37/14. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 4164 — Tawakkul Like the Birds
Reliance and certain faith
Hadith About Tawakkul: Trust Allah Like the Birds
Sunan Ibn Majah : 4164
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 4164
حَدَّثَنَا حَرْمَلَةُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ وَهْبٍ، أَخْبَرَنِي ابْنُ لَهِيعَةَ، عَنِ ابْنِ هُبَيْرَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي تَمِيمٍ الْجَيْشَانِيِّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عُمَرَ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ " لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ تَوَكَّلْتُمْ عَلَى اللَّهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ لَرَزَقَكُمْ كَمَا يَرْزُقُ الطَّيْرَ تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا " .
'Umar Narrated from:
I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: ‘If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He is due, you would be given provision like the birds: They go out hungry in the morning and come back with full bellies in the evening.”
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 4164In-book reference : Book 37, Hadith 65English translation : Vol. 5, Book 37, Hadith 4164
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 4164
This famous hadith about tawakkul teaches trust in Allah through the example of birds. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said that if people relied upon Allah with the reliance He is due, they would be given provision like the birds. The birds go out hungry in the morning and return in the evening with full bellies. The image is easy to understand. They do not own storehouses, yet they are provided for. At the same time, the text says they go out in the morning, so the hadith shows reliance along with movement. For anyone searching for a hadith about rizq, this report gives hope without teaching laziness. Real reliance means the heart depends on Allah while life continues under His provision.
What we learn from this hadith
- True reliance on Allah is linked to trust in His provision.
- The birds’ morning and evening show provision comes by Allah’s care.
- The hadith gives hope to people who fear for their rizq.
- Going out hungry and returning full shows need and provision together.
