍۢ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ ۖ فَٱعْفُ عَنْهُمْ وَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَهُمْ وَشَاوِرْهُمْ فِى ٱلْأَمْرِ ۖ فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى ٱللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ
It is out of Allah’s mercy that you ˹O Prophet˺ have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you. So pardon them, ask Allah’s forgiveness for them, and consult with them in ˹conducting˺ matters. Once you make a decision, put your trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust in Him.
Part of this ayah is a reminder that once you seek consultation and you make a decision, trust in Allah swt over your decision. Allah swt loves those who rely on Him and places their trust in Him. Tawakkul (trust) teaches us that, after putting in our best efforts, we should trust Allah swt’s decree. This reliance is not a passive resignation but an active trust that Allah swt will guide us and support our efforts in the best possible way, even if the outcomes are different than what we anticipated. Part of the beauty of the Quranic guidance on consultation and trust in Allah swt is that it encourages active involvement in decision-making while simultaneously cultivating a sense of inner peace through reliance on Allah swt’s will.
There’s Trust in Toes
Just as toes play an essential role in maintaining balance, supporting movement, and helping the body adjust to its surroundings, trust in Allah swt serves a similar function in our spiritual lives. When we place our trust in Allah swt, we are like the body relying on its toes for balance—relying on Allah swt provides us with stability in times of uncertainty, just as toes provide support during physical movement. Like the toes that absorb shock and help us adjust to changes in our physical environment, trusting in Allah swt cushions us against life’s challenges, allowing us to navigate difficulties with resilience and grace.
The final push a toe gives during a stride, helping propel us forward, is akin to the confidence and strength we gain from trusting Allah swt’s plan. Even when faced with obstacles, our faith in Allah swt empowers us to keep moving forward with determination, knowing that He will guide us through. Additionally, just as toes communicate with the brain to help the body adjust and maintain balance, tawakkul involves an inner connection with Allah swt, allowing us to make the necessary adjustments in our lives and decisions, while leaving the outcome to Him. Just as toes prevent us from stumbling or falling, trusting in Allah swt protects our hearts from despair, reminding us that no matter the challenges we face, He is the ultimate source of stability, support, and guidance.
